Are post op massages required after Vaser lipo?

Massages are not required after liposuction, but help many patients recover faster.

Lymphatic massages by professionals help reduce swelling, but not everyone needs them. (Be cautious as too vigorous massages can cause issues).

Follow your plastic surgeon’s post op instructions and ask about massages after post op evaluation.

Our bodies are very dynamic. In addition to our arteries and veins, we have a complementing system called the “Lymphatic System.” It’s a system of tissues, vessels and organs that all work together to maintain your body’s fluid levels, maintain your immune function, and keep your blood circulating.
Your arteries and veins carry your oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, respectively. Your lymphatic system, on the other hand, carries lymph.
Lymph is a clear fluid that has proteins, waste, fat, and metabolized cells that are filtered through your lymph nodes. As the fluid flows through your lymphatic system, waste is removed and normal lymph is returned to circulation.
When there is a blockage to this system, you end up with swelling, or edema. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, your body sees this as an insult, or trauma, and floods the areas with pro-inflammatory markers. This then causes edema.
Lymphatic massages will thus- reduce edema (swelling), minimize scar tissue and fibrosis, decrease healing time, and increase patient comfort.
In my practice, I recommend it for ALL patients undergoing VASER assisted liposculpting, starting the day after surgery.
Cheers,
Dr. Satey

Thank you for your question regarding lymphatic massage after Vaser Liposuction. In the plastic surgery community, there is a wide range of opinions on the necessity of lymphatic massage after Vaser Lipo. Some plastic surgeons adamantly believe that it is essential for optimal results. Other plastic surgeons do not have their patients have lymphatic massage at all and yet still obtain superb results. You will find a wide array of opinions. For my patients, I typically have them start lymphatic massage at approximately two weeks. In Beverly Hills, there are hundreds of lymphatic massage therapists. Sometimes I have the therapist come to my office for my patient’s lymphatic massage. Other times, the patient goes to the lymphatic massage therapist’s office. I allow the patient to decide because as you know, traffic in Los Angeles is really bad! My general practice is that I have my patient start lymphatic massage two weeks after their vaser lipo. In my opinion, lymphatic massage performed too early and right after the procedure can stir up bleeding. In my opinion, if you wait 3 to 4 weeks after Vaser Lipo, you may have missed the window of opportune time for lymphatic massage.

I would not choose your plastic surgeon simply based on lymphatic massage. I would choose your plastic surgeon based on their results. However they get those results, you should follow that plastic surgeon’s recipe. I hope this helps.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)