How To Get Rid of Fibrosis After Lipo
What Is Fibrosis?
After liposuction one of the most dreaded conditions is the formation of fibrosis. Fibrosis occurs when protein waste accumulates in the body due to dead cells post-op and cellular metabolic waste (“cell poop”) produced by the cells doing the rebuilding.
Fibrosis is a condition in which the connective tissue in the body becomes thicker and stiffer, resulting in the formation of scar tissue. This condition can occur as a result of injury, inflammation, or surgery. When fibrosis occurs after plastic surgery, it can lead to complications such as limited range of motion, discomfort, and pain.
The formation of fibrosis after plastic surgery is due to the accumulation of protein waste in the body. When cells in the body die, they release protein waste, which is then broken down by the immune system. However, when there is an excessive amount of protein waste in the body, it can overwhelm the immune system, leading to the accumulation of protein waste in the body’s tissues.
Additionally, cellular metabolism can also contribute to the formation of fibrosis. Cellular metabolism is the process by which cells convert nutrients into energy and produce waste products. When there is an imbalance between the production and elimination of waste products, it can lead to the accumulation of waste products in the body, including protein waste. This can then trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the formation of fibrosis.
The formation of fibrosis after plastic surgery can also be influenced by other factors, such as the patient’s age, health status, and the extent of the surgery. For example, older patients may be more prone to the formation of fibrosis due to the decreased ability of their immune system to eliminate waste products. Additionally, patients who have underlying health conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders may be at higher risk of developing fibrosis after surgery.
To prevent the formation of fibrosis after plastic surgery, it is important to follow the post-surgical care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include avoiding getting lymphatic massage from a qualified therapist, wearing compression garments, and avoiding inflammatory foods like sugar, salt, and alcohol.
How To Get Rid of Fibrosis After Lipo
(or other plastic surgery procedure)
Fibrosis can lead to irregularities in the skin’s surface, causing an unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to reduce fibrosis after liposuction.
Lymphatic Massages
One of the most effective ways to reduce fibrosis after liposuction is through lymphatic massages. These massages stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps to remove excess fluid and waste from the body. The massage should be performed by a licensed and specially trained therapist who understands the techniques necessary to reduce the formation of fibrosis. Read this article about how to understand lymphatic therapist qualifications to ensure that you get someone with proper training.
Important to note here is that actual lymphatic massage does NOT push fluid out of holes caused by liposuction. Please check out this article about the dangers of the plastic surgery recovery industry and this other article about whether or not you can get massages after your lipo holes have closed up (spoiler alert: yes!). If you want to learn more, check out this article about how lymphatic massage can help after plastic surgery.
Compression Garments
Compression garments are essential after liposuction as they help to reduce swelling and promote healing. However, it is important to wear a garment that is not too tight or constricting, as this can cause fluid back up and increase the risk of fibrosis. It is recommended to wear lipo foams in conjunction with compression garments to even out the pressure of the compression garment to prevent fluid buildup and reduce the risk of fibrosis.
Remember that when choosing a good faja, you should feel like someone is giving you a big bear hug, but you should not feel like you are being squeezed in half. You should be able to breathe well, yet you should feel supported. For more info on how to choose the right faja, check out this article.
Gentle Myofascial Work
Myofascial work is a technique that helps to release tension and stiffness in the muscles and fascia. This technique can be applied gently to the areas where liposuction was performed, promoting healing and reducing the risk of fibrosis. It is important to choose a therapist who has experience with myofascial work and understands how to apply it safely and effectively after liposuction.
Stay Well-Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial after liposuction, as it helps to flush toxins including the waste products after surgery that cause fibrosis from the body and promote healing. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and more if you are exercising or living in a dry climate. In Albuquerque, for example, at one mile high (no, Denver isn’t the only ‘Mile-High City”) and in a desert climate, someone who has not had surgery should aim for 1 gallon of water a day. Surgery increases the fluid intake needed to stay properly hydrated. Adjust accordingly for your particular geographic location.
Serrapeptase Supplements for Fibrosis
Serrapeptase is a natural enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce fibrosis after liposuction. It is recommended to take serrapeptase on an empty stomach, as this increases its effectiveness. As with all other medications and supplements post-op, be sure to speak with your physician first. Each surgeon has his or her own list of what is an acceptable supplement and a specific timeline you should follow.
Avoid Cavitation, Radio Frequency, and Wood Therapy Immediately POST-OP
It is important to avoid cavitation, radio frequency, and wood therapy for at least 12 weeks after liposuction. These treatments raise the state of inflammation, which can lead to increased fibrosis formation. The reason for this is that when your body is injured it swells up (inflames). This inflammation and fluid carry with them the molecules needed to make repairs. In plain English, that means that it builds more tissue.
Now, the internet would have you believe that radio frequency, cavitation, and wood therapy are a natural part of healing post-op. In actual fact, though, these therapies cause more damage. (That’s how they work – and are not a problem if you aren’t post-op.) Let me put it in a simpler way to understand. If you broke your arm in a car wreck, would you let people go after your arm with a wood therapy tool a couple of weeks later? Of course not. Why? Because it would obviously re-injure the area. Then why would it make sense to do it after plastic surgery? A well-trained therapist (click here to find out how to evaluate your therapist’s credentials) can get rid of fibrosis in most cases just by gently using their hands.
