Liposuction can be an extremely beneficial procedure that can allow a person to feel more confident about their appearance. As with any surgery, however, recovery can come with unexpected challenges. For some people, those challenges include dealing with fibrosis after liposuction. Fibrosis is a condition where tissue becomes hard, the skin changes, or it becomes painful. There are safe, non-invasive approaches to treat it and regain smooth, healthy skin. 

This guide will review what liposuction fibrosis is, why it occurs, and how to identify it at its onset. If you had a recent procedure or you think you have fibrosis from a previous procedure, there are ways to treat it.

What Exactly Is Liposuction Fibrosis?

Liposuction fibrosis is a situation where internal scar tissue forms after having fat removed. This tissue can feel firm and tight and can sometimes create some lumps or ridges under the skin. Fibrosis is not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable and affect your overall results. 

Post-Lipo fibrosis typically develops a few weeks after surgery and occurs more often when the recommended post-operative care is not followed. In some cases, patients can also feel pulling sensations in the skin or notice some irregularities.

What Causes Fibrosis?

Fibrosis develops in liposuction when the body responds to an injury with excess scar formation. The healing response may occur because of the following:

• Poor or aggressive surgical technique
• Not having an appropriate post-operative massage or care
• Poor circulation to the healing tissues
• Wearing the incorrect compression garments

Even patients with a well-qualified and experienced surgeon may develop fibrosis due to genetics or health conditions. Early intervention is critical.

Indications You Might Have Liposuction Fibrosis

Detecting the development of fibrosis can be somewhat difficult. However, these signs can help you identify fibrosis early:

• Tissue that feels hard or rope-like beneath the skin
• Lumps or ridges that are visible and won’t go away
• Uneven skin texture after the healing period
• Tightness or slight discomfort in the areas that were treated

If you find that those symptoms don’t resolve on their own, then seeking liposuction fibrosis treatment would be a wise next step.

Leading Non-surgical Treatment for Liposuction Fibrosis that Helps

The great news is, you don't have to undergo another surgery to treat fibrosis. Many non-surgical liposuction fibrosis treatments can reduce scar tissue and enhance your outcomes. 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

MLD uses a light touch and gentle massage technique to promote fluid drainage and reduce swelling. MLD is often recommended shortly after liposuction to help prevent the formation of fibrosis. With the guidance of a properly trained therapist, MLD can help facilitate healthy healing and reduce stiffness in tissue.

Fibrosis Massage

This type of massage goes deeper into the tissue to break up the hardened tissue. It creates smoother areas, promotes blood flow, and, if done regularly, along with careful home management, it can create significant changes over time.

Ultrasound Treatment

Ultrasound employs sound waves to penetrate deep into the skin. It helps soften fibrotic tissues and promotes increased circulation. The procedure is completely painless and adds benefit when combined with massage.

Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments

RF therapy uses heat at the tissue level to promote collagen and soft tissue flexibility. It tightens the skin back to its normal resting position, thereby improving the appearance of treated areas. The procedure and treatment times are quick, and no recovery is needed.

When to Seek Professional Help?

If you are worried that you may have liposuction fibrosis, do not delay getting professional help! The sooner you act, the more likely you will recover completely. Find clinics that specialize in post-operative recovery services.

At Aspen After Surgery, a trained professional will review your symptoms and create an individualized treatment plan. Their expertise and experience with non-surgical treatment for liposuction fibrosis puts them in a unique position, as a trusted resource, to help you achieve real results.

Take Care to Avoid These Common Mistakes

There are common mistakes that will put you at risk for worse fibrosis. Avoid:

• Not recognizing early symptoms
• Not doing your post-operative massages
• Wrong use of compression garments
• Attempting to DIY treatment

Always defer to an expert when recovering.

Closing remarks

Post-liposuction fibrosis can feel discouraging, but you don’t have to live with it. With appropriate treatment, you can improve the look of your skin and feel confident in your body again. The best way to address post-lipo fibrosis is to act quickly and choose a non-surgical solution that has substantial evidence.

Don’t let fibrosis take away the confidence you gained from having liposuction. Contact the specialists who can walk you through your options at Aspen After Surgery. Your post-operative care deserves it — which step will you take today?