What Causes Hardness After Tumescent Liposuction?

Question

I had Tumescent Liposuction on my back, stomach, arms and legs two weeks ago. I am VERY pleased with my legs, there is very little swelling and no pain. My back looks great also but is still a little numb. My lower abdomen however is really hard right in the middle (not all over, just in the middle) - it feels like a deck of cards inside. It isn’t really sore anymore, but is big. I have synergy treatments twice a week which hopefully will help. Any idea what these “cards” are? Thank you!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Charley,
I am glad that you are happy with your liposuction results.  What you are describing is not unusual.  For just two weeks out from surgery, it sounds like you are making a tremendous recovery.  As for the "deck of cards," you may just have localized swelling or possibly a small fluid collection.  Your surgeon will be best to evaluate this.  If it is just swelling, it will resolve on its own.  If it is a fluid collection, then you make need it drained, which can be easily performed right in your office.  Either way, you should be fine.
I hope you find this helpful.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction is a safe, popular, and effective way to contour the body. Patients should be aware of the recovery process after liposuction. Immediately after the surgery, they will experience a moderate amount of pain, swelling, and bruising.

	As the patient is healing, it is common for them to have firm areas, lumps, or uneven areas at the beginning of the healing process. In our practice, we provide every patient with a special compression garment that helps decrease the swelling and provide support for the patient to increase their comfort.

What Causes Hardness After Tumescent Liposuction?

Answers (8)

Answer: What you are describing is not unusual

Answer: What you are describing is not unusual

Answer: Hardness after tumescent liposuction

Answer: Hardness after tumescent liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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What Causes Hardness After Tumescent Liposuction?

Answers (8)

Answer: What you are describing is not unusual

Answer: What you are describing is not unusual

Answer: Hardness after tumescent liposuction

Answer: Hardness after tumescent liposuction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.