All about Post Liposuction Lymphatic Drainage

Introducing Post Liposuction Lymphatic Drainage: why it is so important.

The period following a surgical operation is very delicate. Special care must be taken of the treated areas to avoid possible side effects such as swelling, stiffness, keloids, etc. For this reason, post liposuction lymphatic drainage is recommended immediately after surgery.

What happens to our body after an operation?

All cosmetic surgeries produce swelling to some extent because it is part of the body’s normal healing process. Some cosmetic surgeries, such as liposuction and abdominoplasty, disrupt the natural pathways followed by the lymphatic system. Other regions of the body, such as the nose after rhinoplasty, produce swelling that can last for a long time, even up to a year. Other cosmetic procedures affecting the face can also produce months of swelling. However, abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures are usually the cosmetic surgeries with the greatest amount of lymphatic swelling.

Why is post liposuction lymphatic drainage massage important?

A functioning lymphatic system is essential for regenerating tissues, draining fluids, filtering toxins and maintaining a healthy immune system. The lymphatic system is complex. It is composed primarily of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels that work together to achieve these goals. The lymph itself carries fatty acids, hormone cells, immune cells, proteins and toxins to be processed by the lymph nodes. When the body is under stress, fatigued, fighting a disease process or infections, or recovering from surgery, the process can slow down.

The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include improved skin, body and facial quality. The skin looks younger and more alive when its cells are immersed in fluid, as when lymph flows.

How the lymphatic system works

The lymphatic system plays a key role in our immune system. It helps the body get rid of excess fluids in the tissues and transports water, proteins, fats and toxins to the lymph nodes. Once these “wastes” have been processed and cleansed, the lymphatic fluid returns to the venous system. By knowing the different elements that make up this complex system, it is easier to understand the benefits of lymphatic drainage.

Lymphatic vessels

The lymphatic vessels form a network that runs parallel to the body’s vascular system, which transports blood throughout the body. The function of these vessels is to transport lymph throughout the body from the tissues to the lymph nodes.

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Lymph, also called lymphatic fluid, is a whitish liquid similar in composition to blood plasma. It is involved in the elimination of waste from our body and also in immune surveillance. Its function is to transport toxins in the body to the lymph nodes, organs that filter harmful substances and wastes.

Lymphoid organs

These organs can be divided into two categories: primary lymphoid organs and secondary lymphoid organs.

Primary lymphoid organs: These are the bone marrow and thymus. These organs produce lymphocytes (also known as white blood cells), which are responsible for immune responses.

Secondary lymphoid organs: These include the spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes. These are the sentinels of the body, as they are where lymphocytes migrate to defend the body and protect it from foreign bodies.

Lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are found in specific areas of the body. They also act as purifiers, filtering waste carried by the sap. In total, there are more than 800 lymph nodes in the human body!

What is post liposuction lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic massage is a massage technique devised in the 1930s by Emil and Estrid Vodder to stimulate lymphatic flow. It is used for medical or cosmetic purposes. This method is based on slow and gentle movements, performed in the direction of lymphatic circulation with variations in pressure. It is a massage technique that acts on the lymphatic vessels to eliminate swelling, edema and cellulite. It also promotes lymphatic drainage in the lymphatic system, which helps eliminate waste substances and toxins from the body tissues.

How does lymphatic drainage massage work after cosmetic surgery?

The lymphatic massage technique helps reduce swelling and improve aesthetic results by reducing tissue congestion. The masseuse will push excess lymphatic fluid to the discharge points, so that it can be absorbed more quickly by the body. And this can also help prevent infection. When lymphatic congestion is present, infection is a much greater risk and you may have trouble healing due to tissue swelling. Since all types of surgeries cause swelling, everyone can benefit.

Looking for a post liposuction lymphatic drainage massage? Call now (+34) 93 832 20 22 for a free consultation!

Who performs postoperative lymphatic drainage massage?

To be really effective, this type of massage must be performed by expert personnel properly trained in manipulation techniques. Above all, the person must have an excellent preparation on the lymphatic system and on the areas on which to act to promote the drainage of liquids.

For whom is lymphatic drainage massage indicated?

This massage technique is especially useful in the following cases:

Primary and secondary lymphedema

Traumas: bruises, sprains, muscle tears, joint dislocations, tendon injuries, ligament injuries.

Sudek’s syndrome

Surgical scars

Rheumatologic conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, Bechterew’s disease…)

arthrosis

Arthropathies (Gout, Psoriatic Arthropathy, Diabetic Arthropathy…)

Systemic connective tissue diseases (lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis…).

Bunions

Periarthritis

Osteoporosis

Low back pain

Cervical pain

Local edema in CNS and peripheral nerves (Stroke, Migraine, Headache, Ménières Syndrome, Tinnitus, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Down Syndrome, Infantile Cerebral Palsy).

Venous edema

Post-thrombotic syndrome

Local chronic inflammations of the respiratory tract (chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis).

Constipation and ulcerative colitis

Dermatological diseases (acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, chronic allergic eczema).

Stress

Idiopathic cyclic edema

Cellulite

The lymphatic drainage massage is indicated for all people who want to reduce swelling of legs and abdomen, combat cellulite and localized fat. Those who have undergone surgery and want to promote healing to prevent the formation of keloids.

Not suitable for those who have problems with:

High pressure

Ongoing infections

Asthma

Heart problems

febrile states

Unstabilized neoplasms

How long does one have to wait after surgery to start lymphatic drainage?

It is recommended that patients undergoing surgeries such as: liposuction, abdominoplasty, etc., start with at least 5 massage sessions starting 1-2 weeks after the procedure.

What are the benefits of post liposuction lymphatic drainage?

Improves blood and lymphatic circulation.

Promotes tissue regeneration.

Reduces the risk of infection (cleansing action).

Detoxify the body.

Visibly reduces cellulite and tightens the skin.

Combats water retention.

Combats stress (relaxing and sedative effect).

Duration and frequency of lymphatic drainage massages

The lymphatic drainage massage must necessarily be performed on a maximum of two regions of the body per session, so as not to overload the lymphatic system. To obtain good results, 8 to 10 massages are needed. The benefits will already be felt in the treated areas from the first ones and they will be visibly less swollen.