Post-Op Massage - Lymphatic Drainage
WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE & WHY DO I NEED IT?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) is a specialized gentle massage technique that is recommended by plastic surgeons after liposuction that encourages lymph flow in the body. It is good for detoxification, edema, pre- and post-plastic surgery and post-liposuction. It can also help with cellulite treatments, scar tissue, spider veins, redness, acne, it supports the body’s immune system, helps the body heal from surgery, and aids in the body’s natural waste removal or detoxification.
Some patients will experience lumpiness to the areas affected with liposuction. This is normal for most patients after surgery. The lumpiness is caused by inflammation and trauma from the surgical instrument that is used under the skin to extract the fatty tissue. The tunnels and channels which are created by the surgical instrument will fill with fluid and become swollen with both fluid and left-over fat. This fluid and left-over fat tends to begin to harden between one week and three weeks after surgery. LDM will help move the fluid by gently pushing back into the lymph passages.
It’s been advised by doctors that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. LDM ensures you achieve the best desired results after the surgery.
Since every patient is different, most doctors advise their patients to begin their LDM treatment after the 2th or 3th day after surgery to obtain the best, and fastest, results.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT LYMPH?
Lymph is a clear fluid that runs through the lymph vessels of our body. Lymph is composed of: water, minerals, organic substances, proteins, leukocytes, among other cell types that help defend the body in any area of the body.
It is extremely important that each individual is aware how important lymphatic drainage massages are to obtain the desired results of the surgery to which they have submitted themselves. These massages are those that are required after a liposculpture, tummy tuck, breast reduction/augmentation as well as liposuction in any other part of the body.
The purpose of these lymphatic drainage massages is to eliminate liquid that tends to accumulate and harden forming into a fibrosis.
Fibrosis is the name given to those little balls and lumps that you feel forming under your skin about one to two weeks after a surgical procedure. These massages also allow for better circulation of the blood, they reduce the edema and they work with texure of your skin to ensure a better healing process.
Lymphatic Drainage is a therapeutic procedure designed specifically to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Any person that submits themselves to a cosmetic surgical procedure will experience great levels of inflammation as a side-effect of the work performed in that area. The process of lymphatic drainage allows for your body the release that liquid accumulated under the skin and in turn your healing time reduces and pain diminishes.
Lymphatic drainage massages should only be performed by licensed and experienced massage therapists. We can ensure you that our center is equipped the proper technology needed for these massages and with the adequate personnel to make you feel comfortable in your body again.
