What Are These Hard Lumps Post-Liposuction?

Lumps and bumps are usually normal fluid collections after liposuction. They tend to last about 4-6 weeks. The initial swelling after the procedure conseals these pockets of fluid but as you massage and exercise then the generalized swelling fluid resolves and these individual pockets become more apparent until you massage them away also. Endermologie is a great way to help them resolve faster. I have my patients spend 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening massaging the areas. I start them exercising and massaging after 1 week. This helps the swelling go down faster but it still takes at least 4-6 months to get to the end result. Don't worry. It sounds totally normal but always see your surgeon to help reassure you that that is all that is going on.
Sincerely,
David Hansen, MD

It is very normal early after liposuction to have lumpiness which make take time to resolve, especially on the arms.  Typically the patients should wait a month before messaging the area.  After that it may take up to 6 months before the lumpiness resolves.

Dear Kansas,

It’s completely understandable to have concerns about new sensations and changes in your body following liposuction, especially when it’s as personal as the feel and appearance of your skin. One week post-operation is very early in the recovery process, and what you’re experiencing is quite common among liposuction patients.

The lumps you’re feeling are likely related to swelling and the normal healing process. After liposuction, as the body begins to heal, fluids and inflammatory cells rush to the treated area to aid in recovery, which can cause temporary firmness or lumpiness. This is part of the body's way of healing the tiny tunnels created by the liposuction procedure. Over time, these tunnels collapse, leading to a smoother contour.

Additionally, some of the lumpiness can be attributed to the normal process of scar tissue formation, which is your body's way of healing the areas where fat was removed. These lumps can feel firm to the touch and may be sensitive or painful, especially in the early stages of healing.

Here’s what you can do:

Gentle Massage: Sometimes, gentle massage can help manage discomfort and may aid in smoothing out lumps, but always consult with your surgeon first to ensure it’s safe for you to do so.

Compression Garments: If your surgeon recommended wearing a compression garment, continue to use it as directed. These garments help reduce swelling and can encourage the skin to heal smoothly.

Patience and Time: Remember, your body needs time to heal. Swelling and lumpiness can persist for a few weeks to months after surgery but typically improve gradually.

Follow-up Appointment: It’s always a good idea to communicate with your plastic surgeon about any post-operative concerns. Since they understand your specific situation best, they can provide personalized advice and reassurance.

Lumps after liposuction are often a temporary part of the healing process, but keeping an open line of communication with your surgeon is key to ensuring a smooth recovery. If the lumps become increasingly painful, show signs of infection (such as redness, heat, or excessive swelling), or if you have any other concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Recovery following liposuction takes time and patience. Swelling and some bruising is normal following liposuction. The swelling and bruising should improve over the first few weeks. It generally takes 2-3 weeks to see your weight start to drop. The amount of weight you loose should be approximately equal to the amount of fat removed during the procedure. At 6 weeks post-op you should see a nice improvement in your shape. It is normal at this point to feel some firmness and lumps beneath your skin. I generally recommend message to speed up the recovery process. It takes 4 to 6 months after the procedure to see the "final" result.I would recommend that you discuss your concerns with your Plastic SurgeonBest regards, Andrew Lyos MD, FACS

The lumps you describe are very common and often appear at this stage.    They will probably get a little worse before they get better.   Try massaging the areas and be patient.    They should dissipate over the next 6 months.

hello kansas  lumpiness will decrease with time although massaging can quicken the softening. #lumps #lipo

These firm lumps are very common after liposuction. They represent fluid, small areas of blood, and injured, inflamed fat. The fluid will get absorbed by the body and the damaged areas will heal. This takes weeks to months so be patient. Sometime gentle massage of these areas can help but check with your surgeon prior to starting this. Good luck!

Than you for your question.  Often these hard lumps and bumps that patients feel after a liposuction procedure are the result of swelling after surgery.  This swelling can present as these tiny collections or pockets of fluid that feel lumpy when you touch the areas treated.  With some lymphatic massages, the passage of time (several months), and the resumption of physical activity and exercise, you should see noticable improvement.  With that said, I would still recommend discussing your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon at your next follow up visit.  I hope this helps and best of luck!

This is very common after a liposuction procedure.  I warn my patients that this is common and normal for many after their procedure.  Thankfully these areas improve in almost all cases with time as the swelling after your procedure subsides.  

Thank you for submitting your question. Swelling after liposuction will last for many weeks after surgery. Hard lumpy areas are common in the first several weeks after lipo but rest assurred they will dissapate in 6-12 weeks. Final results take 6-12 months. Hard lumpy areas could be fat necrosis, localized areas of swelling and brusing, lymphedema, etc.   Continue to use your contour garment, massage the lumpy areas , external ultrasound and lymphatic massage will help to decrease swelling. Discuss your concerns with your Plastic surgeon.

Agree with most responses that is normal in certain areas such as the arms or abdomen to have dense pockets or nodules of inflammation for several weeks that should resolve with massage.