07 Nov How can lymphatic drainage massage speed up recovery post-surgery?
Over the past year I’ve received more recommendations and referrals from plastic surgeons than ever before. As an integrative massage therapist, there are both clinical and holistic elements and benefits to my treatments.
Lymphatic drainage massage is one such treatment that can be deeply relaxing, but also brings about some remarkable physical benefits and most specifically accelerates recovery, comfort and healing after surgery.
What I’m asked for most often from the surgeons who refer to me is simple and easy-to-digest information on postoperative lymphatic drainage massage and its benefits for their patients – so I’ve put together this comprehensive guide for anyone considering lymphatic drainage massage following surgery.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing a more in-depth look at how lymphatic drainage massage supports post-surgical recovery and why it is becoming an essential aftercare recommendation amongst cosmetic surgeons, as well as answering some commonly asked questions.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Also known as Lymph Drainage or Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, this non-invasive and gentle therapy is highly effective when supporting the body at all stages of recovery following surgery, as well as helping to deal with lymphedema and swelling, water retention and weight management.
Working with the body’s lymph system which aids with the processing and disposal of toxins, lymphatic drainage massage helps to move fluid by gently using targeted flowing movements back into the lymph vessels, reducing swelling, retention of water and pain.
Why is Manual Lymphatic Drainage beneficial after plastic surgery?
After any type of surgery there is a requirement for specific aftercare during the postoperative period to help aid recovery. Patients understandably want to be able to benefit from therapies that can reduce healing time and accelerate their recovery after surgery, as well as improving results.
Lymphatic drainage is now seen as an essential process after any surgical procedure, including plastic surgery. Following any type of surgery, higher volumes of fluid pass through the blood vessel walls – and channels that help with the natural flow of lymph are temporarily damaged. For this reason lymphatic drainage becomes very important to promote the flow of liquids and toxins from the body, reducing swelling and preventing localised accumulation of liquid. In addition, lymphatic drainage helps reduce wound healing time and stimulates circulation throughout the entire body.
Because lymphatic drainage massage works with the body’s own detoxification system and tissues, it is highly beneficial following cosmetic surgery. This is because any surgery involves some trauma to the body – so it’s normal to experience hardness, water retention, swelling, hematoma or lumpiness around the affected areas. Post-surgical lymphedema is also common after liposuction in particular, triggered by inflammation and trauma from removing fat.
How does post-operative lymphatic drainage work?
Lymphatic drainage can be carried out manually or mechanically – manual lymphatic drainage is much more common and non-invasive.
Performed by a qualified professional, it involves gentle and slow hand movements working in harmony with the lymph system. Post-surgery the entire operated area can be massaged, in addition to specific points that activate the lymph nodes. Post-operative lymphatic drainage in particular is a type of massage that ‘pushes’ fluid towards the lymph nodes. When we increase the volume and speed of the lymph flow to be transported by the lymphatic vessels and ducts, fluids are redirected into the blood, filtered by the kidneys, and eliminated from the body through the urine.
Advantages of Post-operative Lymphatic Drainage
As a complimentary therapy which optimises surgical results, especially after cosmetic procedures, lymphatic drainage massage offers a variety of benefits.
- Improved blood circulation
Lymphatic drainage stimulates blood circulation, which in turn supports the activation of the immune system and faster healing. - Activation of the immune system
Increasing the production of antibodies that help fight infections. - Accelerated healing
Lymphatic drainage is well-known for its ability to reduce oedema and faster healing of body tissues after surgery. - Decreased pain
Lymphatic drainage massage also helps to reduce swelling and pain caused by fluid retention. drain liquids and toxins to the lymph nodes. Muscle pain and injuries can also be reduced through enhanced muscle tone. - Reduction of bruising
Bruises are natural post-surgery – an accumulation of cellular debris and old red blood cells in the tissue. Through lymphatic drainage massage we can significantly reduce healing time for bruises by cleansing the extracellular spaces where these substances are trapped. - Prevention and treatment of fibrosis
Postoperative lymphatic drainage encourages the proper regeneration of fibres within scar tissue, preventing the scar from sticking together. This is very important especially for patients who have had liposuction and abdominoplasty, as lymphatic drainage helps to prevent fibrosis and treat it. - Elimination of toxins
The lymphatic system naturally helps the body to eliminate toxins. This happens thanks to the transport of liquids to the lymph nodes, making the process more efficient. - Improves self-esteem
Lymphatic drainage massage helps to shape and sculpt the body. This can further enhance the results of plastic surgery, especially weight loss treatments.
Postoperative Lymphatic Drainage FAQs
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you require will depend on your unique circumstances and objectives. As well as treatments post-surgery, starting massage prior to the procedure taking place can also be beneficial. Most plastic surgeons recommend MLD after surgery – but it makes a significant difference before a procedure, too, as it helps to filter waste and toxins, excess of fluid, viruses and bacteria preventing any infection. Lymphatic drainage will also increase the production of lymphocyte production (white blood cells), helping to heal cuts and damaged tissue faster.
For a circulation boost (if you have poor blood flow, smoke, or simply need additional support) I recommend three sessions prior to surgery. I normally recommend between 5 to 12 sessions following surgery depending on the area to be treated, the procedure and the recovery process, which varies from person to person. Patients who have multiple procedures at the same time (such as liposuction and a tummy tuck, or liposuction and a buttock enhancement; Brazilian Butt Lift) may need more sessions than someone who only gets one procedure.
How often can I have lymphatic drainage massage?
The frequency of treatments will again depend on your unique healing journey and the type of surgery you have had. I recommend one session once a week initially to reduce inflammation and the elimination of fluids from the body.
How soon can I have my first Manual lymphatic drainage after the surgery?
The sooner you start your drainage the better following surgery. I normally recommend having your first treatment 7 days after surgery, as this type of massage is gentle and starting early can drastically reduce the appearance of bruises and swelling as well as addressing stiffness, pain, scars, lumps, bumps and soreness that often occur after surgery.
The healing process after surgical procedures is between 3 to 6 months – so if it has been over a month since your procedure you can still access the benefits of this treatment, but you won’t get the same results as if you had your drainage in the first week.
Do I need a referral for MLD?
You don’t need a referral from your surgeon in order to access a lymphatic drainage treatment, although many doctors will happily provide one where needed.
What type of surgery is it recommended for?
Lymphatic drainage massage can provide benefits after any type of plastic surgery including tummy tuck, Liposuction, facelift or breast enhancement.