Is swelling after a lipo lymphatic drainage massage normal? Or was it my clothes? Or dinner? (Photo)

Question

I got my first lymphatic drainage massage today, I'm 10 days post op and I'm healing amazing. I have very little discomfort, swelling and bruising is starting to fade, my pre op cloths fit perfect and my scar has no pain. After the massage I went out to dinner wearing jeans and low comfortable heels i didn't eat much because I get full alot faster. My PS recommended the massages because some areas on my legs feel hard and kind of bumpy. It wasn't a rough massage.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Lymphatic massage only temporarily displaces (moves around) the swelling while helping some of the excess to flow through the lymphatic system better. There is rebound swelling afterwards as new fluid settles back in. This is normal but should get less and less over the next several weeks.

Henry Mentz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. There will be some swelling and/or bruising after liposuction. The post-surgical massage is supposed to help relieve some of the swelling. This massage differs from a traditional massage in that its body strokes
 are more of a rhythmic pumping form of massage to stimulate the 
movement of the body’s lymph fluid.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling after liposuction is normal. Most swelling will subside over a 6-8 week period but there may be residual swelling for 4-6 months or longer.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

ONLY 10 days postop! Allow the normal healing process to take place in the next 3 months! Discuss with your chosen PS.

Is swelling after a lipo lymphatic drainage massage normal? Or was it my clothes? Or dinner? (Photo)

Answers (4)