What Causes Hardness After Tumescent Liposuction?

Patients undergoing tumescent liposuction of the abdomen
will often develop swelling, firmness, hardness and pain following this
procedure.During the procedure the
liposuction cannula is passed through the subcutaneous tissue.This causes disruption of the lymphatic
channels and cellular injury which results in these characteristic physical
changes.These
findings can persist for several months following surgery.In most cases improvement is seen within 3 to
4 weeks following surgery.In other
cases, improvement may continue for up to 3 to 4 months following this
procedure.Small amounts of firmness may
persist for up to a year following surgery.We
generally recommend the use of compression garments for about 3 to 4 weeks
following surgery.We also recommend low
salt diets before and after surgery.Exercise is usually started early and we want patients to ambulate as
soon as possible following surgery.Massage
is also helpful, it decreases firmness, hardness and swelling by mobilizing
retained fluid following liposuction.All of these steps minimize firmness and swelling and improve the
patient’s aesthetic result.

Hi Charley,

It's fantastic to hear that you're pleased with the results of your tumescent liposuction on your legs and back! As for the hardness you're experiencing in your lower abdomen, let's delve into that.

After liposuction, it's not uncommon for some areas to feel firm or hard due to various factors, including residual swelling, tissue inflammation, and the natural healing process. This hardness can sometimes manifest as localized areas of firmness, which you aptly described as feeling like a deck of cards inside.

The firmness you're feeling is likely attributed to the body's response to trauma from the liposuction procedure. During tumescent liposuction, the targeted fat cells are broken down and removed, but the surrounding tissues may undergo temporary changes, including swelling and inflammation. Additionally, the tumescent solution used during the procedure can contribute to temporary tissue firmness.

While the firmness may feel concerning, it's typically a normal part of the healing process and tends to resolve over time as the body gradually absorbs excess fluid and inflammation subsides. The sensation of numbness you're experiencing in your lower abdomen is also common and usually resolves as the nerves regenerate.

Your synergy treatments, aimed at promoting lymphatic drainage and tissue healing, sound like a proactive approach to aiding your recovery. Alongside these treatments, it's essential to maintain good hydration, follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions diligently, and be patient as your body continues to heal and adjust.

If you have any concerns or notice any changes in your symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your plastic surgeon for personalized guidance and reassurance.

Wishing you a smooth recovery and continued satisfaction with your results!

Warm regards,
Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

There is a period of recovery after liposuction that involves pain, bruising, and swelling.  This is normal and should resolve with compression.