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

Question

Is lymphatic drainage massage really necessary after lipo 360 and tummy tuck? I have heard some doctors say it is NOT required and other doctors say it is. I would like to hear various opinions on this. Thank you,

David Shokrian, MD · Answer

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.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

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.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (10)

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

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

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

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

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

Answers (10)

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

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

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

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

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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.