Liposuction: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

Often these hard lumps and bumps that patients feel after a liposuction procedure are the result of swelling after surgery.

This swelling can present as these tiny collections or pockets of fluid that feel lumpy when you touch the areas treated.

With some lymphatic massages, the passage of time (several months), and the resumption of physical activity and exercise, you should see noticable improvement. (Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, Woodbury Plastic Surgeon)

Limps after liposuction can be several things. It can be areas that were under treated. It can be areas of swelling or induration of treated tissues.

It can also be seromas. Usually the areas of swelling resolve on their own.

Sometimes the seromas need to be aspirated, and sometimes the underresected areas need to be treated again. (Steven Wallach, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

There are some uneven contours after liposuction and this is usually due to fluid collections such as blood. After 2 weeks you could begin gentle massage of these areas. Later, you may develop some fibrosis under the skin but all of the lumps and bumps usually settle down with time. (Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)

Irregular contour is normal for a few months after liposuction

Lumpiness and irregular contour is normal 1 week after liposuction surgery. The lumps you feel are localized swelling and will resolve itself in a matter of a few months. I would recommend you see your surgeon for regular follow-up visits to ensure you are healing properly. (David P. Rapaport, MD, FACS, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

After liposuction, swelling can be uneven. This uneven presentation can be the concern of many patients. However, over time the swelling resolves and the bumpiness goes away. Return to your doctor and inquire about massage or lymphatic massage as a way to minimize the swelling. (Robert M. Freund, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Hard lumps 1 week after liposuction

These firm lumps are very common after liposuction. They represent fluid, small areas of blood, and injured, inflamed fat. The fluid will get absorbed by the body and the damaged areas will heal. This takes weeks to months so be patient.

Sometime gentle massage of these areas can help but check with your surgeon prior to starting this. (Tyler Angelos, MD, Columbus Plastic Surgeon)

Swelling and Irregularities After Liposuction

This is very common after a liposuction procedure. I warn my patients that this is common and normal for many after their procedure.

Thankfully these areas improve in almost all cases with time as the swelling after your procedure subsides. (John K. Wakelin III, MD, FACS, Columbus Plastic Surgeon)

It is very common to have swelling and unevenness after liposuction. We usually tell patients that it can take up to 3-6 months for the swelling to resolve and for you to be able to see your “result.”

Sure, there can be unwanted findings like hematomas and fat necrosis, but it is more common to be uneven swelling. If you are concerned, then it is very appropriate to have your plastic surgeon look at you. (Sirish Maddali, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)

It is normal in certain areas such as the arms or abdomen to have dense pockets or nodules of inflammation for several weeks that should resolve with massage. (David Amron, MD, Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon)

Lumps & Bumps After Arm Liposuction

The most common are to have lumps ands bumps soon after liposuction is in the arms. In fact a majority of patients having arm liposuction experience this. Massage, lymphatic or otherwise can help speed up the resolution of this, but patients should always check with their surgeon first before embarking on this.

Often liposuction surgeons will have preferences for their patients regarding the type of post-liposuction therapy that they prefer and who they prefer to to this. One thing that can also cause this is what is called a seroma (Fluid collection) and patients should follow up with their liposuction surgeon to make sure that this isn’t what is causing the issue.

If this part of the issue, surgeon will drain these and watch for recurrence, as if left untreated for long enough, seroma can lead to a more permanent lump or bump. (John Millard, MD, Denver Plastic Surgeon)

Lumpy Liposuction

Although some lumpiness is not uncommon following liposuction, I advise all of my Cleveland liposuction patients to have massage to the area following lipo, which softens the tissues and helps with swelling, lumps and hardness.

Talk to your board certified plastic surgeon if you’re concerned about bumps after lipo. (Paul Vanek, MD, Cleveland Plastic Surgeon)

Just give it some time. After liposuction you can get uneven and localized swelling which eventually resolves after several weeks to months. Sometimes it may feel like nodules. (David Shafer, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Most likely it is fluid collection which will resolve itself with time and possibly massage. (Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS, West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon)