The use of massage as an aid for post-surgical healing has increasingly become popular in the surgical community. One form of massage that is of particular interest to those who are considering cosmetic surgery is lymphatic drainage massage.
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a modality that offers a more holistic post-operative recovery solution. This form of massage therapy focuses on promoting healing by manually manipulating bodily fluids. The massage therapist will use rhythmic, gentle strokes to push lymph fluid throughout the body. The careful manipulation of the lymph system results in a reduction of toxins. The treatment can lessen recovery time, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation. Post-surgical lymphatic drainage massage is something that any potential client should consider as a necessary component to their cosmetic surgery.
Why Use Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Often, those who wish to undergo a cosmetic procedure worry about recovery. Specifically, most patients are concerned about pain, swelling, scar tissue, and aesthetic irregularities. Many patients think that these are concerns that do not have a solution. However, there is preliminary evidence that post-operative massage can address many of these issues and confer several essential benefits to the healing process. These positive elements include:
- Massages allow for better circulation of the blood
- Elimination of liquids that tend to accumulate after surgery
- Lessening of edema, or swelling due to fluid build up
- Reduction or possible disappearance of fibrosis
- Promotes a softened texture of the skin to ensure a better healing process
- Relieves pain and dramatically reduces inflammation
The reduction of inflammation alone is a significant help to increase healing. Anyone who undergoes surgery will experience varying levels of inflammation. Mitigation of inflammation is vital to health and an aesthetically pleasing recovery.
Furthermore, it is not yet 100 percent clear that this modality of massage alone is responsible for enhanced post-operative healing. There is a growing body of studies that suggest it though. It is always a good idea to consult with your physician to make sure that lymphatic drainage is right for you in a post-operative setting.
Incorporating Lymphatic Drainage Massage Into Your Post-Surgical Routine
If you are interested in the possible health benefits of lymphatic drainage massage, there are a few things to do first.
- Consult with your surgical team to make sure that massage therapy will be beneficial.
- Verify that the massage practitioner is a licensed massage therapist with certification in manual lymphatic drainage.
- Ensure that you follow instructions from your surgeon.
- Immediately report any discomfort or unusual changes to your physician.
Following these tips can significantly increase your chance of successfully utilizing lymphatic drainage massage as a healing tool.
In Summary
If you are planning to undergo a cosmetic surgical procedure, you should ask your surgeon about lymphatic drainage massage. Make sure to have a licensed massage therapist with experience in manual lymphatic drainage perform your bodywork therapy. The use of post-surgical massage therapy may seem unusual if you have never heard of the practice before. Nevertheless, lymphatic drainage massage is quickly becoming a mainstay in many contemporary medspa settings. It could be just what you need to get the best results and recovery from your procedure.
Are you interested in incorporating lymphatic drainage into your post-surgical routine? Ask the cosmetic surgery team at Hochstein Medspa about their use of post-operative massage. Call 786-802-6699 today to schedule your consultation.