Does the hardness after lipo ever go away? (photo)

Question

I had lipo of abdominal area and waist on January 4, 2014. I am 5'7" and weigh 150. I have worn the CG 24/7 until about a week ago. I had a series of six lymphatic massages, have been walking or swimming daily for an hour for last six weeks. Until a week ago I did self messages daily. My abdominal area is still HARD; therefore it is not flat. I had 2,000 cc removed during procedure. Waist looks great. WILL the abdominal area ever soften or hard as a rock here to stay?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

The hardness after liposuction does go away, but there are a few tricks that I use in my practice in Hawaii to make the hardness to away faster.The hardness that you feel on your abdomen is a combination of some blood, some injured fat cells, and what many have referred to as pre-scar.  The medical term for this hardness is induration.  The speed at which this induration resolves is determined by the blood supply to the indurated area.  In my practice, we increase the blood supply to the indurated area by the use of DMSO.  DMSO is a chemical extracted from wood which opens the redundant blood supply in any given area on which it is sprayed.  This process of opening the redundant blood supply (choke vessels) brings in more white blood cells which leave the blood vessels and enter indurated area to eat up and take away the semi-viable fat cells, heme (bruise), and other debris.  DMSO also is the world's best anti-inflammatory and therefore decreases those inflammatory elements which are part of the cause of the hardness. Secondly, we also utilize ultrasound (the kind physical therapists use for sore muscles) to increase the blood supply to any area of induration.  Ultrasound converts sound waves to heat when it enters the body which, again, increases blood supply.  The combination of DMSO and ultrasound decreases the time it takes post liposuction tissue to get back to the normal soft feeling.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Hardness after liposuction can last for several months up to a year.  Swelling on average takes about 6-8 months to come down and sometimes up to a year. Lymphatic massages can help and also sometimes doing some VelaShape procedures can help.  I would follow up with your surgeon to see what they recommend and follow their suggestions.  Best of luck to you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This feeling can last up to 6 months, but should resolve.  From the photo is it very hard to tell if you just have edema/swelling or if there is scarring that is causing the induration.  If you had a laser or ultrasound procedure for liposuction, I would for sure suggest lymphatic massages in combination with radiofrequency or ultrasound.  I would continue spanx during the day and a abdominal/body compression at night.  I have found success adding oral diuretics such as HCTZ or lasix as well as injectable steroids into the areas of most induration and if there is any pain.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Lynn Chung, MD · Answer

Hi ColoradoMaiden, thank you for your question. It is very normal for you to feel induration and hardness after your liposuction in January.  It typically takes anywhere from 6 months to a year for your tissues to completely soften and for your scar to fully soften.  Lymphatic massage and self massage is a great addition to expedite the healing process!  Best of luck to you,Dr. Chung

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the pictures.Based on them, it looks like you might have an issue with scarring tissue caused from the same liposuction. I can suggest UL massages, these will help straighten some of the scar tissue as well as fat cells that have come together after the liposuction. Normally having two a week until completing a session of 10 will benefit your issue. Also wearing your garment will reduce the sense of hardness.Best wishes,Dr. Campos

Does the hardness after lipo ever go away? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Induration after liposuction

Answer: Induration after liposuction

Answer: Hardness?

Answer: Hardness?

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Does the hardness after lipo ever go away? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Induration after liposuction

Answer: Induration after liposuction

Answer: Hardness?

Answer: Hardness?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.