A plastic surgeon might recommend post surgical lymphatic massage to help with your recovery following a cosmetic surgical procedure, like a tummy tuck or mommy makeover. These massages help reduce bruising and inflammation following surgery. They also help shorten the recovery period.
The lymphatic system is made up of a series of lymphatics, channels that run through the body and drain into larger lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is tasked with getting rid of waste, toxins, and other unwanted substances in the body. It also circulates a clear fluid called lymph throughout the body. Lymph contains white blood cells that help heal damaged tissues and fight off infection.
A lymphatic massage should not be confused with a traditional one. Traditional massages focus on the patient’s muscles, improving blood flow and promoting healing. A post surgical lymphatic massage focuses on the patient’s skin to improve the function of their lymphatic system.
Wave-like, rhythmic strokes are used to open and close lymphatics, enabling areas with excess fluid to drain out. A lymphatic massage also stimulates the nervous system, leading to relaxation. It can also help reduce muscle fatigue, bruising, swelling, and delayed onset muscle soreness.
Plastic surgery procedures like Brazilian butt lifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction disrupt a person’s lymphatic channels. It can take up to three months for new channels to form following such treatments. Adding lymphatic massages to the patient’s recovery programs can speed up the development of these new channels.
The massage can also improve the aesthetics derived from the treatment by reducing congestion in the areas worked on. It sends excess fluids into lymphatic nodes, where they can be removed from the body.
Lymphatic massages can also help prevent infection following surgery. Fluid congestion increases the risk of infection because it places pressure on stitched-up incision lines. Plastic surgeons often recommend these massages after any procedures that cause swelling as a side effect.
Patients who get plastic surgery typically start their lymphatic massages about two weeks after their surgery. About three to five massages per week are often recommended. The benefits of these massages include:
People with health conditions like a current infection, kidney or liver issues, a history of strokes or blood clots, or congestive heart failure are usually not good candidates for a lymphatic massage because it can cause complications.
Are you looking to speed up your recovery following plastic surgery? Give us a call or stop by our Schaumburg clinic to learn more about post surgical lymphatic massages.
Request an appointment here: https://paulcdillonmd.com or call Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc at (847) 429-3185 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.
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