Manual Lymphatic Drainage

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD) AFTER MY PROCEDURE?

MLD massages significantly speed up the entire recovery process, reduce swelling & inflammation and flush excess waste.
Without MLD, it takes 9-18 months for post-operative swelling and fibrosis to go away. With MLD it takes 3 weeks to 6 months on average for patients to eliminate any swelling and fibrosis completely.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST MANUAL LYMPHATIC MASSAGE (MLD)?

MLD does not require any special preparation by the patient, but it is extremely important that you:

1. Consult with your surgeon/physician – they will tell you the best time to begin massages based on your specific procedure in order to maximize results
2. Hydrate – it is so important to drink a lot of water before your massage to ensure fluid and tissue can be flushed from your lymphatic system
3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing – to ensure easy removal and redressing, as well as access to your incisions, scars etc…

WHEN IS LYMPHATIC MASSAGE MOST EFFECTIVE?

Due to its versatile nature, a lymphatic massage can help almost anyone at any stage of your plastic surgery recovery. By focusing on specific treatment areas, we assist your body to heal quickly.
As for timing, there is no universal rule for lymphatic massages. Depending on the specifics of your procedure (duration, scope, treatment area, medical information, level of post-op swelling), we will work with you to determine individual regimen to maximize your results. Generally, the earlier you start, with approval from your surgeon, the easier and quicker the recovery

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE REALLY LIKE?

All Manual Lymphatic drainage sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
You will lie on the table and your massage therapist will apply moderate pressure to the surface of your skin, focusing on surrounding surgical areas where there is a lot of fluid retention. You may even feel the fluid moving beneath your skin, as your therapist navigates it out of your lymphatic system

IS IT POSSIBLE TO PERFORM LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE ON MYSELF AT HOME?

While technically it is possible, we do not recommend performing lymphatic massages on yourself at home. Not because we don’t believe you can, but because you might not feel the same effect afterword and it does play an important role in your post-operative recovery
There are over 600 lymph nodes in the human body, and our therapists are trained on the entire lymphatic system and how to most effectively drain excess fluid. Performing the proper lymphatic drainage required:

– Knowledge of lymphatic system, the clutter points and exit pathways
– Understanding the underlying post-op tissue and fluid build-ups in order to remove them
– Expertise with the massage itself in order to apply the correct amount of pressure to the right places
– Identify and prevent scar tissue and fibrosis

WHAT ARE SOME STEPS I CAN TAKE AFTER MY SESSION TO MAXIMIZE MY RESULTS?

– drink a lot of water, at least 2 liters is recommended
– keep a diet high in protein and less in simple carbohydrates
– get enough rest and sleep
– dry skin brushing to detoxify skin and increase blood circulation (not recommended for post-op patients)
– reduce alcohol intake

**Our services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We highly recommend consulting with your physician prior to receiving any of our services. By booking your appointment, you are acknowledging you are responsible for your own health decision.**