After many laser liposuction procedures, I have yet to see the need to massage patients after surgery.After liposuction, your body goes through normal healing phases.I describe this as the initial swelling and bruising phase, which lasts for about 10 to 14 days. After this, expect areas to feel firm, lumpy and, at times, uneven. Expect this phase to last about six to eight weeks.The final phase of healing is between three and six months as the very last of the swelling subsides, and final results are anticipated at six months.When your body sends a signal of pain, it tells you that you are being injured.Injuries, such as the mild trauma from liposuction, can cause inflammation, swelling and, if severe enough, scar tissue formation.The tissues that are gently healing need to stick together. By forcing a pressure on them, you are gently tearing tissues that are trying to heal. This will cause more inflammation and delay your healing process.I use the analogy of a sprained ankle. If someone sprains his or her ankle and keeps on walking, it will take much longer to finally heal.I know there are surgeons who believe a massage is helpful after liposuction. I am not one of them.For my own patients, I tell them it's okay to have a gentle massage but not beyond the point where it hurts.When I was in medical school, I overheard an attending physician tell another medical student, "One kidney is smarter than four doctors."What he meant by this was the body knows best how to heal itself. It's only when the body is not capable of healing itself that interventions are warranted. For the great majority of people, this includes healing and the maturation of scar tissue. The scar tissue that has formed after surgery is made up mostly of collagen. The collagen changes its molecular structure over time as the scars mature. This is referred to as cross-linking. Sorry about the long, rambling response to your question.As with so many other concerns, I usually recommend patients defer to the surgeon's recommendations.I'm sure that with or without a massage your results will continue to improve and hopefully deliver what you had anticipated.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.
