Post-Surgery Lymphatic Drainage Massage
The lymphatic system is designed to remove toxins from your body. Sometimes a surgical procedure or health condition can impede this process and cause lymph fluid to accumulate in the fatty tissues under the skin and around the muscles.
To provide the best care possible and further support their surgical patients, NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Ashburn, Virginia, offers post-surgical lymphatic drainage massage for patients who have undergone surgery.
This service is performed by a professional massage therapist and can help absorb fluid after surgery and prevent certain surgical complications, like fibrosis. Lymphatic massage can also prevent lumps from forming after procedures such as liposuction.
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
The buildup of lymphatic fluid in the body can sometimes lead to lymphedema, a serious condition caused by an excessive buildup of fluid in the body.
Lymphatic drainage massage or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a special type of gentle massage used to alleviate or prevent painful swelling in the arms and legs due to lymphedema.
Even when severe lymphedema doesn’t develop, lymphatic fluid that has leaked into the body’s tissues can trigger or exacerbate a number of troublesome issues, some of which include:
- Bloating
- Brain fog
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Dry or itchy skin
- Fibromyalgia
- Lowered immunity
- Sinus infections
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight gain
This treatment is also highly beneficial for patients who have undergone a surgical procedure.
How Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Help Surgical Patients?
Pain Relief and Wound Healing
A manual lymph drainage massage can help relieve pain and is gentle enough to be performed within days of surgery. This massage also aids in healing by encouraging the lymph fluid to transport white blood cells to the surgical sites while reabsorbing excess fluid and removing waste from the body.
Scar Tissue and Fibrosis
Scar tissue is a chaotic mixture of collagen fibers that can sometimes lead to fibrosis, which causes reduced elasticity and range of motion. Scar tissue can disrupt proper lymph flow, which leads to edema. This process has been shown to be reversible if a MLD is performed within 21 days after surgery. It is also beneficial for liposuction patients to smooth out the lumpiness that can occur after the procedure.
Post-Surgical Manual Lymph Drainage in a Nutshell
- MLD can reduce edema (swelling) and pain
- Aids in scar tissue healing
- Remove waste from the surgical sites
- Promotes the circulation of white blood cells to assist the healing process
- Improves overall wellbeing and reduces stress caused by surgery
Who Are the Best Lymphatic Drainage Massage Candidates?
How Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Done?
Our dedicated therapist first confers with the surgeon about your unique case and then performs lymphatic drainage with a specialized two-step massage process:
- Clearing: Uses a specialized massage technique to release lymph fluid from the tissues
- Reabsorption: Helps move your lymphatic fluid into the lymph nodes, where it belongs
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
Patients are recommended to undergo a series of lymphatic drainage massages for optimum results.
While the frequency will vary depending on the type of surgery performed, most patients undergo between five and ten massages.
How Much Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Ashburn?
If you are a candidate for a lymphatic drainage massage, this service and its cost will be discussed during your consultation. It will either be included in the cost of your surgery (if you decide you want it) or charged separately if you choose this therapy after your surgery is completed.
What Is Recovery Like After Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Wear loose clothing to encourage the lymphatic system to work freely. You should be feeling better by the next day if you follow these additional recommendations:
- Avoid hot baths, spas, or jacuzzis until the next day
- Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours
- Drink plenty of water for 48 hours
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Don’t smoke
When Will I See My Lymphatic Drainage Massage Results?
- Improved your immunity
- Reduced fatigue, anxiety, and stress
- Better complexion
- Relief from chronic pain and migraines