Firstly, congratulations on making the decision to have cosmetic surgery! If you’ve already undergone your procedure — or if you’re still considering it — it’s helpful to understand what you can expect in terms of aftercare, particularly when it comes to lymphatic drainage massage (MLD).
Lymphatic drainage massage is often recommended by surgeons as part of the post-surgery recovery process to reduce swelling, promote healing, and improve overall comfort. Studies have shown that manual lymphatic drainage can significantly reduce postoperative oedema and fibrosis, contributing to faster and more comfortable recovery (Leduc et al., 2009). In this post, I’ll walk you through why MLD is beneficial, what happens during the treatment, and some key things to keep in mind throughout your recovery journey.
Working in Line with Your Surgeon’s Recommendations
As a massage therapist specializing in MLD, my priority is to work in line with your surgeon’s guidance regarding post-operative care. In most cases, you can begin lymphatic drainage massage around three days after surgery, with a typical recommendation of three sessions per week for at least three weeks. However, this varies depending on your procedure and your surgeon’s instructions.
In my professional experience, continuing MLD for up to 12 weeks can be highly beneficial, as the healing process extends well beyond the initial three-week period. Research suggests that consistent MLD can reduce the development of fibrosis and improve scar tissue quality (Bertelli et al., 2020).
Why Does Swelling Occur After Surgery?
Swelling after surgery is a completely normal and necessary part of your body’s healing process. It might seem counterintuitive, but inflammation is your body’s natural response to trauma. Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens:
- Increased blood flow: Following surgery, your body sends red blood cells and proteins to the area to begin the repair process. This causes initial swelling.
- Fluid accumulation: White blood cells flood the site to defend against infection, while fluid builds up to cushion and protect the area. This swelling also helps restrict movement, preventing further injury.
- Lymphatic system response: The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid and waste products from the affected area. However, after surgery, the system may become overwhelmed, resulting in visible swelling and discomfort.
A 2017 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that incorporating lymphatic drainage massage in the post-surgery recovery phase can reduce pain, swelling, and fibrosis, allowing for improved healing and cosmetic outcomes (Becker et al., 2017).
So Why Do We Want to Reduce Swelling?
While swelling is essential for healing, excess swelling can lead to discomfort, pain, and delayed recovery. This is where lymphatic drainage massage plays a critical role.
MLD uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to encourage the movement of excess fluid through the lymphatic system, helping your body process and excrete it naturally. Reducing swelling has several benefits:
- Reduced pain and tenderness after surgery.
- Decreased risk of fibrosis (a thickening or hardening of tissue under the skin).
- Improved scar appearance by encouraging healthy, flexible tissue.
- Enhanced overall healing by boosting circulation and reducing fluid build-up.
- Calming effects on your nervous system, especially following general anaesthesia or the physical stress of surgery.
A randomized controlled trial in 2021 (Aguiar et al., 2021) showed that MLD significantly reduced pain intensity and inflammation in patients following liposuction, indicating faster recovery times and improved comfort.
Things to Be Aware of Post-Surgery
Here are some important things to keep in mind as you navigate your recovery:
- Compression Garments
Your surgeon will likely recommend wearing a compression garment post-surgery. This helps minimize swelling, support your healing tissues, and optimize your surgical results.
However, if you notice your garment has become too tight or is causing numbness, pins and needles, or discoloured extremities, contact your surgeon immediately. You may need a slightly larger garment to accommodate unexpected swelling.
- Transportation After Surgery
After your procedure, you won’t be able to drive for a while. Ensure you have someone to drive you or arrange for a taxi or Uber. If using a taxi service, it’s worth letting the driver know you’ve had surgery so they can drive carefully over speed bumps and sharp corners.
- Fluid Intake and Electrolytes
After your MLD sessions, it’s important to stay hydrated. Sometimes, moving a large amount of fluid through the body can cause a slight detox effect, resulting in headaches or cold-like symptoms. To counteract this, ensure you’re drinking plenty of water and consider adding electrolytes to your water to maintain balance.
- Clinic Hygiene
Your therapist should prioritize hygiene to minimize the risk of infection. Expect to see:
- Fresh couch roll for every client.
- Clean, sanitized hands before and during treatment.
- Clear cleaning protocols for the treatment room.
Don’t hesitate to ask your therapist about their hygiene protocols if you have any concerns.
- Different Phases of Treatment
The approach to MLD will change as you progress through your recovery:
- Weeks 1-3: Very light pressure to avoid disturbing the healing tissue while promoting drainage.
- Weeks 4-8: Gradual increase in pressure, possibly incorporating light stretching and movement to encourage fluid movement.
- After 8 weeks: Depending on your comfort, treatment may become more vigorous to target any remaining fibrosis or scar tissue, promoting smooth and healthy skin.
This progressive approach ensures that your healing is supported at every stage.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from cosmetic surgery can feel overwhelming, but having the right aftercare plan can make a huge difference in your comfort and results. Lymphatic drainage massage is a safe, effective, and relaxing way to support your body’s natural healing process and help you achieve the best possible outcome from your surgery.
If you have any questions about MLD or would like to book a session, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m here to support you every step of the way on your recovery journey.
References:
- Leduc O, Leduc A, Bourgeois P, et al. (2009). Manual Lymphatic Drainage Efficacy in the Reduction of Postoperative Edema. Ann Plast Surg.
- Bertelli PV, Vieira R, et al. (2020). Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Postoperative Fibrosis Reduction: A Systematic Review. Clin Plast Surg.
- Becker A, Reynders-Frederix P, et al. (2017). The Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Postoperative Recovery. Plast Reconstr Surg.
- Aguiar D, Oliveira L, et al. (2021). Impact of Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Pain and Recovery Post-Liposuction. J Cosmet Dermatol.