Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) has proven to produce significant improvements in the recovery of plastic surgery patients. It reduces inflammation and pain, it stimulates blood flow, it helps the body release tension and it accelerates the recovery of mobility in the treated areas.
Thanks to the Vodders (Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid), who invented Manual Lymphatic Drainage in 1936, it is possible to reduce post-surgical discomfort now and to accelerate the recovery process of plastic surgeries such as laser liposuction, abdominoplasty, fat transfer, among others.
For this reason, we have taken time to compile the most relevant information so that you can learn everything you need to know about this subject. There is no excuse to receive lymphatic drainage massages once you begin your postoperative process.
WHAT IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), or lymphatic massage, is the application of one or more gentle massage techniques to relieve inflammation and pain in post surgical patients.
The main goal of these massages is to restore the functioning of the lymphatic system, the one which is in charge of cleaning the arteries and tissues of residues.
As Flavia Lanini, Celebrity Massage Therapist, explains in an interview by Byrdie.com: “Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system has nothing to pump it around the body, so it relies mainly on the actions of the muscles and body movement to keep its fluids flowing.” [4].
Lymphatic drainage massage helps that cleansing fluid circulates back around our tissues and arteries meanwhile it decongestants the treated area.
Although there are different approaches to practice this type of massage, there are some common aspects among them, which are:
- They are performed with the patient in a lying position
- They start and finish with deep diaphragmatic breathing
- The lymph nodes and the operated body parts are massaged first
- They move from top to bottom and vice versa to drain affected areas
- They use slow and rhythmic movements
- A gentle pressure is applied
Undoubtedly, lymphatic drainage is a great ally to obtain a fast postoperative recovery. That is why we explain below some advantages that drainage brings to the body of patients who have undergone surgery.
BENEFITS OF MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE AFTER A SURGERY
Many surgeons recommend lymphatic drainage to their patients because it has demonstrated optimal results after only a couple of days of a plastic surgery [5].
The sooner you start lymphatic massages, the faster your recovery will be. And if you often receive more massages, you’ll notice better results and less pain in the treated area.
For that reason, we have compiled the most prominent benefits in bullets below so that you can fully understand its significance. Manual lymphatic drainages allow to:
Stimulate the lymph nodes
It helps to decongest lymph nodes. The rhythm of lymphatic contractions improves and the waste evacuation process becomes faster.
Increase blood flow
Pressing the deep and superficial veins, the proper blood circulation process is stimulated and nutrients reach the tissues faster. Good blood flow reflects better healing.
Restore the skin
Thanks to slow movements and resting stages, the skin slowly returns to its original placement. As a result, the massage avoids flaccidity in the body.
Relieve tension
Usually, therapists implement breathing exercises or other techniques that help to release tension in the body and to align in a better way.
Increase Mobility
Lymphatic drainage may include relaxation techniques and limb mobilization to regain normal movements in the body.
Read this post to learn why are postoperative massages important too
For these reasons, BetterMe includes the practice of manual lymphatic drainage as part of our customized packages. Our network of surgeons recommend them and we take care of connecting you with the best staff to perform them.
So, don’t miss the opportunity to contact us and start planning each detail of your plastic surgery in Colombia. We may make your dream of looking and feeling better a reality.
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[1] Helping Patients After Surgery | Massage Therapy Journal. (s. f.). American Massage Therapy Association. Recuperado 16 de enero de 2022, de https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/helping-patients-after-surgery/
[2] Manual Lymphatic Drainage. (2020). Physiopedia. Recuperado 24 de enero de 2022, de https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Lymphatic_Drainage
[3] Lymphatic Drainage Massage: What It Is, Benefits & How To Do It. (s. f.). Cleveland Clinic. Recuperado 24 de enero de 2022, de https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
[4] Lymphatic Drainage: What It Is And Why I’m Hooked On Doing It At Home. (2021, 15 November). Byrdie. Recuperado 24 de enero de 2022, de https://www.byrdie.com/what-is-lymphatic-drainage-5071354
[5] Healthflow Family Wellness Center. (2020, 13 agosto). Post-Op Massage | Healthflow Natoropathic Clinic in Calgary, AB. Healthflow Naturopathic Clinic in Calgary, AB. Recuperado 24 de enero de 2022, de https://www.healthflow.ca/post-op-massage/
[6] H. Rostom, E., & B. Salama, A. (2021). Vodder manual lymphatic drainage technique versus Casley-Smith manual lymphatic drainage technique for cellulite after thigh liposuction. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2021.106042