After undergoing plastic surgery, every patient's goal is to recover quickly, especially after a body procedure like a mommy makeover, stomach tuck, or liposuction; this is why you may have been recommended post-surgical lymphatic massage. Feeling better means you can resume your normal activities, but you also want to see the effects of your operation sooner. In addition to rest, moderate exercise, and following your post-op instructions, post-surgical lymphatic massage can help you recover faster. This article explains what lymphatic massage is and how it may help you improve your plastic surgery results.
To fully comprehend the massage itself, it helps to know the lymphatic system and its functions. The lymphatic system is a group of tissues, veins, and organs that work together to keep the body's fluid level optimal, promote immunological function, and circulate blood. The lymphatic system transports lymph, a clear fluid containing proteins, fat cells, waste, and metabolized cells, throughout the body and filters it at lymph nodes.
As clean lymph flows back through the body, waste is eliminated. Excess fluids accumulate when the lymphatic system does not circulate lymph through the body. This results in edema and a puffy, unpleasant appearance.
Lymphatic drainage massage was created as a treatment for lymphedema, a disease in which fluids build up in the body after removing the lymph nodes. A skilled therapist can help the lymph move through the body with lymphatic massage, removing swelling and eliminating the excess fluid.
Swelling is one of the adverse effects of plastic surgery. The swelling is a typical inflammatory response and necessary for healing because the fluids flood the region to ensure it has enough supply of white blood cells. Swelling is common after body procedures, especially stomach tucks and liposuction, since extra fluid and fat cells solidify within a few weeks after surgery.
Lymphatic massage aids the movement of accumulated fluid back into the lymphatic channels, where waste and fluid may be expelled from the body. This reduces swelling and bruising while also preventing fibrosis, the formation of thick, fibrous scar tissue below the skin. Many physicians strongly encourage post-surgical lymphatic massage for their patients' comfort for the best possible results.
Patients who have undergone plastic surgery should begin with three to five massage sessions two weeks following the operation. The timing is perfect because the bruising will have healed, meaning the pain will be minimal. It is important to remember that lymphatic drainage massages are not advised for individuals with conditions such as congestive heart failure, past cases of blood clots or stroke, infection, and problems with the liver or kidneys.
The following are some frequently asked questions about lymphatic massage:
No. A Lymphatic massage does not cause any discomfort. Lymphatic drainage conducted by someone who is not adequately trained in the technique might cause pain. Even shortly after plastic surgery, lymphatic massage is mild and calming if correctly done.
Many surgeons suggest that their patients have lymphatic drainage to complement the recovery process, preferably within the first several days after surgery. Lymphatic drainage helps prevent and reduce the accumulation of fluids and scar tissue. Patients are advised to get their drainage tubes removed before coming for their appointment.
The number of required sessions depends on the kind of surgery and how extensive it was. For the first one to four weeks, most doctors will advise patients to attend two to three sessions each week. Liposuction procedures that extensively affect the lymphatic system may need many weeks or even months of post-surgery lymphatic recovery.
The procedure may not be the best option for all patients. It is best to use lymphatic drainage if you are dealing with a large amount of edema or fluid buildup that is difficult to remove. Those who have difficulty using compression garments or do not utilize them properly are more likely to have difficulties. Patients who cannot follow their surgeon's precise post-surgical instructions should not consider manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).
Expertise is essential in any therapy, so it is important to consult only a qualified massage therapist for the procedure. Also, before scheduling a series of post-surgical lymphatic massages, check with the plastic surgeon to ensure that they can help you with your post-operative plan. If you have additional questions, book an appointment today.
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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