How to Speed Up Abdominal Liposuction Recovery?

Question

I was wondering, what can I do to speed my abdominal liposuction recovery?  I am 10 days out and still sore with bumps.  I am doing some massage to keep scar tissue away.  Any other ideas?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for liposuction
patients to have lumps, bumps, pain and swelling in the immediate
post-operative period. During the
procedure, the liposuction cannula is passed through the subcutaneous tissue.
This causes disruption of the lymphatic channels and cellular injury, which
causes swelling and mild contour irregularity.Significant
improvement in swelling can be seen in the first three weeks following surgery,
with the majority gone in about three months.Small amounts of swelling may persist up to a year following surgery.We
generally recommend the use of compression garments for about three weeks
following surgery.We also recommend a
low-sodium diet before and after liposuction.Exercise is usually started early in the post-operative period, and we
want patients to ambulate as soon as possible following surgery.Massage
is also helpful.It decreases swelling
by mobilizing retained fluid following liposuction.It also helps with minor contour
irregularities.All of these steps help
to minimize the duration of swelling following surgery.In your case, your post-operative course
appears to be normal and should resolve with time.Compression, massage, ambulation, exercise,
stretching and low salt intake will hopefully help you get there sooner.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After Liposuction surgery, 3-9 months you still see progress in the performance of the surgery. After 1 month you will still have swellings and it is still early to say something about the final result. You should follow up the progress with your surgeon. I wish you all the best.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Therapeutic or "lymphatic massage" may be helpful following Liposuction (Smart Lipo, Vaser, Tickle lipo, or conventional lipo) to minimize swelling but not all plastic surgeons recommend it nor is it Mandatory. Make sure your surgeon feels that you have healed sufficiently  and it is safe before doing this.  Endermologie is also very helpful after liposculpture/liposuction but again, not critical.  Although deep tissue massage following liposuction can aid in smoothing out  contour irregularities that invariably accompany this procedure it has limited effect on the final outcome and  is NOT mandatory. Some plastic surgeons recommend it to all  patients as they feel the edema resolves faster.  Ask your surgeon to show you or a significant other how to do this if cost is an issue. Typically they will have you massage toward areas of maximum lymphatic drainage ( for example groin or armpits) A low sodium diet and no heavy exercise especially lifting for the first 4-6 weeks may also be helpful.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear Sscuzzseattle, there are many things you can do for recovery!!  The massage is a good start.  Following your surgeons post op instructions is very important.  There are a variety of supplements that can aid healing including anti-oxidents  and Arnica.  If you have a good Naturopath or MD in alternative medicine there are intravenous therapies that can help.  GentleWaves is a light therapy that can help with swelling and discomfort and bruising.
Topical creams such as Traumeel and lymphdiural also can help.
With Warm Regards,
Trevor M Born MD

Edmond A. Zingaro, MD · Answer

At only 10 days soreness and a few bumps are not abnormal.  The massage you are already doing is a good idea.  I like to use external ultrasound.  My patients also get a full course of endermologie after liposuction.  We generally start that at around 3 weeks post-op.

How to Speed Up Abdominal Liposuction Recovery?

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Answer: Surgical Recovery

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Answer: Lipo recovery

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How to Speed Up Abdominal Liposuction Recovery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Surgical Recovery

Answer: Surgical Recovery

Answer: Lipo recovery

Answer: Lipo recovery

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.