MANUAL LYMPHATIC MASSAGE AFTER LIPOSUCTION

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 Manual lymphatic drainage is often recommended by plastic surgeons during the healing stage after liposuction. This treatment helps with the healing process by improving the lymphatic flow which helps swelling. Additionally, it reduces the scar tissue by creating more skin flexibility and decreasing the chance of fibrosis and lumps.   

Liposuction is still an invasive procedure. It causes internal bleeding and damage to the lymphatic vessels. Many tunnels under the skin are created that act as reservoirs for the swelling to sit in. Lymphatic drainage massage helps to reduce the swelling and prevent fluid collection.   

The lymphatic drainage massage is very different from a traditional massage session as the therapist is working on the lymphatic system and the body fluid, not on the muscles. The treatments can be started as soon as 2-3 days post surgery, however its recommended to wait 7 days due to the initial pain and discomforts with moving and lying on the massage table

The purpose of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is to stimulate the lymphatic system to reduce swelling, increase skin flexibility, soothe irregularities and nodules. The areas that become hard with a lot of scar tissue, without MLD they become permanently tough and fibrotic.

Lymphatic drainage therapy will encourage your body fluids to move and drain. The fluids move through the lymphatic system further connecting with the blood stream, where everything is filtered by the kidneys and pee’d out. Its not unusual to feel the urge of having to go to the bathroom more than usual after the lymphatic drainage massage.

MLD is a very gentle technique using soft touch and light pump/skin stretch motions. The treatment involves working on the major lymph node groups located around the neck area, under the armpits and the inguinal area. As well as on the swelling directly. At Revive Zone the treatment takes 75 minutes or 105 minutes. You should experience feeling “lighter” with less tension on the skin. Depending on the situation, you might even see the swelling go down visibly. It’s better to do frequent massages early rather than 12 spread out of a long amount of time. 2-3 massages a week is great, rather than 1 every 2 weeks. Lymphatic drainage is non invasive with very little complications or contraindications.