Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is frequently recommended by plastic surgeons during the recovery phase following cosmetic liposuction. This specialized form of massage is generally believed to decrease recovery time and improve results, by reducing post-surgical swelling and fibrosis (scar tissue formation).
While lymphatic massage is not required to achieve beautiful results from VASERlipo, or any liposuction procedure, some patients find that it helps them heal more quickly and makes their full results visible more speedily.
This pressure helps your body absorb the excess fluid and helps to reduce the lumps and bumps. While these lumps can last for more than a month, chances are you will see them disappear within a few weeks.
Treatment of Fibrosis after Liposuction
Compression therapy: Compression garments support the treated area and prevent the formation of new fibrous tissue. Radiofrequency therapy: RF energy waves can be used to heat the underlying tissues and break down the fibrous tissue.
If you're suffering from fibrosis, massage therapy can be an effective treatment to help relieve symptoms, allowing you to stay active and manage pain and discomfort. Alora Health Spa specializes in fibrosis treatment massage therapy that targets the sections where scar tissue has formed.
Sure, massage is good after liposuction, just not for your skin. Massage actually breaks up any hardness in the fat below the skin and the minor scar tissue. “Many people during the course of normal recovery develop a certain hardness, stiffness and lumpiness,” Dr. Popp said.
Gentle massage using a cream or body butter can help reduce swelling, tightness, and discomfort after liposuction. Keep your hand soft so you can make as much skin-to-skin contact as possible with each massage stroke. Make your strokes as firm as is comfortable, but don't make yourself miserable!
What Are the Best Ways to Reduce Lipo Swelling? Doctors recommend several best practices to help keep swelling down after your liposuction procedure. These include wearing your compression garment, using ice packs in affected areas, staying hydrated, and in some cases, massages.
Doctors will advise their patients that, without massage, there is a risk that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. Lymphatic Massage ensures you'll achieve the best results possible from your procedure!
A: The first week it is suggested that sessions be daily or every other day, if possible. The second week, every other day, reducing in frequency after that. It is not possible to get too much MLD and the sessions can be scheduled at your convenience.
Place your hand on your hip on the side that has lymphedema. Gently massage from the outside of your hip (beside your hip bone) using several small strokes. Massage upward along the side of your body to your underarm. Gently stretch the skin as far as it goes naturally and release.
If lumps and bumps do develop, chances are they will diminish over time as your body heals. If they remain after a few months, there are some things that help minimize and eliminate the bumps. Some options can include massage, such as manual lymphatic drainage therapy, and laser skin tightening.
Addressing contour irregularities after surgery requires that you undergo reverse corrective surgery designed to restore the treated area to its desired state. Most surgeons recommend holding off at least six months to see your finalized results before you opt for corrective surgery.
Another reason, Benatti said, may be because liposuction destroys the “architecture” of fat cells just below the skin. So fat regain may be redirected to still-intact visceral fat cells.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is frequently recommended by plastic surgeons during the recovery phase following cosmetic liposuction. This specialized form of massage is generally believed to decrease recovery time and improve results, by reducing post-surgical swelling and fibrosis (scar tissue formation).
After 2 Weeks: By now most of the swelling has typically subsided but you may still see irregularities. You may also begin to notice loose skin in the areas treated with liposuction. This is normal and your skin will continue to tighten over the next 2-3 months.
The six-week mark is where the majority of bruising and swelling should have subsided, but lingering swelling can last a bit longer for some. You will likely no longer need your compression garments at this point, and your activity levels will no longer be restricted unless otherwise ordered by your doctor.
Is it too late to begin? A: No. The healing process after these types of procedure is several months. If it has been over a month since your procedure you can still get the soothing benefits of lymphatic massage.
Most physicians will recommend a series of 2-3 sessions. Most people will start with 10-12 sessions and then re-evaluate. After those initial sessions, it is recommended that you continue with your Lymphatic Drainage sessions to help re-educate and regenerate your lymphatic system for several weeks after surgery.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) is a specialized massage technique that is recommended by plastic surgeons, after liposuction, to accelerate the recuperation period. The science behind why this massage works is fairly simple.
1-2 weeks after the liposuction operation, the swelling in the area transforms into a hardness that lasts for 3 months on average. In fact, this hardness is an indication of the recovery of the treated areas. The hardness softens over time, and the excess fluid and swelling disappear.
After any type of surgery, the skin can build up adhesions and scars as part of the healing process. However, the body can abnormally increase the production Fibroblast (a main connective tissue cell present in the body) in the form of bands which connect two or more tissues causing hardness under the skin.
Most of the swelling and discoloration usually subsides in 6-8 weeks, but some may persist for 6 months or more. Expect temporary numbness, bruising, swelling, soreness, burning sensation, bleeding, pain and discomfort. May have fluid drainage from incision sites.