Lumps and Dents After Liposuction

Question

I had Liposuction done 3weeks ago, and now have a big dent underneath my belly button. I also have lots of lumps all over my abdomen, which my doctor said would go away in 6 months. I started lymphatic drain massages yesterday, and will take 5 more sessions. I'm also massaging myself with a gadget I bought at the store. I use my compression garment all day, sometimes I take it off at night. Will that dent go away with time? Do I need to be doing anything else to smooth out the lumps?

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. A photo would be helpful.  Swelling (lumps and bumps) after liposuction will last for many weeks after surgery.  Final results take 6-12 months. Continue to use your contour garment, minimize activities and lymphatic massage help with the swelling.  Discuss your concerns with your Plastic surgeon.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The "lumpy bumpy" results are quite common at 3 weeks after surgery.

Proceed with the MLD and your own massage.
Expect that you will experience little change for an additional 3 weeks.
At about 8 weeks you will notice softening and decrease in size and firmness of the lumps.

Some individuals advocate the use of external massage type devices such as Endermologie but I would proceed only on the advice of your surgeon.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question! It is rather difficult to fully evaluate your situation without an in-person exam. That being said, small lumps and other contour irregularities are not uncommon after liposuction.  Shortly after surgery, you may see collections of blood (hematomas) or pockets of fat (fat necrosis). Typically, they will resolve in 2-3 weeks along with most bruising. Keep in mind that you may continue to see lumps as a result of swelling. It will take additional 2-3 months to completely subside.  
Although some physicians recommend massaging these lumpy areas, it's effectiveness is not entirely confirmed. I'd suggest that you give it time and let healing process complete naturally. If your swelling persists months after the procedure or you begin to experience increasing discomfort, you should notify your plastic surgeon. 
Remember that an in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your situation and guarantee an individualized medical advice. Best of luck!

G. Gregory Gallico III, MD · Answer

Small surface iregularities after lilposuction are common. Sometimes they may have been there before surgery, but not noticed. Larger dents may come from removal of a large amount of fat. They may be worth it if you wanted a large amount of fat removed. They may improve with time. They also may be decreased by fat grafting.

Lumps and Dents After Liposuction

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Answer: Small Dents after liposuction are OK; Big ones, Not

Answer: Small Dents after liposuction are OK; Big ones, Not

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Lumps and Dents After Liposuction

Answers (4)

Answer: Small Dents after liposuction are OK; Big ones, Not

Answer: Small Dents after liposuction are OK; Big ones, Not

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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.