What are these hard lumps next to my bellybutton after Lipo?

Question

I had lipo 9 days ago and I have two hard lumps by my belly button. They have been there since day one. I have been massaging them daily and they have not changed in size. Are they just lipo irregularities or should I be worried about seroma? They are not painful. At what point should I have them evaluated by a dr?

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

It is far too early to be worried. Most likely you are feeling scar tissue as well as dead fat that will go away in time. Massage and be patient.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Because of the difference in subcutaneous architecture near the umbilicus postoperative swelling can create significant firmness. This will resolve with time although will not follow the same timetable as the rest of the skin and fat of the abdomen.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is very common to have bruising and swelling for weeks to months after liposuction procedures.  What is most important is that you follow your surgeons post operative instructions and continue compression.  If you are concerned, lymphatic massage and Velashape or Venus Legacy treatments can be used to improve the swelling and help the skin tighten.  My patients start treatments right away and it improves the long term results.  Speak to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

In regards to the hard lumps
next your belly button, you should still continue to follow up with your Plastic
Surgeon to discuss your concerns.Sometimes these hard lumps are swelling that can be massaged.In other cases, the lumps may be residual fat
that can be treated with Velashape or other similar treatments.

Claire S. Duggal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and congratulations on your liposuction procedure!  It is very normal and expected to have swelling, uneven areas, firm areas, and numb areas immediately after liposuction.  You are still in the inflammatory phase and will be swollen for a few more weeks.  All of this is a normal process after liposuction and takes 6 weeks to 6 months to resolve.  Keep in touch with your plastic surgeon who can guide and reassure you through the process, but try as hard as you can not to get worried about uneven or firm areas until you are fully healed (6 months).  Best of luck!

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The lumpiness 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. It can easily take 3-6 months to see results. I tell my patients to be careful about salt intake as this can make swelling worse. Be sure to keep any scheduled follow up appointments you have with your surgeons for his evaluation and advice. Hope this helps. Dean Vistnes.

What are these hard lumps next to my bellybutton after Lipo?

Answers (6)

More Liposuction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Liposuction Questions

Deep crease 3 weeks post upper abdominal liposuction. Will it subside? (Photo)

Is there an explanation why I'm lightheaded whenever I remove my compression garment?

How long after total hip replacement surgery should I wait for a cosmetic procedure?

I'm going to get lipo of the mid section (flanks, back, abs!). Should I buy chucks an sanitary napkins for blood leakage?

Cankle problems NYC. Can anyone recommend a great doctor in the NYC area?

When can I fly after liposuction, fat transfer and rhinoplasty? And what about arboxytherapy post-liposuction?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS