My tummy is sore 3 weeks post. Is seeing a lipo massage therapist the right thing to do?

Question

I recently had removal of breast implants and fat transfer. The Dr used my tummy and love handles to harvest the fat from. I am still wearing the compression garment 3 weeks later, my tummy is still sore and tight, looks like it has cellulite all over it. Someone suggested I get a massage on my tummy from a lipo massage therapist. Is this the right thing to do?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It takes weeks to see the results of liposuction and swelling can last for months. Massage, RF treatments and hyperbaric oxygen will drastically reduce swelling. In my practice most of my patients have very little pain one week after following my liposuction protocol postoperative. I suggest speaking with your physician. Best, Dr. Emer.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Having a massage is helpful in the recovery phase of Liposuction, but it's important to avoid aggressive massages. On the practice of Liposuction, some significant edemas would be created by cannula which passes through the tissue. A gentle massage will be beneficial for avoiding this kind of discomforts and provide much easier and quicker healing process. I wish you all the best.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I personally do not believe massage has any impact on final outcomes after liposuction.My practice is exclusively devoted to liposuction and Fat  transfer only. Early scar tissue formed after liposuction needs time to mature.This takes several months.This maturation process cannot b changed up by physical manipulation.I tell my patients to get back to normal activities and engage in anything that does not cause discomfort.Patients who have fat transfer are asked to minimize physical activities and avoid any type of pressure on the treated area.in my practice I One of my patients to absolutely not get massage for areas five grafted.If they want to get massage in areas treated with the bow section they can do so as long does not cause discomfort. Deep tissue massage can be very painful early after liposuction.Pain is our bodies signal that damage is being done.This will inherently lead to more inflammation and delayed healing.There is no good science indicating tha massage is beneficial after liposuction.Many plastic surgeons recommend massage and some prescribe it and tell patients it's necessary.I have had consistently good results with nice soft even skin contours for many years without asking my patients to get postoperative massage.These questions should be addressed directly to your treating physician.Hopefully a board-certified plastic surgeon.Best,Mats Hagstrom M.D.

My tummy is sore 3 weeks post. Is seeing a lipo massage therapist the right thing to do?

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My tummy is sore 3 weeks post. Is seeing a lipo massage therapist the right thing to do?

Answers (3)

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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.