Post-Surgery Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage accelerates recovery and healing after any type of surgery including tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift or breast enhancement or DIEP breast reconstruction.
I often receive recommendations and referrals from surgeons for post-surgery lymphatic drainage massage because of the many advantages it is for post-op recovery and healing.
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.
Why is manual lymphatic drainage beneficial after plastic surgery?
After surgery there is a requirement for specific aftercare during the postoperative period to help aid recovery. Lymphatic drainage is now seen as an essential process after any surgical procedure.
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.
As a therapeutic massage practitioner I work both directly with women following DIEP breast reconstruction and with a number of specialists who refer to me their patients for specialised post-surgical care.
How can massage support DIEP recovery?
Massage has a number of incredible benefits for women following DIEP surgery. As it is versatile and non-invasive with no side-effects, it’s accessible to most patients and can have a significant impact on wellbeing and quality of life as you recover.
One of the main ways massage supports the body post-DIEP surgery is through the stimulation of the lymphatic system, which drains away excess fluid and toxins to promote cleaner, smoother healing and recovery of the tissues and skin. It also helps to reduce swelling, pain and discomfort in the area which can in turn minimise the amount of painkillers and drugs needed to manage your symptoms after surgery.
On an emotional level massage can also help you to better reconnect with your body and your new breast, as well as promoting deep relaxation and calm to support your mental health as you recover.
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:
- Enhanced lymphatic drainage
- Softening of scar tissue
- Increased mobility
- Prevention of excess scar tissue development
- Reduced appearance of scars
- Regeneration of tissues
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.
Improved self-esteem and stress reduction
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lymphatic drainage massage can provide benefits after any type of plastic surgery including tummy tuck, Liposuction, facelift or breast enhancement.