Boost Healing and Reduce Swelling with Manual Lymphatic Massage
Post-operative lymphatic massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is often recommended after surgery to reduce swelling, minimize scarring, and promote healing. This non-invasive technique has helped countless patients recover faster after surgery and eases the worries of post-surgery appearance.
MLD can be of great benefit to patients who’ve had cosmetic surgery procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast augmentation. These procedures disrupt the skin’s lymphatic channels, which are key to recovery. Manual lymphatic massage can help speed up the formation of new lymphatic channels, which can greatly improve appearance while the body is healing.
General Guidelines When Considering Manual Lymphatic Massage
Here are some general protocols and guidelines, but please remember that individual needs and conditions may vary, so it’s essential to follow the advice of a healthcare professional familiar with your specific situation. Typically, this would be your surgeon.
- Consult with Your Surgeon: Always consult your surgeon or healthcare provider before beginning lymphatic massage to ensure it is appropriate for your condition and timing post-surgery.
- Timing: Lymphatic massage is usually recommended once the initial healing phase is over, typically a few days to a week after surgery, depending on your doctor’s advice.
- Frequency and Duration: Sessions generally start at 2-3 times per week and gradually decrease as swelling decreases. Each session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
We offer a free consultation if surgery is done at Quintessa. If surgery is done somewhere else, we would require a $50 consult fee to review what was done, and those appointments would be an hour. Pricing varies depending on the patient’s requirements. As an overall general price guideline, please consult the following:
- MLD Full Body (75 min) – $200
- MLD Facial (20 min) – $75
- MLD Post Surgical (45 min)- $160
Absolute contraindications for scheduling any MLD would be acute infection (cellulitis), renal failure, heart failure, acute DVT, and acute bronchitis.
What To Expect From a Manual Lymphatic Massage: Protocols
You’ll begin your lymphatic massage lying in a comfortable position and setting. Before starting, one of MyQuintessa’s experienced lymphatic massage therapists will answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Depending on your specific surgery, the lymphatic massage techniques could differ slightly. Your therapist will use one of the following methods or a combination of them. The massage is painless; however, it’s important to listen to your body and let the therapist know if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort.
The most common manual lymphatic massage techniques include:
Effleurage
Uses gentle, sweeping motions to warm up the area and stimulate the lymphatic system.
Stationary Circles
Applying light pressure with the fingertips, making small circular movements on the skin.
Pump Technique
Using the palms and fingers to gently stretch the skin in a rhythmic pumping motion, directing fluid toward the lymph nodes.
Scooping
With the hands in a cupped position, gently scoop along the skin, encouraging lymph flow toward the nodes.
Since the lymphatic vessels are located just beneath the skin, your massage therapist will use very light pressure, which some patients find comforting. We encourage patients to hydrate before and after the massage, as it will help flush toxins from the body.
The Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Massage
As part of your post-operative care, manual lymphatic massage has many benefits. This specialized massage technique helps move lymph fluid in the body. Invasive surgical procedures can disrupt the body’s lymphatic system, and using this technique afterward can help the healing process and improve your appearance.
The post-surgical benefits of manual lymphatic massage include:
Swelling reduction
Tummy tucks, liposuction, and other cosmetic procedures can cause the body to retain fluids. This swelling can be reduced with MLD.
Accelerates healing
This post-operative technique may help to shorten healing times by improving blood circulation to the affected body area.
Pain reduction
By reducing swelling and pressure, many patients report a reduction in pain after manual lymphatic massage.
Minimizes bruising
This gentle massage technique can help reduce bruising by moving blood trapped in tissues, allowing you to see the results of your procedure much more quickly.
Helps to reduce risks of complications
By promoting better blood circulation and reducing the build up of fluids, manual lymphatic massage can help to reduce post-operative complications.
Relaxation
Many patients find the technique to be quite pleasant. While it may feel like a pampering session, manual lymphatic massage is an effective and essential part of your post-operative recovery.
Manual lymphatic massage is a safe and effective post-operative procedure we highly recommend after any invasive surgical procedure. Our body’s lymphatic system is crucial for healing. Many types of surgical procedures can damage the lymphatic system, which, in turn, can slow down the healing process. However, this massage technique can help the lymphatic system recover while also greatly reducing inflammation in the area where surgery was performed.
What Types of Procedures Work Best With Manual Lymphatic Massage?
As part of your post-operative care, manual lymphatic massage has many benefits. This specialized massage technique helps move lymph fluid in the body. Invasive surgical procedures can disrupt the body’s lymphatic system, and using this technique afterward can help the healing process and improve your appearance.
Contact MyQuintessa to Learn More About Manual Lymphatic Massage
MyQuintessa is dedicated to ensuring that you look and feel your best. After an invasive procedure like a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, bruising and swelling are a natural occurrence. However, to help quicken the recovery process and improve your appearance, we recommend adding manual lymphatic massage to your recovery plan.
Speak with one of our experts today and learn if this relaxing and healing technique is right for you.
Reviews
Last week I went to Quintessa Wellness. After explaining to Jess, the PA the results I was looking for, she suggested the “Radiance” IV. I was taken to a private room for IV placement. IV placement was painless. I was escorted to a beautiful area full of windows. The chairs are extremely comfortable. The IV was hooked up and I was able to relax. I was checked on often. I will definitely be visiting again soon!
I had such a wonderful experience visiting the Wellness Center at Quintessa in Brookfield. I met with Jess and she made me feel comfortable right from the start. I was amazed at what they had to offer, from hormone therapy to IV therapy to medical weight loss! I walked out excited to start my journey to be healthier inside and out.
Why Choose Quintessa Wellness
The Quintessa Wellness Center and Medical Spa of Brookfield, WI is committed to excellent standards in patient experience, customized treatments, and personalized support through every step of your journey. Our health and wellness specialists are experienced in providing unique treatment and lifestyle recommendations for a variety of concerns, including anti-aging, weight loss, nutrition, vitamin injections, IV drip therapy, peptides, and hormone therapy.
Experience a healthier and more energetic lifestyle today. Get in touch with us to start your journey to a healthier life.