Hardness on tummy 4 months after Lipo. What is causing this? Is this normal?

Firmness of the area following liposuction can be do to scar tissue that forms following this procedure. Massage and heat will help this swelling and scar tissue to resolve. It is also common to see that once the fat is gone from the abdomen, the abdominal muscles are now palpable. It would be best to let your doctor advise you on this situation. Realize it can take up to 1 year for all the swelling and scar tissue to be gone.

At four months although there is swelling most significant firmness should be resolved after liposuction. Was a laser or ultrasound use? This can prolong convalescence significantly.

When liposuction is preformed there are results which are irregular, lumpy, hard areas. Yes massage therapy helps especially lymphatic type. I find Thermi 250 RF therapies are best. Sessions are 30 to 40 minutes twice a week for 10 to 20 sessions @ fee/session $300.  

Swelling can gradually continue to dissipate and last 6 months but typically firmness has softened at this point.  It is difficult to accurately give you an answer without pictures or exam.  If too much fat was removed during liposuction, you may be feeling the muscles if the skin is very thin.  I recommend following up with your surgeon and discuss your concerns with them.  They should be able to give a good answer after examining you.

The lumpiness and firmness seen after liposuction is usually gone by six weeks certainly by three months.What you describe is atypical. I suggest your friend follow up with her plastic surgery and who can help assess her.Scar tissue is usually resolved by time and time only.Other modalities are often I waste of money but can make subtle changes.Best,Mats Hagstrom MD