Will lymphatic massages at 8 months post op help minimize swelling and tightness from tummy tuck?

Question

Hi, I had a Tummy Tuck w/ No Lipo and Monsplasty procedure done in May 2023. I was told Not to get Lymphatic Massages because it was not necessary. Now I am 8 months post-op and my lower belly is swollen and still pretty tight. Can I get lymphatic massages to make the swelling go down or is this normal?

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

This is an excellent question. There are several factors to consider here, and I will address them. However, you can absolutely try lymphatic massage, even if it is later in the process.  Here are the factors that may be causing the “tight” and “swollen” sensation that you are experiencing:

1. Persistent numbness. The area below the belly button, fanning out like an inverted V from the navel, tends to stay numb the longest. Sensation in this area returns by 1 to 1.5 years after surgery, but not always.  The numbness can give the feeling of being swollen, much like when you visit the dentist, and feel like you have a fat lip after the numbing injection. In fact, there is no fat lip when you look in the mirror.

2. Residual Swelling. The abdominoplasty operation, disrupts the normal fluid, and blood flow in the abdominal wall. Before surgery, fluid could flow up, down, and to the sides of the abdominal skin, and the underlying tissues. After surgery, the lower abdominal incision does not allow downward movement of fluid. So when you are upright, you get more swollen in the lower abdomen, than when you lay down. Generally, the tightness might feel better in the morning, when you first wake up, but increases as the day goes on because you've been mostly upright. This issue resolves almost completely, but can take longer than just 8 months in some patients. Lymphatic massage, will help this problem at any point in the process. You also may find it helpful to lay down flat for 30 minutes to 1 hour at some point in the middle of the day to allow some swelling to dissipate, making the end of the day less uncomfortable.

3. Tightness.  The tightness is real, and it is the goal of a tummy tuck.  However, the tightness may not be quite as noticeable earlier in the process because of the deep numbness that is present in the early months after surgery. So yes, being numb can make the area feel both swollen, and tight, and at the same time, when the sensation returns, it makes you more aware of the actual tissue tightness.  If present, this also resolves on its own, but does take a longer time of 1 to 1.5 years.

4. Seroma or a pocket of fluid. This is very unlikely at this stage. However, you could ask your surgeon to take a look.

These factors can be in play alone, or together. Lymphatic massage is likely to help, and more importantly, trying it does not hurt anything.

Dr. B.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding lymphatic massage and post-operative swelling. Eight months after a tummy tuck, it’s unusual to experience significant swelling, but some residual tightness and minor puffiness, especially in the lower abdomen, can still occur in some patients. This swelling often results from the natural healing process, including minor scar tissue buildup and changes in the lymphatic system around the surgical site.

Lymphatic massage can still be beneficial even this far into recovery, as it helps stimulate fluid movement and reduce any lingering inflammation. While most of the intense initial swelling typically resolves within the first few months, gentle lymphatic massages might still help minimize the feeling of tightness and manage residual swelling. I recommend seeking out a licensed lymphatic massage therapist experienced with post-surgical patients, as they can customize the treatment to support your healing process safely.

Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding excess sodium can further support reducing any minor swelling. Be sure to consult with your plastic surgeon before starting the massage treatments to ensure this approach aligns with your recovery plan.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is a good question. Lymphatic massage is best when performed around the time of surgery - the earlier the better - as long as it is tolerated. After about 6 months or so, a lot of the swelling has subsided. However, if there are still areas of firmness or fibrosis, lymphatic massage can be helpful to help break up some adhesions and scar tissue and promote the overall recovery process. It may loosen and soften up the area. It may not be 100% effective, but it is not harmful to the results or the skin, and may be worth considering. Hope this helps!

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

It takes up to a year to totally heal from a tummy tuck. Doing lymphatic massage at this time can still help. I would find a massage therapist to help you with these exercises.

Chad Douglas Tattini, MD · Answer

Although lymphatic massage is important to your postop recovery, most of the benefit is noticed in the first few months after your surgery. It is not as helpful 8 months postop but it does depend. It is important to investigate all possibilities as to why you think you may still be swollen at this stage.

Will lymphatic massages at 8 months post op help minimize swelling and tightness from tummy tuck?

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Answer: Lymphatic massage

Answer: Lymphatic massage

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Will lymphatic massages at 8 months post op help minimize swelling and tightness from tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck

Answer: Lymphatic massage

Answer: Lymphatic massage

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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