Introduction: Liposuction Massage
Liposuction massage is a critical component of your liposuction journey. Following the removal of fat from your body, it is critical to manage your postoperative swelling, medically termed edema. The first step to managing your neck swelling is placing you in size-appropriate compression garments with customized foam in-lays as well as serial liposuction massages.
Compression garment
A properly fitted compression garment will serve to limit the amount of swelling throughout the first two weeks following surgery. Swelling is most significant during the early days of surgery and can compromise your results if not controlled. This is especially true in patients who undergo high-definition liposuction with the unveiling of muscle highlights. If swelling is not controlled, it can efface all of the muscle highlights. The wearing of customized compression garments is so critical, that patients are often downsized in their garment size throughout the two weeks as their edema resolves. Foam inlays must also be kept clean during this process and may be remade for them if they become heavily blood-stained.
Liposuction massage regimen
Liposuction massage will provide the second armamentarium against swelling. This includes serial lymphatic messages performed by our master lymphatic masseuses. Each lymphatic massage will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the extent of your liposuction. The goals of the lymphatic massage are severalfold and include encouraging drainage of soft tissue fluid through drains that are routinely employed or through lymphatic nodal basins as well as to keep muscle highlights defined.
Soft tissue fluid accumulates in the early postoperative period due to leaky capillaries that occur following surgery. This leakage of fluid is termed third spacing and is more aggressive over the first three days following surgery. This is why we advocate a session of the lymphatic message the very next day following surgery. This also allows us to inspect your body to make sure that everything is going well. Patients are then asked to undergo anywhere from 4 to 8 messages spaced out every day or every other day to accommodate our patient’s schedule.
Liposuction massage is not a conventional massage but focused on promoting lymphatic drainage of the soft tissue edema. Lymphatic massage drainage requires intimate knowledge of nodal basins and specialized training. In addition, drains that are externalized are used to accentuate soft tissue fluid removal and are typically retained for 8 to 12 days following surgery.
Enhancing Recovery After Liposuction: The Role of Lymphatic Drainage Liposuction Massage
Introduction to Post-Liposuction Care
Liposuction is a widely performed cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat from various parts of the body. Post-operative care is crucial for optimal recovery and results. Among the recommended practices is lymphatic drainage massage, which plays a vital role in speeding up recovery and enhancing the outcomes of the surgery.
Understanding the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system, consisting of lymphatics and lymph nodes, is responsible for eliminating toxins, waste, and unwanted materials from the body. It also helps in transporting lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells, to aid in fighting infections.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage: A Key Post-Lipo Therapy
Lymphatic drainage liposuction massage is a specialized technique that differs significantly from regular massages. Unlike regular massages that target muscles, lymphatic massages focus on the skin to boost the lymphatic system’s efficiency. This technique involves long, rhythmic, wave-like strokes that open and shut the lymphatics, promoting the movement of lymph through the vessels. An appropriate rhythm in lymphatic massage also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, aiding in relaxation and reducing the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness, swelling, muscular fatigue, weakness, and pain.
Benefits of Post-Operative Lymphatic Massage
Post-surgical lymphatic drainage is particularly beneficial following procedures like liposuction. It helps to reduce swelling and improve aesthetic results by decreasing tissue congestion. The massage technique facilitates the movement of excess fluid toward lymphatic tissues for quicker absorption by the body, thereby reducing the risk of infection and aiding in the healing process. This form of massage is not only beneficial for body procedures but also for patients undergoing facial surgeries, as all types of surgeries can result in swelling.
Scheduling Lymphatic Massages Post-Liposuction
It is generally recommended for patients who have undergone surgeries like liposuction to start with three to five lymphatic massage sessions, beginning two weeks after the procedure. This timing is ideal as the bruising will have subsided, making the process less painful.
Precautions and Contraindications
However, lymphatic drainage liposuction massage is not recommended for patients with certain medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, a history of blood clots or stroke, current infections, or liver or kidney problems. It is essential to consult with the surgeon or a medical professional before starting a series of lymphatic drainage massages to ensure they align with the patient’s post-operative care plan.
How Lymphatic Drainage Liposuction Massage is Performed Post-Surgery
The massage begins with the “awakening” of the lymph nodes, which are concentrated in areas like the neck, armpits, groin, chest, and abdomen. The massage therapist applies light circular motions to these areas to stimulate blood and lymph circulation. The technique is most effective when the affected body part is elevated, as in the case of liposuction below the chin or on the neck. The elevation encourages swelling to drain into the lymph nodes in the chest.
Timing and Safety of Post-Lipo Massage
Surgeons’ recommendations on when to start massage therapy post-liposuction vary. While some may consider bodywork safe as soon as two days after the procedure, others advise waiting three to four weeks. As long as the massage therapist employs slow, methodical strokes, lymphatic drainage is generally considered safe. However, deep pressure should be avoided as it can disrupt lymphatic flow and potentially damage the results of the surgery.
Conclusion: Liposuction Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is a valuable component of the post-liposuction recovery process. It aids in reducing swelling, speeding up the healing process, and improving the overall aesthetic results of the surgery. Patients should consult with their surgeons and follow specific guidelines regarding the timing and safety of these massages to ensure a smooth and effective recovery.
Reference:
- Moyer Total Wellness – Post-Surgery Massage Part 1: Liposuction
- The AEDITION – Benefits Of Lymphatic Drainage Massages After Surgery
- RealSelf – How Important Are Lymphatic Massages Post-Lipo?
