“Bye, bye Fibrosis”: 7 treatments that help to break down fibrosis after aesthetic surgery

Breaking down fibrosis  after aesthetic surgery (like liposuction, BBL or Tummy tuck) requires tailored treatments to alleviate discomfort, reduce inflammation, pain and address tissue irregularities; in order to get the best results. In this blog, we´ll explore seven methos that will make you say “bye” to this uncomfortable issue. But first, let´s start with the basics…

Fibrosis after liposuction, BBL or  tummy tuck, is part of the healing process and occurs when your body develops excessive fibers of fibroblast ( made of collagen) creating irregularities in  the tissue.  Factors such as, lack of compression, genetics, individual healing, used surgical techniques can influence the likelihood and severity of fibrosis.

Patients may experience fibrosis between 1 to 12 weeks after surgery, with some cases presenting later. Symptoms of fibrosis include:

• Local pain 
• hard lumps
• skin discoloration 
• irregularities, retractions 
• skin adhesions
• limited movement (lack of  tissue flexibility) 
• complex scar tissue formation (overproduction of scar tissue)
• Seroma (accumulated fluid pocket)

To get the best outcomes, the treatment should be  tailored to each patient depending on the stage of the healing and the characteristics of their fibrosis at the moment of the consultation. 

 Break down Fibrosis: How do you treat fibrosis after liposuction, BBL or Tummy tuck? 

There are 7 proven methos to break down fibrosis after aesthetic surgery, let´s know them!

1. Massage modalities 

• Manual lymphatic drainage

This  massage technique specializes and helps to stimulate lymphatic flow and reduce swelling. It may also break down fibrosis (fibrous tissue) and improve the smoothness of the skin when done properly. Manual lymphatic drainage is essential in the first week of your recovery. The quicker your body absorbs or eliminates the excess of  fluids, the easier your skin can attach  and the body will create less fibrosis. 

•  Scar tissue/ fibrosis massage

This massage technique targets  deep scar tissue fibers. The massage can help break down fibrous adhesions and improve the flexibility and mobility  in the surgery area. Scar tissue massage isn’t a deep tissue massage. Your therapist must perform this massage carefully and gently in order to avoid further damage and irritation of the tissue.  For that reason, you should look for a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist  or  massage therapist, who has experience in working with scar tissue.

2. Adequate compression 

• Use of Faja or Garment 

A compression garment (faja) can help to minimize swelling and related discomfort after surgery. Maintaining constant pressure on the surgical site will prevent excess build-up of subcutaneous fluid  or swelling, and encourage your body to reabsorb the fluid that it has been accumulating.

Wear your compression garment  24/7, between 4 to 6 weeks  (with the exception of showering or during your post op treatment ). The exact timeframe will vary depending on your body healing process, the type of procedure you had and any additional factors determined by your plastic surgeon or  therapist. After their approval you can wear the garment for 12 hours per day (day or night, that it´s up to you) for several weeks (until your fibrosis breaks down).

Take into account that if your faja is too tight, it will reduce blood  and oxygen flow which increases fibrosis, so wear the appropriate compression garment. If you are not sure about the right compression, you can contact me, I´ll be glad to help!

•  Additional padding: 360 foam/ lipo foam 

Compression foam plays a vital role in the post-op recovery  after cosmetic surgery. Unlike traditional pressure garments,  foam provides even pressure over the treated area, leading to even healing and better results. 

Experts recommend 360 foam when you have fibrosis in the back and abdomen (e.g. after lipo 360). Some of the reasons I recommend it, are: it doesn´t move from place; It gives you uniform compression in abdomen and back. Besides, it doesn´t allow the formation of  skin irregularities, thanks to its structure. 360 foam is a hole unit that uses a Velcro fastening system in  the back. In addition, it adds extra compression (you can tight it as much as you want). If you can find it, it will be the best option to compress large areas such as abdomen and back.

Other type of foam I recommend is a lipo foam compression sheet.  Experts recommend lipo foam for the abdominal area after liposuction if 360 foam isn’t available.  Lipo foam works wonders in areas like the chin, arms, legs and upper back. 

Both 360 foam and Lipo foam help to:

• form a barrier between the garment and the skin,
•  prevent  sink burns, 
• avoid discomfort, marking, creasing and digging of the faja,
• apply uniform pressure on the skin reducing swelling and bruises,
• improve body shape generating a molding effect,
• provide even distribution of the fat cells, as a result, you will have better body shape and appearance.

3. Equipment

•  Ultrasound Therapy: 

Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues, generating heat and promoting circulation. In the management of fibrosis, ultrasound therapy helps to:

• reduce inflammation, 
• break down scar tissue, by promoting tissue relaxation and increasing the flexibility of collagen fibers, 
• aid in softening and reducing the density of the scar tissue, 
• improve range of motion, 
• reduce pain and stiffness. 

It’s important that  a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or physician,  treats you with ultrasound because these kind of specialist can assess the tissue and tailor the treatment according to your needs.

•  Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy

 Radiofrequency(RF)  therapy uses energy to heat the skin and underlying tissues, stimulating collagen production, and promoting skin tightening. This can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of fibrosis. South American surgeons recommend Monopolar radiofrequency to treat fibrosis. However, they use it only at the end of the proliferative phase of the healing. 

•  Cavitation

Cavitation ultrasound uses focused ultrasound waves.  Experts use it to soften the trapped adipose (fat) within the fibrotic tissue beneath the skin. This can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of fibrosis. Cavitation is only beneficial for the patient if introduced at the right stage of the healing. On the other hand, if used for prolonged time and the wrong settings, it could increase the production of fibrosis due to the nature of the ultrasound waves.   

4. Laser Therapy

Laser treatments stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.  Experts use different types of lasers according to the specific characteristics of the fibrosis. I haven’t used lessers yet in my post surgery treatments, so i can’t comment in this machine, but i know some surgeons recommended. 

5.Exercise 

Gentle exercises, including stretching and targeted movements, I always recommend to improve tissue flexibility and break down fibrous adhesions. 

6.Medications – Corticosteroid Injections

In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and soften fibrous tissue. This is typically used in cases where the fibrosis is more pronounced and  tissue didn’t respond to other treatments. Your surgeon is the only professional who can prescribe them.

7.Surgical Revision

In severe cases, surgical revision may be considered to address persistent irregularities. This involves additional surgery to remove or reposition excess fat, scar tissue  and reshape the treated area. Your surgeon will recommend this procedure just in extreme cases or when other treatments have failed.

 Please make sure you find a professional specialised in post-surgery after care as not all the equipment and techniques listed above can be used in each patient. In addition, not all the equipment can be used in the same appointment. A  well experienced professional will be able to combine the equipment and techniques based on your particular needs. 

Break down fibrosis: in short…

It is crucial to seek professional guidance from a specialized post-surgery  after care provider who can tailor a treatment plan based on individual needs. Early intervention and adherence to recommended protocol can effectively manage fibrosis post-surgery. Approximately 80% of fibrosis cases can be successfully treated with manual techniques and proper compression methods when overseen by a skilled post-surgery specialist.

For further information or inquiries about my treatments, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I´m dedicated to assisting you throughout your recovery journey.

I hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about my treatments , please contact me. You can find me in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. I´m always happy to help!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6968505/

https://pereaclinic.com/hard-lumps-after-liposuction-how-to-reduce-fibrosis-after-surgery/