Are lymphatic massages to the back and abdomen recommended after a tummy tuck and liposuction? Why or why not?

Question

Do you recommend lymphatic massages after a combo procedure of tummy tuck and liposuction to back and upper/lower belly? Why and why not?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Lymphatic massage is not mandatory after every tummy tuck with liposuction, but it can be useful in selected patients for swelling, firmness, and comfort once the surgeon feels the incisions and tissues are ready. The key distinction is gentle manual lymphatic drainage versus strong deep-tissue massage. Aggressive massage, or massage started too early, can increase pain, bruising, irritation, or stress on the abdominal repair and incision.

Whether it is recommended depends on the exact surgery, drains, seroma risk, skin condition, and the surgeon's aftercare protocol. For the back and upper or lower abdomen, I would follow your operating surgeon's timing and use someone experienced with postoperative care if it is approved. Avoid massage over areas that are very painful, red, hot, draining, open, or rapidly swelling; those should be checked by the surgical team instead.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Lymphatic massages are very beneficial post surgery d/t an increase in swelling. Lymphatic massages decrease swelling post surgery and redirects drainage through the lymphatic system. I recommend scheduling a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan for a combo procedure based on your goals.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the benefits of lymphatic massages after a tummy tuck and liposuction. Yes, lymphatic massages are highly recommended after these procedures, and here’s why:

Lymphatic massage helps promote the drainage of excess fluid and reduces swelling, which is especially beneficial after surgeries like tummy tucks and liposuction, where fluid buildup can occur. By gently stimulating the lymphatic system, these massages can enhance your body's natural ability to clear away the swelling and reduce the risk of fluid accumulation, which could lead to complications like seromas.

Additionally, lymphatic massages may help minimize scar tissue and improve overall healing, leading to a smoother recovery and potentially better aesthetic results. These massages also encourage better blood flow, which can further aid in reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of surgical areas.

However, it's essential to consult your plastic surgeon before starting lymphatic massages, as they will know the best timing and technique based on your specific recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Once you have healed enough it’s okay to do these thing as long as your doctor okays it. It may be of slight benefit or a waste of time and money

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

I usually recommend lymphatic massage after a tummy tuck and liposuction. As soon as the discomfort has resolved, this will help with swelling and promote healing. It will also feel good. This is something you can learn to do on your self following a few treatments.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

During a tummy tuck and liposuction, some lymphatic channels are interrupted. However, in the months after surgery, these lymphatic channels will reestablish themselves.  For this reason, I do not recommend lymphatic massage after my patients surgery.  If my patients ask whether they can do lymphatic massage after their surgery, I tell them that is an option but I requested they wait at least six weeks after the surgery to allow the tissues to heal fully. My reason behind this is one of my patients who began lymphatic massage 2 weeks after their abdominoplasty and developed a seroma. There are other surgeons who do recommend lymphatic massage as they feel it accelerates the resolution of swelling, but the swelling will resolve on its own without additional treatments.  Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes!  Lymphatic massage is helpful after these procedures.  It helps to promote drainage which decreases swelling.  Less swelling promotes healthy healing and optimal results!  Your surgeon can advise you when to begin these massages and how often they should be done.

Kamol Pansritum, MD · Answer

Lymphatic massage is one of the option to increase venous return and lymphatic circulation. When we do liposuction some circulation system is impair (temporally) and slow down.These are the indication for lymphatic massage.- Whole body liposuction- Vaser liposuction- Circumferential Liposuction- Patient who had poor lymphatic circulation history recommended (Option)- Another part standard liposuction- Small area Vaser liposuction.However, it is necessary to consult with your doctor before doing any massages.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I did not recommend lymphatic massage after any surgery.
It tends to be painful and there are no proven benefits to having massage after surgery.
In my opinion, those who are strong promoters of massage after Liposuction either have high complication rates with seroma formation or have financial gain from the patients undergoing massage.
There are definitely plastic surgeons who favor postoperative massage, but I seriously question the legitimate benefit, considering that it can be excruciatingly painful.
To me early immobilization is a better way to go, then manipulating tissues that are trying to heal.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Are lymphatic massages to the back and abdomen recommended after a tummy tuck and liposuction? Why or why not?

Answers (9)

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