2 weeks post op arm Smart Lipo. Would a heating pad help?

Question

Had smart lipo on arms and the inner area is so hard and tight. Would a heating pad help?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It can take 3-6 months for firmness and/or swelling to resolve with Smart Lipo. Compression along with lymphatic massage may give improvement. For best results with treatments like Smart Lipo, I recommend adding a combination of radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, Venus Legacy, Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and with Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing in order to get the best results. A VASER HI DEF procedure is needed to get more contouring and definition. See an expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

You would be better off with massage therapy and properly fitted compression garments to manage hardness and lumps in the lipo healing process.

M. Dean Vistnes, MD · Answer

The lumpiness, swelling, itching and hardness after a surgery like you had typically persists at least 8 weeks after the surgery then slowly goes away. In my experience, daily massage of the hard areas makes the biggest difference in getting rid of it sooner rather than later. Staying away from salt will make a big difference in swelling. It can easily take 6 months or more to see results. Be sure to keep any scheduled follow up appointments you have with your surgeons for his evaluation and advice. Hope this helps.
Dean Vistnes, M.D. 
Vistnes Plastic Surgery 
San Francisco Bay Area
#liposuction #drdeanvistnes #realself

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

I would avoid heat on the area and maybe do a gentle massage.  We  do this routinely after lipo, although in your situation it's hard to tell without an exam or even just a photo.
Your best bet is to contact your surgeon.  Depending on the cause, he can give you the best approach.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.
Do not use a heating pad, you may cause a burn to the skin.Your arms will soften with time and massage.  Continue to follow your surgeons instructions and call him or her with any questions or concerns. Best wishes.

Renata Wix-Harris, MD · Answer

I recommend massage to reduce the swelling. You could either do it yourself with or without an electric hand held massager or get lymphatic drainage massage from a professional massage specialist. You could also follow up with your provider to see if they offer ultrasound treatments to help reduce the swelling. I don't recommend a heating pad because of the risk of burns, since your sensation may not be back to normal yet in that area. Good luck!

Ritu Malhotra, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Using a heating pad after smartlipo can cause a long lasting pinkish " mottling" discoloration of the skin of the treated area. Simple gentle massage often with a battery operated hand held massager works well. try 3 minutes 3x a day.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

your skin will be somewhat numb from the Smartlipo and it is still healing. it is possible to give yourself a serious burn by using a heating pad!!!! massage the area and be patient. It will gradually soften - sometimes in weeks, sometimes it can take months. Wearing a snug but not tight, garment, can be helpful. Be patient.david berman md

2 weeks post op arm Smart Lipo. Would a heating pad help?

Answers (8)

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