In liposuction surgery, the surgeon uses a suctioning device -called a cannula- to drain the melted fat cells. In the shape of a narrow tube, the cannula creates tunnels under your skin when it goes back and forth. These hollow spaces are filled with bodily fluid or blood, forming lumps and bumps under the skin.
Final Thoughts. Lumps and bumps after liposuction are a normal part of the healing process and typically resolve with time. By following your surgeon's recommendations and taking proper care of the treated areas, you can ensure a smoother recovery and achieve the best possible results.
As tissues heal, they can form temporary lumps. These liposuction lumps are not necessarily complications. They show that the body is repairing itself. Most lumps will resolve within a few weeks to months.
Are there non-surgical solutions to address lumpy spots? Yes, non-surgical options like lymphatic massage, laser therapy, and radiofrequency treatments can help smooth out lumps by promoting healing and skin tightening.
Like any surgical procedure, the body must spend time healing after liposuction has been carried out. As the wounds heal over, it is common to see bloating and swelling as fluid can get trapped under the skin.
The swelling fluid slowly makes its way down from your abdomen, meaning it can linger even as your abdomen is already looking slim and improved. If your FUPA persists longer than 3 months, it could be due to the lack of targeted treatment of the upper pubic area by your surgeon.
However, it is crucial to adhere to medical advice and avoid sleeping without the compression garment after lipo, as doing so may increase the risk of swelling, bruising, and other potential complications.
Should I massage hard lumps after liposuction? Hard lumps can be areas of localised inflammation and fluid buildup, and gentle massage can help disperse this fluid. It's best to consult with your surgeon or a qualified massage therapist to learn the proper techniques to ensure you're not applying too much pressure.
“The perception of still appearing big after liposuction can be influenced by various factors,” explains expert plastic surgeon Dr. Vinod Vij. “It includes residual swelling, skin laxity, or uneven fat removal.”
While there are different types of liposuction, often the most effective in addressing the buffalo hump is power-assisted liposuction since the tissue is quite fibrous. Direct excision is another option to remove the buffalo hump, whereby the prominent fatty tissue is excised through an overlying incision.
Some liposuction devices create energy (heat) in the tissues and if the surgeon is in there too long and scrapes too close the skin surface, you might end up with a superficial burn. Lipo burns can be exacerbated by wearing badly fitting compression (faja).
After liposuction, swelling typically goes away within a few weeks. By this time, the treated area should look less bulky. Within several months, expect the treated area to look slimmer.
Laser therapy has emerged as a powerful tool against lipo fibrosis. It uses focused light to break down tough tissues without surgery. This non-invasive method shows promising results in softening hard areas caused by lipo fibrosis. Patients appreciate laser therapy for its minimal downtime and effectiveness.
Liposuction revision surgery
This is the most common approach for addressing issues arising from a botched liposuction. Revision surgery aims to correct irregularities, remove excess fat left behind, or even out areas that were severely reduced. It can also involve the treatment of excessive scar tissue.
It generally takes several months for the skin to adjust and tighten around the new body contour. In some cases, additional treatments may be necessary to help the skin conform to the reduced body size.
However, if you gain a substantial amount of weight – more than 10 pounds – you risk undoing the results of your liposuction procedure.
Each liposuction event may result in a maximum of 4000-5000cc of fat being removed. It is not uncommon for some patients to lose 20-30 pounds following liposuction with maintenance of a well balanced healthy life style.
Week One to Week Three
Approximately 1 to 2 weeks following your procedure, the swelling will change to firmness that may persist for about 3 months following your procedure.
Lumps and bumps are unavoidable side effects of liposuction, but you can speed up the healing process and have a smooth stomach soon after the procedure by using the following treatments: Wearing compression garment. Manual lymphatic drainage massage. Laser therapy.
A: The first week after surgery, the lymphatic massage can be done as frequently as daily. The second week, as frequent as every other day. It is not possible to get too much manual lymphatic massage and the sessions can be scheduled at your convenience.
Gently massage from the outside of your hip (beside your hip bone) using several small strokes. Massage upward along the side of your body to your underarm. Gently stretch the skin as far as it goes naturally and release. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
In short, while 6 weeks is the general recommendation, wearing compression garments for up to 8 weeks might be necessary to support optimal healing and achieve the desired results. Always follow your surgeon's advice to ensure the best possible outcome.
Sleeping – How to Sleep better after Liposuction
For the first three weeks of the surgery, it is recommended to sleep at an incline on your head and knees. Do not sleep on your side as it can put excessive stress on the treatment sites.