Should You Use Lymphatic Massage After Plastic Surgery?
If you’re preparing for plastic surgery, you’ve probably read up on what to expect during recovery.
What you may not have encountered is information on the benefits of getting a lymphatic massage after plastic surgery. Especially in the case of liposuction procedures.
So we’ll take a look at this great resource that, when used properly and with a licensed therapist, could even shorten your recovery time.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage After Plastic Surgery
The lymphatic and circulatory systems work in tandem to maintain the balance of fluid in your body. They also work together to remove waste products from the tissues. Surgical procedures tend to interrupt this balance. As such, swelling and fluid accumulation are common post-surgical issues. These can cause additional pain while slowing down the healing process. Lymphatic massage can alleviate this.
How does it work?
Lymphatic massage consists of gentle, soothing movements that improve lymphatic flow throughout your body so you’ll experience better blood circulation. It expedites the drainage of excess fluid and prevents further fluid buildup to decrease swelling and promote healthy tissue regeneration.
Decreased swelling means less pain and discomfort, while faster tissue regeneration results in less scarring and an improved appearance of the incision site. But that’s just the beginning.
Other Reasons to Consider Lymphatic Massage
In its ability to improve blood flow and boost tissue health, a lymphatic massage offers other benefits that go above and beyond helping you recover from surgery. Lymphatic massage can do the following:
- Boost Your Immune System
Your lymphatic system keeps lymph fluid moving around efficiently to filter toxins, bacteria, and other nasty substances from your body. In other words, it’s a key player in the detoxification process. So when it’s unable to effectively clear out those waste products, the body’s other organs and lymph nodes take on the burden.
This puts a strain on your immune system and makes it even more difficult to ward off infections or other illnesses. So keeping the fluid flowing with a lymphatic massage is going to improve your body’s immune processes.
- Reduce Water Retention
Most of us have experienced water retention. It can happen when we get dehydrated or eat too much salty food. However, if you’ve experienced chronic water retention, also known as edema, you know how uncomfortable or even painful it can be.
Movements in a lymphatic massage stimulate the lymph nodes and vessels which, in turn, encourage the drainage of excess fluid. In this way, it also enhances your body’s innate ability to move and then excrete any excess fluid.
- Lessen Cellulite
It turns out that enhanced circulation and reduction in water retention in your body means smoother skin and texture. This is good news if you struggle with cellulite. Because if all of the above weren’t enough, a lymphatic massage can also help break down the fat deposits that can contribute to cellulite. In fact, a lymphatic massage can be a great part of a holistic approach to not only reduce cellulite but to attain a more toned appearance overall. So that’s a big plus!
Speak With Your Plastic Surgeon
If you’re considering a surgical procedure, you always want to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you determine whether lymphatic massage after plastic surgery is right for your procedure and recovery.
He or she should be able to guide you to a certified lymphatic massage therapist who has experience with post-surgical patients.
To get started on your journey, contact us today. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all of your options to ensure the safest and most effective treatment and recovery for you.
