Is lymphatic drainage massage really necessary after lipo 360 and tummy tuck?

Hello and how are you. I always recommend patients do at least ten to twenty lymphatic drainage massages after their procedures. We recommend that these massages be done by a massage therapist that specializes in lymphatic drainage. If you do them by yourself, it may harm your results and you may heal improperly. Lymphatic drainage massages are absolutely necessary. Another reason these massages are important is protecting your invest in your body to maximize your results.

Hello, in my experience patients heal very well without massage after a tummy tuck and liposuction, so I don't feel that lymphatic drainage massage is necessary. In fact, I advise my patients to avoid any vigorous massage or rubbing of the abdomen for at least 6 weeks after surgery, because I don't want the shear stresses to affect healing of the skin/fat layer back down to the muscle. After that time, provided they are well-healed, I don't mind if they seek massage to possibly reduce swelling. It is a low-risk thing to try, but on the other hand I've found that simply waiting for the tissues to heal (and lymphatic vessels to regenerate) will produce good results.

In almost all liposuction cases I recommend that my patients have lymphatic massage. This can help with controlling swelling, scar tissue formation, and promotes healthy healing. Since my patients have committed to having these procedures I want to recommend interventions post operatively to help them achieve the best results.

I do not recommend lymphatic massages for my patients after liposuction and TT. Carefully orchestrate any lymphatic messages with your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon is responsible for your healing so follow his/her post-operative instructions.

Hi there, thank you for your question. It is not a must but, it helps to decrease the swellings. Also, you should start lymphatic drainage massage 2 weeks after the surgery if you want to have.

yes it is absolutely necessary, it helps prevent infection and scarring, hematoma or seroma AND decreases pain. I suggest you see an expert. we also pre and post treatment with peptides and hormonal optimization (see link).

I provide a Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) for all my postop patients. Some get more benefit than others, and will choose to sign up for weekly therapy during the early months of recovery. It certainly can help remove tissue toxins, old blood, and promote the growth of new lymphatic channels...all of which can help with the outward appearance of swelling.

Dear Tamiistrachan,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Excellent question because I believe this is an issue that requires clarification!
There is no reputable scientific study that demonstrates benefit of lymphatic massage after liposuction or Tummytuck surgery. I have never seen any benefits on patients who receive it. Also, is it is extremely painful when performed right after surgery with no benefits other than psychological! Some practitioners offer it as an add-on expenditure to their liposuction patients as another form of income. It is important to wear your elastic garment as much as possible right after surgery for 4 to 6 weeks to assist in decreasing of swelling and help with skin retraction. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to explore the best liposuction options for you. Good luck.

I am one of those who does not believe lymphatic massage adds anything to the outcome of liposuction procedures other than cost and pain.

The view on this seems to be somewhat geographically centered with providers south of our border and to some degree in Florida being pro lymphatic massage.

I have yet to see any scientific evidence that massage has any benefit when it comes to the outcomes of these procedures.

I am highly suspect of those who have a financial secondary gain by recommending the treatments.

I think it’s worth mentioning that my practice has been devoted exclusively to liposuction and fed transfer procedures for over a decade and I have to date then over 7000 liposuction procedures soon to be 8000 procedures. None of the liposuction experts in my circle of friends and colleagues recommend massage after liposuction.



Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD