What Are These Hard Lumps Post-Liposuction?

   The lumps that you feel at one week after liposuction are normal.  These swellings represent retained fluid, injured fat and post-op inflammation.  The areas generally smooth out after several weeks to a few months.  If these areas persist beyond 3-4 months, then the bumps may represent areas of fat death and scarring (called fat necrosis).  These lumps can improve with time.  If not they may need to be removed, but be patient and give the liposuction areas plenty of time (months) to heal.

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