How long until it is okay to use my little massage roller over my firm achey lipo-suctioned areas?

Question

I am a week post-op and wondering if I can start using my little self-message roller over these tender areas. I’m hoping it will break up some of the stiffness, stimulate circulation, increase comfort and expedite healing. Is it safe yet? What bad things can happen if I do this? Thanks in advance.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about their after care protocol. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your liposuction! I don't usually recommend massaging the areas that were worked on, but every surgeon has different protocols continue to follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns.

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

After liposuction, swelling and bruising occur.  I instruct patients to gently massage the treated areas with a hand or roller as soon as it is comfortable to do so, usually after about a week or so.  This will stimulate lymphatic drainage and diminish swelling, especially when used in conjunction with elastic compression garments.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I would talk with your surgeon about using your roller on your treated areas. Good luck with your results.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would wait at least 7-10 days before massaging the treated area. Please make sure you seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.

Tito Vasquez, MD, FACS · Answer

I think it perfectly fine to do this, but certainly don't do anything painful.  Some areas are also numb for 3-6 months and are susceptible to burns or other injury if you are not careful. However. if you are cautious, massage can be definitely helpful to distribute swelling and break up potential scar tissue

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would let comfort be your guide to the self-message roller. It should be OK to start it now, just be gently. You can increase the intensity as you have less pain. Good luck.

Jimmy C. Sung, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi, 
Congratulations on your surgery. Thank you for your post. I allow my patients to gently massage the area a week after their liposuction procedure. I would not recommend massaging the area with too much force. If massaging the area is tolerable it should be fine. I would double check with your plastic surgeon since every surgeon has a different protocol.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

It is fine to massage gently at one week and progress as comfort allows.   This will help and will cause no harm.  My Best,  Dr Commons

How long until it is okay to use my little massage roller over my firm achey lipo-suctioned areas?

Answers (9)

More Liposuction Questions

Is wrap around foam a good choice after liposuction?

I am 5’10" and 190 lbs, in N.C the max amount of fat to take is 3 litres. Will it be enough to see a small waist?

I'm having liposuction and was told to take omega 3 and vitamin C before surgery. Is this okay?

Is there a way that I can get a flatter stomach without lipo and working out?

I lost some weight and have developed little dog ears. Can exercise help me lose them?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS