Options For Lumps And Hardness 3 Weeks Post Laser Lipo To Abdomen? (photo)

Question

I Had Laser Lipo on my Abdomen 3 Weeks Ago. I Have Significant Hardness and Lumps. I've Had Weekly Lymphatic Massages and I really can't tell a difference. My operating PS said deep massages would be best(I've had 2 and they are really painful).A local PS does Triactive on his patients and I am considering that.Which gets the better result - Triactive or ultrasound massages? I've read Triactive doesn't give a lasting result without maintenance,but I think this may be when using for cellulite? I also have fluid in my stomach that has been drained 2x. How do I keep fluid from building and/or drain on it's own?

Stanley Castor, MD · Answer

It is very common to have lumps and hard areas after any type of Liposuction. I have found that laser liposuction such as the GPS Lipocontrol laser is very accurate with fat removal and tends to be less lumpy than traditional liposuction. Massage, either lymphatic or ultrasound, is important and very helpful. Lumpy areas 3 weeks after liposuction is not abnormal, but very common. It will take months for this to resolve, but it should. I don't think there is any one treatment which is considered the best for lumps and bumps after liposuction. Any kind of massage or ultrasonic treatment will help to mobilize fluid and soften the areas.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, 3 weeks is too soon for swelling, lumps, pain or discomfort to go away because they may persist up to 6-8 weeks. Please be patient as you can usually begin to see #results 2-4 months later as the swelling continues to diminish and contours become more defined, but improvement will continue for 4–6 months as swelling and irregularities resolve. These contours can even improve throughout the year after surgery.  And yes, you may feel "lumpy" and irregular along the suctioned area as you heal. Continue with your prescribed aftercare and they will eventually decrease with time.
Circumferential pressure is recommended for 4-6 weeks for best results as this restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens healing. It is best to strictly follow the prescribed aftercare for best results and do not hesitate to contact your surgeon for any more concerns. Best of luck! 
  #RealSelf100

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Fibrosis is common after laser liposuction and is best treated by external massage and or external ultrasound.  It will take months for all of the firmness to resolve, but it should resolve.

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

Massage, massage, and then more massage!!!! Almost all Lipo has some waviness to it afterward and as much massage as you can tolerate is the best. The other treatments have really not been shown to work as far as I know....So keep going! As far as your seroma, of fluid buildup, let your doctor handle that ....It should eventually go away...

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sorry for your issues. Aggressive lymphatic massages and/or external ultrasound. You might have been a poor candidate for laser liposuction.

Options For Lumps And Hardness 3 Weeks Post Laser Lipo To Abdomen? (photo)

Answers (10)