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Regular massage in the first 3 months after liposuction helps to ensure optimal results and reduce healing time. Generally, the earlier, firmer, and more frequently you massage, the better the results and less painful the area will be. Without massage, uneven results may form.
Massage will vary depending on the nature of your liposuction, please follow the instructions given to you by your physician’s office or inquire with them if you are unsure. In some cases, massage isn’t advised or should be delayed.
How to Perform Post Liposuction Massage
Post Liposuction Massage Techniques
TECHNIQUE 1: General Flush
This technique will help with skin hypersensitization and increasing blood flow to the area. It can be started immediately post-op and should be done a minimum of 5 times per day.
Using the heel of your hand or flat part of your fingers when you make a fist, gently rub the skin in a circular motion.
TECHNIQUE 2: Rib Raking
The rib cage is a common area for problems since the bony structure of the ribs provides an easier site of attachment for unwanted fascia or scar tissue adhesions. Repeat this technique a few times on either side.
The patient is healthy, eats a good diet, and exercises regularly.
The patient doesn’t need to lose too much weight. Only 20 pounds or less need to be removed to achieve their ideal body shape.
The patient has toned, elastic skin.
TECHNIQUE 3: The Pincer Grip
For patient’s early on in their recovery it might be difficult to actually grab the skin in some areas, as you may not have enough mobility back yet for this technique. Ultimately, this should be the goal when doing your post-op massage techniques, to get to this point of mobility.
Step 1
Place thumb and fingers in position to “pinch” the affected area. (Affected area could be a hardened ridge, dense pea like feeling tissue, or any bumps you may feel that are out of the ordinary for your body.)
These can either be visible problems or ones felt underneath the skin and not visible to the eye.
The patient has toned, elastic skin.
Step 2
Begin to pinch the affected area, holding the densest or hardest point of tissue between your index finger and thumb.
Step 3
Begin to lift and elevate the affected area away from the body.
While lifting away from the body, hold the affected area tightly, pulling back and forth (while maintaining elevation.)
Be quite strong with your hand grip because hardened or dense tissues and adhesions will give resistance to you pulling.
The visible redness is a very good sign, it means blood flow is coming to the surface. You may also feel warmth in the area or itchiness. Both are very normal and positive signs that you are doing the right technique and increasing blood circulation to the area.
TECHNIQUE 4: Skin Rolling
This technique is mainly used through the sides of the body into your abdomen or on your back through the flanks and rib cage.
Step 1
Prepare with both hands to pinch/grip a large area of tissue.
Step 2
Without moving the location of your hands, pinch the area of tissue you plan to work through.
When pinching the area, don’t pinch with pressure towards the body, pinch the skin while pulling in opposition away from the body – the goal is to pull and elevate tissue away from an area of adhesion and restriction.
Step 3
“Roll” through the area you have pinched.
The key is to maintain the elevation away from the body while rolling the skin through your fingertips.
Step 4
Maintain the amount of skin held in your hand from start to finish of the roll (e.g. images shown are demonstrating a roll from your side to belly button area.)
Then start the technique over again and repeat a few times during each massage session.
Example of the strength of “pull and elevation.”
Don’t allow the tissue to slip through your fingers, be strong in your hold forcing the elevation and separation of problem areas.
Liposuction Post-Op Massage Frequently Asked Questions
