If you’ve recently undergone liposuction, you may have heard about lymphatic massage. There are many benefits of receiving a lymphatic massage after liposuction. It can promote faster healing, potentially reduce swelling, flush out toxins in the body and possibly help prevent scar tissue formation1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10045879/. In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of lymphatic massage after liposuction so you can determine if it’s the right treatment for you.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage Post-Liposuction
1. May Help Reduce Swelling & Fluid Collection
After liposuction, it’s common to experience some swelling and fluid buildup as your body reacts to the changes. Lymphatic massage may help reduce these by encouraging the flow of lymph fluids away from the surgical areas. This may help decrease swelling and prevent fluid from collecting, making your recovery more comfortable and potentially speeding it up.
2. Promotes the Flushing of Toxins
Lymphatic drainage doesn’t just promote reduced swelling; it’s also a detoxification process2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10045879/. This massage technique helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste products from your body tissues. Regular lymphatic massages after liposuction can help clear these away, contributing to a healthier post-surgery recovery.
3. Helps Prevent Formation of Scar Tissue & Fibrosis
Scar tissue and fibrosis (thickening of connective tissue) are common concerns after any surgery, including liposuction. Lymphatic massage can help manage these issues by improving lymph flow. Better lymphatic circulation means your body can heal more evenly and smoothly, reducing the likelihood and severity of unsightly scar tissue and fibrosis3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4075221/.
4. Can Improve Blood & Lymphatic Fluid Circulation
Improved circulation is one of the top benefits of lymphatic massage. This technique boosts both blood and lymphatic fluid circulation, which means more oxygen and nutrients reach your healing tissues. Enhanced circulation also means better fluid movement, which can prevent the stagnation that contributes to swelling and pain.
5. Stimulates Healing
By improving lymphatic and blood circulation, lymphatic massage not only helps your body clear out toxins and reduce swelling, but also stimulates the healing process. Better circulation allows for faster and more effective tissue repair, which can help your body recover from the trauma of liposuction more quickly.
6. May Help Reduce Discomfort Post-Surgery
Many patients report significant reductions in discomfort and pain after receiving lymphatic massages post-liposuction. Since this technique helps reduce swelling and improves circulation, it naturally lessens pain and discomfort, making your recovery period much more manageable.
What is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage, is a massage technique designed to help your body maintain proper circulation and remove waste and toxins. It targets the lymph system, which is a part of your immune system that helps deal with inflammation and fluid buildup.
Why It Matters After Liposuction Surgery
After liposuction, your body’s natural response includes swelling and sometimes bruising. Lymphatic massage helps speed up the removal of excess fluids and reduces swelling. This not only helps you feel better faster but can also speed up the overall recovery process by encouraging your body to heal more efficiently.
How It Helps You Heal
By guiding excess lymph fluids towards the lymph nodes, lymphatic massage potentially helps your body remove this fluid buildup faster. This reduction in fluid accumulation can decrease discomfort and pain, often a side effect post-surgery. With less swelling and a smoother drainage process, your skin may also adjust better to its new contours, which may enhance the result of your liposuction.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
The number of lymphatic massage sessions you might need after liposuction can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of your surgery, your body’s healing response, and your overall health. Generally, it’s common to start with a series of sessions shortly after your surgery—often recommended within the first few weeks.
Most people see beneficial results with about 8 to 12 sessions, spaced over several weeks. Each session typically lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. Your therapist or surgeon might recommend starting with more frequent sessions, such as two to three times per week, gradually decreasing the frequency as your recovery progresses and symptoms improve.
Choosing the Right Lymphatic Massage Therapist
Choosing the right lymphatic massage therapist after liposuction is crucial. Follow these tips to find a good lymphatic massage therapist:
- Look for a Specialist: You want someone who deeply understands lymphatic drainage. This isn’t just any massage; it’s a specialised technique that helps reduce swelling and speed up recovery after surgery.
- Check Their Credentials: Make sure your therapist is certified in lymphatic drainage. This ensures they’ve got the specific training needed for post-surgery care.
- Ask Your Doctor for Recommendations: It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor for their recommendation. They’ll likely have a massage therapist they know and trust. Or, if you have friends or family who’ve had liposuction, ask for their recommendations.
- Read Reviews: Look online to see what other people say about the therapist. Good reviews from others who’ve had liposuction can give you confidence in your choice.
Explore Your Liposuction Options with Levant CS
At Levant Cosmetic Surgery, we’re here to guide you through every part of the liposuction process, from initial consultation to post-surgery care. Whether you’re just starting to consider liposuction or are looking for post-operative care like lymphatic massage, Levant Cosmetic Surgery is your trusted partner. Ready to explore your options? Call us on 1300 323 772 or schedule your consultation and learn more about what Levant Cosmetic Surgery can do for you.
Lymphatic Massage FAQs
How long after liposuction should you get lymphatic massage?
It’s generally recommended to start a lymphatic massage 1 to 2 weeks after liposuction, but always follow your surgeon’s specific advice. The timing can vary based on the extent of the surgery and your individual healing process.
How is lymphatic massage different from a regular massage?
Lymphatic massage is much gentler than regular massage. It focuses on light, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps reduce swelling and remove toxins. Unlike deep tissue massage, which works into the muscles, lymphatic massage involves gentle pressure that’s primarily aimed at moving lymph fluid, not manipulating muscles.
What to avoid after a lymphatic massage?
After a lymphatic massage, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, and heavy meals for the next 24 hours. These can overload the lymphatic system, which is already working hard to flush out toxins. Keeping hydrated and resting helps enhance the benefits of the massage.
Should I massage hard lumps after liposuction?
Hard lumps can be areas of localised inflammation and fluid buildup, and gentle massage can help disperse this fluid. It’s best to consult with your surgeon or a qualified massage therapist to learn the proper techniques to ensure you’re not applying too much pressure.