How many lymphatic massages should I plan for after my tummy tuck procedure?

I do not believe that having a non medical therapist push on your freshly healing abdominoplasty flap is going to do anything except separate the flap from the underlying muscle.

I don't ask my patients or recommend that they waste money on lymphatic message.  We use topifoam pads over the abdomen and flanks when there has been liposuction. Wearing this decreases swelling and bruising tremendously. You can see a big difference in thinness and pliability of the skin, without swelling, between the areas covered with topifoam (or epifoam) and those not. Swelling gradually subsides normally whatever you do, but compression with foam really helps over the first month. It is a bit inconvenient after the first week, but many of my patients like to do it anyway because they see the benefit.

Swelling is a normal part of the wound healing process. I would not recommend pressure or any type of rubbing of your abdomen after surgery until your surgeon has confirmed that is has completely healed. Rubbing or pressure can separate the overlying skin  from the underlying muscles and fascia and cause delayed healing, pain, and possibly a fluid collection to develop. 

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

Hello dear, thanks for your post, I recommend to my patients to star their massages the day after the surgeries and have at least 10. But remember that each PS has their own policy, is really important for you to keep a good communication with your Dr. and follow all his post op instructions.Remember to look for a Board Certified Plastic surgeonGood luck :)

If you have easy access to lymphatic massage you could consider having a treatment preop. Postop I usually recommend 4-6 treatments but it all depends if you see a benefit and there is no hard and fast rule.