October 23, 2026 | Liposuction, Plastic Surgery Recovery, Recovery
The garment is not optional. Neither, in my practice, is the massage.
How I Came Around
“I notice significant improvement after each lymphatic drainage massage in my patients. I only used compression garments for many years. After starting lymphatic drainage massage in my patients I noticed that the swelling goes down quicker, there’s less modularity or scar tissue, and they feel good after it.”
That was my answer to a patient in 2019. Nothing since has changed my mind.
What It Does
“It’s important to do the lymphatic drainage massage, because that helps get the swelling down quicker. It also helps with any bumpiness. They can work it out and eliminate that fibrosis. It also makes you feel better, and you get up and moving a lot quicker.”
“You’ll have a drain that’s going to stay between seven and fourteen days. You’re going to have your garments. And I recommend lymphatic massages. That helps get the swelling down quicker, gets the fluid out faster, and also works out any fibrosis so we don’t get any lumpiness. It also makes you feel better right away, and you start moving a lot faster.”
Four jobs: fluid out, swelling down, fibrosis worked out, patient up.
Where Fibrosis Comes From
A patient asked me what causes it:
“A lot of times, number one, when they do too much lipo. Number two, if any of the fluid gets caught and it doesn’t come out, it creates like a capsule and scar tissue. That’s why I really recommend doing lymphatic massages after the liposuction. Not wearing your faja is another one. It’s a lot of the aftercare. Number one, if you do too much lipo, then you get that really bumpy look. And number two is the aftercare. It really prevents the fibrosis.”
The first cause is on the surgeon. The second is on the aftercare.
When to Start and How Many
“For optimal results, I recommend at least two massages per week for four weeks, ideally starting early on days 1-3 post-surgery. This amounts to a minimum of 8 massages within the first month. It’s essential to begin the massages early to prevent fluid accumulation and to promote faster healing.”
“You might want to stay two nights, because on the second day we want to try to get that first lymphatic massage, and that’s when we put on the garments.”
“I recommend using compression for 4 weeks in combination with lymphatic drainage massages. Every surgeon has different protocols.”
| Procedure | Start | Frequency | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liposuction, any area | Day 1 to 3 | Two to three a week | Four weeks |
| Tummy tuck with lipo | Day 2 to 3 | Two to three a week | Four weeks |
| BBL (lipo plus fat transfer) | Day 1 to 3, on the donor areas | Two a week minimum | Four weeks |
| Lipo with Renuvion | Same as lipo | Same | Same |
On that last row:
“It’s important to know that Renuvion J-Plasma is not going to increase recovery times. The recovery itself and the protocol are the same with or without Renuvion J-Plasma when you have liposuction. We still use the garments, and we still use lymphatic massages.”
Who Does It, and If You Are From Out of Town
“You’ll have your garments. I do recommend doing lymphatic massages. We have a tech here. And it helps get the swelling down a lot quicker, especially in the areas of liposuction. It helps avoid the fibrosis and bumpiness.”
“My nurse will visit you the day after surgery after you’re discharged, help you with your first shower, go over instructions. Sometimes you need IV fluids. We’ll also bring you in for lymphatic massages while you’re here. I do want you to continue those at home.”
The travel plan is in flying to El Paso for a tummy tuck. Patients who had surgery elsewhere can book the massages too; that program is here.
When Something Looks Wrong at Six Weeks
“The crease should continue to improve. I recommend massaging often. If you have access to a lymphatic drainage massage therapists, this would be great. Give it at least a three month mark and then revisit with your surgeon. It is possible you may require a revision.”
“These folds are normal and will continue to flatten over time. This process can last 3-6 months. Lymphatic drainage massages can greatly decrease swelling. Taping or silicone based scar gel also help speed the process up.”
What It Costs
“$150 a session, heavily discounted for surgical patients, and packages are available at a discounted price.”
Call the office for package pricing. The rest of the recovery program is on the lymphatic drainage massage page and in my recovery aftercare post.
Why Choose Dr. Agullo
Dr. Agullo is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, completed his plastic surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, and serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He has been a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for thirteen consecutive years, 2014 through 2026. Lymphatic drainage massage is part of the recovery plan for every liposuction and tummy tuck patient in his El Paso practice, performed by the practice’s own technician.
Ready to Talk?
The surgery is three hours. The recovery is four weeks. Let me plan both with you.
Call (915) 590-7900, text 1-866-814-0038, or book online at agulloplasticsurgery.com. #StayBeautiful
Find me at @RealDrWorldWide on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, @Agullo on X, or @AgulloPlasticSurgery on Facebook.
