How important is lymphatic massage after liposuction?

Question

I had liposuction on my thighs and flanks and have almost no results. I was recently informed that after liposuction i need to have lymphatic massage to help with recovery. Could this be why I've had no results? It's been 2 months

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Lymphatic massage helps to hasten recovery but does not impair a full recovery if not done.  It is more useful in larger liposuction cases where a significant amount of fat 4-5 L is removed.  I would encourage you to see your before and after photos since you probably do have some results although maybe not what you expected.  Maybe after going over these with your surgeon you could decide whether or not to undergo a revision.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You may have swelling for 6 months or longer before you see your final result.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You will have swelling 3-6 months after your procedure, which could be why you don't feel like you're seeing results. I always recommend lymphatic massage along with customized compression and hyperbaric oxygen after liposuction to help reduce 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

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Although lymphatic massage helps with recovery from liposuction, it does not effect the end result.  The end result after liposuction is dependent on how much was taken out and what you as the patient do to stay in shape and eat healthy.  The work is not over after surgery, as the patient you need to eat healthy and exercise to increase the result you get. Lymphatic massage helps to speed recovery, but does not increase your result.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Though there is no research to support it, some surgeons feel that lymphatic massage helps to disperse the swelling in your soft tissues, aiding in swelling resolution after liposuction.  After two months much of your swelling should have resolved and results seen, so I would recommend seeing your surgeon and reviewing your before and current day pictures for a comparison view.  Hope this helps.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

Lymphatic massage after liposuction may hasten your return to daily activities, but would not account for your lack of results at two months.  Although the final results of liposuction of the flanks and thighs may not be present for 4-6 months, you should see some differences at this time.  Discuss this with your plastic surgeon including reviewing your before and after photos.  Good luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Without photos posted very hard t respond. But if yu see no cages from pre op appearance after 2 months than massage WILL NOT improve. Sounds like poor;y preformed liposuction. Best to seek in person second opinions from boarded PSs in our area...>

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

It will help the swelling to go down quicker but it is not necessary to do it.It just speeds up resolution of the swelling.

How important is lymphatic massage after liposuction?

Answers (8)

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