01 Aug Lymphatic Drainage Massage Post-Plastic Surgery
Lymphatic drainage massage has many incredible benefits – both medical and cosmetic. But one area where it is still not as well-known is massage after plastic surgery, and the ways in which it can promote faster healing of skin and tissue, increased mobility and enhanced wellbeing post-procedure.
What is lymphatic drainage massage, and how does it work?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a specific type of specialist massage, designed to help ease the flow of lymph fluid through the body. Lymph carries toxins and waste products to be disposed of, a system that can be interrupted post-surgery – so lymphatic massage supports the body’s natural detoxification and elimination processes.
Although this type of massage sounds as though it might be deep and intense, it is a very light and gentle procedure characterised by repetitive rotating movements designed to slowly and effectively support the body’s own waste management and disposal system, making it a perfect post-surgery treatment. This means that it can be performed within weeks of surgery to ensure we’re supporting the body right away following your procedure.
Why is lymphatic drainage massage useful post-surgery?
Lymphatic drainage massage is suitable after most types of surgery – but it really comes into its own after plastic surgery procedures which tend to be more invasive and complex, involving different types of healing within the body. This is because it supports the body’s healing processes in a number of different ways:
- Cleansing extracellular spaces within tissues where cellular debris and old red blood cells can become trapped, causing excessive bruising
- Increasing the mobility of lymph fluid around the body, to remove harmful toxins and filter waste, excess fluids, viruses and bacteria
- Increasing production of lymphocytes (white blood cells) which helps to heal cuts and damaged tissue, supporting the recovery process
- Decongesting lymph nodes to reduce swelling, inflammation and discomfort in the body and at the site of surgery
Plastic surgery procedures that can benefit the most from lymphatic drainage massage include liposuction, tummy tuck, breast surgery, Brazilian Butt Lift and implants. It can also be useful before surgery as well as afterwards, to prepare the treatment area prior to a procedure.
Benefits of lymphatic drainage massage after plastic surgery
There are numerous benefits associated with lymphatic drainage after any surgical procedure. For plastic surgery, many of the common concerns patients experience in the weeks and months following their procedure can be addressed with regular massage.
Typically I’ll recommend a short course of treatments between 5 and 12 weeks for best results, depending on which type of surgery you have had and your current concerns. Each treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs, as each patient is different and has a different healing process.
Some of the most transformative benefits of lymphatic drainage massage following plastic surgery include:
- Reduced bruising around the site of surgery
- Reduced swelling and inflammation
- Elimination of fluids and water retention
- Smoother, more supple skin
- Reduction in pain, soreness and tenderness following surgery
- Greater flexibility and a reduction in stiffness
- Softening of scar tissue and swifter scar healing
- Treatment of post-surgical lymphedema
Lymphatic drainage massage at McKenzie Remedial Massage
My passion as a therapeutic massage practitioner is to support patients with a variety of tailored treatments suited to their needs. Using specialist techniques like lymphatic drainage, we can significantly improve and speed up the healing process post-surgery and enhance results so that you can look and feel your best again. I combine my clinical treatments with relaxation techniques for a truly holistic and healing experience.