Post Lipo - which other treatments help recovery and results?

Question

Besides lymphatic drainage massage, what other treatments work to help the edema, swelling and hard lumps get better? Ultrasound Cavitation? Ultrasound massage? Infra-red therapy? Thank you.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I don't recommend getting too aggressive with your post op liposuction rehab. Spanks or snug garments help with swelling and skin contraction, but your biggest ally is patience! It simply takes time for your body to recover from surgery and that takes time!Good luck!

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

Lymphatic massage is an excellent post-liposuction therapy.  I would be very careful not to pursue ultrasound cavitation, as it good mess up your results.  External ultrasound therapy which is different has been found to be useful (non-cavitation Ultrasound).  Infrared therapy is promising as well, though I tell my patients to wait at least 6 weeks after there procedure to pursue this.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I personally ask my patients to specifically stay away from deep tissue massage during the early phases of healing after surgery.I believe the body knows best how to heal itself without intervention.I have heard too many stories of patients engaging in deep tissue massage, such as lymphatic massage, and it causing extreme pain during the recovery.Any activity that causes discomfort during healing will delay healing, cause more inflammation and create more scar tissue.After 2,000 liposuction procedures, I have yet to see a single patient who needed intervention to help with the healing process.Swelling is a normal part of the healing process.It is not a bad thing or something that should be minimized.I encourage my patients to get back to normal activity as soon as possible.I do ask them not to engage in anything that causes discomfort after surgery.The healing process simply takes time, and there's no way to speed it up.I know many surgeons encourage massage after liposuction.I simply don't see the need for it, and I can say without question I have heard of cases where damage has been done from an attempt to help with healing.If the procedure is done correctly, then the results will follow.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired) · Answer

Fishnerd,Usually these processes resolve on their own, with no need for ancillary intervention, but with avoidance of exercise for a couple of weeks or more.  I hope this helps. Liposuction information follows.

Post Lipo - which other treatments help recovery and results?

Answers (4)

Answer: Edema resolves on its own after liposuction

Answer: Edema resolves on its own after liposuction

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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.

Post Lipo - which other treatments help recovery and results?

Answers (4)

Answer: Edema resolves on its own after liposuction

Answer: Edema resolves on its own after liposuction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.