Should I avoid massaging upper abdomen after lipo and fat graft?

Thank you for your question. Best is to follow your specific surgeon post operative protocol as every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. We typically have our patients wear compression garments on the areas we did liposuction to help the skin and underlying tissues re-adhere as well as reduce swelling. However, if you garments are too tight they can restrict lymphatic drainage and blood flow leading to more swelling and complications. I'd highly suggest you contact your surgeon's office regarding your plan. Best of luck!

Hello and thank you for your question. A soft massage will not hurt your lipo or fat transfer. Compression is recommended, however, you should not use too much force as to make the area ache even more. Gentle massaging should be fine. Please consult with your surgeon if any other discomforts arise. 

It would be very difficult to give an accurate assessment without seeing you in person. Your best resource of information would be your surgeon as he/she knows your condition best.  Each surgeon has his/her own post operative protocols.  

It would not be usual advice to massage either an area of liposuction or of fat graft. Grafted fat is dependent on regrown of tiny blood vessels into it, and massage could disrupt these and compromise graft survival, whilst massage of the areas that have had liposuction may encourage and prolong swelling, I would contact your surgeon about the lump you have noticed and get their advice based on their intimate knowledge of the surgery you have undergone. 

I address this on an as needed basis and take into consideration patient discomfort, the extent of swelling and weight gain status. If there is considerable discomfort, massage may not be tolerated. If there is a great deal o swelling, compression should be addressed in addition to the need for massage. If there is a considerable amount of weight gain, a small amount of a water pill can be helpful also.

Welcome to Realself! Thank you for your question. It is a pleasure to answer your questions.
Usually, most plastic surgeons would not recommend massage 2.5 weeks after liposuction or fat grafting. I would recommend talking to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Only your surgeon has the detailed information about the surgery. 
Best wishes.
James Watson, MD
Shonan Beauty ClinicBoard Certified in Plastic SurgeryUCLA Plastic Surgery Clinical FacultyStem Cell Research PioneerInternational LecturerExpert on Science of Aging

Thank you for your question. I would recommend moving forward with any post-op instructions your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has advised you to follow, as only he/she know the details of your surgery. I do not recommend massage for my patients with liposuction, tummy tuck, or fat grafting. I have my patients wear a compression garment immediately after surgery for at least 6 weeks to decrease swelling. Massaging the areas might cause more swelling. During your next post-op visit, be sure to ask for any recommendations from your BCPS. Good luck and best wishes!

Hi and welcome to our forum!
A fat graft survives when the area is relatively immobile in the early postoperative period. The decision to massage or not to massage @ 2 1/2 weeks depends upon the amount of fat grafted and the appearance of the operative area. It seems a bit early. Compression is the primary modality at this time to control swelling and prevent bleeding.  The decision regarding the timing of massage is best left to your plastic surgeon after he / she examines the area.
Best wishes...

Hi dear, thank you for your question!You should use compression on the area to prevent swelling and not loose shape. I recommend consulting your PS for further advisement and information. Depends on the massage but it won't ruin the work done.Hope this helps,Dr. Jimenez ToribioPlastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.