Skipping post-surgery massages (specifically Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD) can lead to slower healing, prolonged swelling (lymphedema), increased pain, more prominent and fibrous scars, and potentially less optimal cosmetic results, as the lymphatic system struggles to clear fluid and waste, delaying recovery and risking complications like hardened tissue and dimpling, www.drknowling.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-dont-get-lymphatic-massage-after-liposuction/, macom-medical.com/blogs/news/the-importance-of-manual-lymphatic-drainage-massage-post-surgery, paulcdillonmd.com/blog/what-can-happen-if-you-skip-post-surgical-lymphatic-massage-after-plastic-surgery/.
Postoperative lymphatic drainage and massages are highly recommended to improve recovery after cosmetic surgery. They help reduce inflammation, improve circulation and optimize final results. However, it is always essential to consult with the plastic surgeon to determine if they are necessary in each specific case.
As the incision begins to heal, scar tissue can build up and limit the range of motion in your chest or abdomen, which can ultimately lead to shortness of breath, difficulty moving your body and arms, and pain with movement.
Slower Healing
Poor lymphatic circulation means the lymphocytes can't do their job, allowing potentially infectious or inflammatory toxins to accumulate and slow down healing. Lymphatic massage not only stimulates the flow of lymph fluid but also encourages blood circulation.
If you're dealing with active infections, blood clots, uncontrolled blood pressure, or healing complications, massage should wait. Your surgical team will let you know when you're cleared for medical massage, usually one to two weeks post-op.
A massage after surgery can help improve recovery. Surgery has many negative effects including pain, scarring and swelling that can slow down or prevent recovery. A massage helps to improve recovery by encouraging an increase in blood flow.
Contraindications of Massage Therapy
Lymphatic massage can be quite helpful if you have lymphedema. But it shouldn't be your only treatment. If you wear compression garments (like socks or sleeves) to reduce fluid retention, you should keep wearing them. Lymphatic massage may not work for everyone.
You don't need medical training to recognize when your lymphatic system is struggling. The most common sign is swelling that lingers, often in the arms, legs, or face. That swelling might feel heavy or tight, like your skin is stretched from the inside.
The ramifications of forgoing lymphatic drainage massage during recovery from liposuction vary from person to person, but some potential issues include: Prolonged Swelling: Without lymphatic drainage massage, the body may take longer to remove excess fluids from the tissues, resulting in prolonged swelling.
During a massage, temperature of scar tissue is increased to help improve the tissue elasticity and flexibility. Increasing the elasticity and flexibility allows the scar tissue to be broken down more easily.
Surgery is a form of trauma.
“Any type of trauma ends up causing inflammation – swelling – of the tissues,” says Dr. Janet Yueh, who specializes in hand surgery with Cohen/Winters Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons, based in Maywood, New Jersey. “Over time, that inflammation ends up being converted into scar.
The frequency of lymphatic drainage massages can vary based on the type of surgery and individual recovery needs. Generally, it is recommended to start with sessions two to three times a week in the initial phase and adjust based on your surgeon's advice and your body's response.
Some common examples include infectious diseases, acute injury or trauma, risk of blood clots, and uncontrolled medical conditions. These conditions can make massage unsafe, and they require the client to seek medical advice before receiving any bodywork.
Mistakes After Surgery That Slow Your Recovery
Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.
The main signs and symptoms of lymphoedema are: swelling in your arm, leg or other affected area — clothes, shoes or jewellery may seem tighter than usual. a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area.
The most common reason for lymphatic obstruction is the removal or enlargement of the lymph nodes. Other causes of lymphatic obstruction include: Infections with parasites, such as filariasis. Injury.
Lymph drainage massage is a useful way to treat lymphedema and may help with certain other health conditions. If you have symptoms of trapped lymph fluid in your body, talk to your doctor about whether massage could help. Symptoms of lymphedema to watch for include: Pain.
But your lymphatic system doesn't need help draining unless you have a specific medical condition — and lymphatic drainage massage techniques won't lead to weight loss, said Dr. Brian Ingold of Novant Health Arboretum Family & Sports Medicine – Charlotte.
Poor lymphatic drainage, often called lymphedema, causes swelling (especially in arms/legs), a feeling of heaviness or tightness, aching, restricted movement, and skin changes like hardening or indentations (pitting). Other signs include frequent infections, skin issues (dryness, bumps), brain fog, fatigue, and stubborn fat areas, as the system struggles to remove toxins and excess fluid, impacting overall energy and health.
Massage red flags include professionalism issues (no license, unsanitary space, unprofessional boundaries, inappropriate touch, poor communication, body shaming) and physical warning signs (sharp pain, numbness/weakness, nausea, intense pain that takes your breath away, symptoms that worsen or don't improve). Trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable, and prioritize a therapist who respects your boundaries, communicates clearly, and maintains professional standards for hygiene and draping, as indicated by this article from All Bodies Massage Therapy.
Massage therapists must also be aware of endangerment sites where deep pressure should be avoided:
“It's also important to note that lymphatic drainage techniques are not recommended for people who have a heart condition, kidney problems or cellulitis.”