Post Surgery Care in North London:How to reduce fibrosis after Cosmetic Surgery

Post Surgery Care in North London: Fibrosis is a natural part of the body’s healing process after cosmetic surgery. However, when fibrous tissue forms excessively, it can cause tightness, hardness, or unevenness in the treated area, one of the most common concerns for post-surgery patients. The good news is that with the right post-surgery care, including Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and proper compression garment wear, you can encourage healthy healing, reduce the appearance of fibrosis, and recover faster.

Starting MLD treatments as soon as your surgeon approves, wearing your compression garment 24/7, and ensuring the right compression level all help prevent fluid build-up and support smooth, even results.

What Is Fibrosis After Surgery?

After any surgery, your body begins repairing itself by producing collagen and new connective tissue. This process is driven by fibroblasts (the cells responsible for tissue regeneration and collagen production).

When fibroblast activity becomes excessive, fibrosis can develop. This creates hard, tight, or uneven areas under the skin where healing tissue forms.

Your body heals in stages:

Inflammation and coagulation start immediately after surgery.
Proliferation and remodelling can take weeks or months.

In simple terms, fibrosis after liposuction or cosmetic surgery may feel like firm lumps, hardness, or irregular texture under the skin. It may also cause mild pain or discolouration in the treated area.

What Increases the Risk of Excessive Fibrosis?

Fibrosis is a normal part of healing, but certain factors can overstimulate fibroblast activity and lead to excessive tissue build-up. Understanding these risks helps support smoother recovery:

Large treatment areas: More tissue handled means greater collagen production.
Poor lymphatic drainage: Trapped fluid and inflammation increase fibroblast activity.
Seromas: Fluid build-up under the skin can harden into fibrotic tissue if not drained.
Smoking: Reduces oxygen and slows healing, raising the risk of fibrosis.
Genetic factors: Some people naturally produce more collagen or thicker scars.
Incorrect compression: Uneven or tight garments can cause fluid retention.
Limited movement: Inactivity restricts lymph flow and delays recovery.
Infection or prolonged inflammation: Triggers excessive collagen response.
Poor hydration or nutrition: Slows repair and affects collagen balance.
Delayed post-surgery care: Skipping early MLD allows fluid and inflammation to linger.

Even though fibrosis is part of healing, early Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), proper compression, gentle movement, and healthy habits help prevent it from becoming excessive.

Common Signs of Fibrosis

Hard or thickened skin under or around the scar
Uneven or tight texture in the treated area
Localised tenderness or discomfort
Radiating or pulling sensations when stretching
Slight numbness or reduced sensitivity
Visible irregularities or dimples on the skin

How Is Fibrosis Identified?

The best way to identify fibrosis early is through palpation: gently feeling the treated area for firmness or unevenness.

When there’s too much swelling or fluid, fibrosis can be harder to feel because the excess fluid masks the firm tissue underneath. Starting Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) early helps reduce this fluid, allowing the tissue to heal properly and making early fibrosis easier to detect and treat.

For deeper or internal fibrosis, an ultrasound or (MRI) scan may be required.

Post surgery care in North London:The Best Treatments for Fibrosis After Surgery

Once fibrosis develops, combining different therapies gives the best results:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Ultrasound Therapy or Deep Oscillation
Myofascial Release & Stretching

MLD uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate lymph flow, reduce swelling, and ease tightness. After surgery, the lymphatic system can slow down, causing fluid retention and discomfort. Regular sessions help restore balance, soften fibrotic tissue, and support faster healing.

Our post-surgery care plans are tailored to your needs, helping reduce hardness, improve skin texture, and restore comfort for smoother, more even results.

Fibrosis post-surgery care in North London: Frequently Asked Questions

Can fibrosis go away on its own?
Mild fibrosis can soften naturally over time, but early treatment with MLD and complementary therapies speeds healing and improves results.

When should I start Manual Lymphatic Drainage after surgery?
You can usually begin within the first week post-surgery, once your surgeon approves. Starting early helps prevent fluid build-up and supports smoother recovery.

How many MLD sessions do I need?
Most patients benefit from several sessions per week initially, then taper down as swelling and firmness decrease. Your therapist will recommend a schedule based on your healing stage.

Is MLD safe after cosmetic surgery?
Yes, when performed by trained post-surgery specialists, MLD is gentle, safe, and designed to support the body’s natural healing response.