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Can a massage ruin my tummy tuck results at 8-10 weeks? (photo)

I'm about 10 weeks post op from a mommy makeover. I had a full tt and stomach was totally flat. Now it seems after my last lymphatic massage my belly isn't flat. I have a slight bulge- I do remember during the massage the pressure was a bit firm. Could this of damaged my muscle repair? I'm Very concerned about this. I went to see my ps to rule out fluid trapped inside. He said to give it time. I feel silly asking this question but- did it ruin my results?!

Doctor Answers 4

Swelling after massage 10 weeks after tummy tuck

October 4th, 2014
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Thank you for your question about your tummy tuck.

It is fortunately very unlikely that the massage damaged your muscle repair.
But it seems likely it caused some swelling.

Although many surgeons recommend it, I prefer my patients to not have massage or have only very gentle massage for at least 3 months after surgery - because of the swelling it can cause.

I agree with your surgeon = time will correct this but I would avoid further massage for now.



Hope you find this answer helpful. Have a great day!
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD
October 4th, 2014

Swelling after massage 10 weeks after tummy tuck

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question about your tummy tuck.

It is fortunately very unlikely that the massage damaged your muscle repair.
But it seems likely it caused some swelling.

Although many surgeons recommend it, I prefer my patients to not have massage or have only very gentle massage for at least 3 months after surgery - because of the swelling it can cause.

I agree with your surgeon = time will correct this but I would avoid further massage for now.



Hope you find this answer helpful. Have a great day!
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD

Massage after tummy tuck

August 1st, 2014
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Thanks for your pictures. Having a massage did not ruin your results. You are simply getting something slight relaxation of the muscle.  Please visit with your plastic surgeon for an examination to make sure that your most repair is still intact.
Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, FACS
August 1st, 2014

Massage after tummy tuck

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thanks for your pictures. Having a massage did not ruin your results. You are simply getting something slight relaxation of the muscle.  Please visit with your plastic surgeon for an examination to make sure that your most repair is still intact.
Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, FACS

Lymphatic massage after tummy tuck

July 30th, 2014
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It is very common to have swelling above your incision particularly at the end of the day.  Essentially, the lymphatic system has to find new pathways to drain the normal fluid that accumulates in your tissue during the day. 

Lymphatic massage beginning at six weeks can help with this process.  also using a Spanx even after six weeks can help.
Pramit Malhotra, MD
July 30th, 2014

Lymphatic massage after tummy tuck

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
It is very common to have swelling above your incision particularly at the end of the day.  Essentially, the lymphatic system has to find new pathways to drain the normal fluid that accumulates in your tissue during the day. 

Lymphatic massage beginning at six weeks can help with this process.  also using a Spanx even after six weeks can help.
Pramit Malhotra, MD

A massage will probably have no negative effect on an abdominoplasty repair.

July 30th, 2014
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I don't think massage of an actively healing area is a good idea. Nevertheless, I can't imagine that even a vigorous massage would damage the abdominal repair.

Web reference: http://www.zubowicz.com/subpag,21-atlanta-abdominoplast.htm

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
July 30th, 2014

A massage will probably have no negative effect on an abdominoplasty repair.

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I don't think massage of an actively healing area is a good idea. Nevertheless, I can't imagine that even a vigorous massage would damage the abdominal repair.

Learn more: http://www.zubowicz.com/subpag,21-atlanta-abdominoplast.htm

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.