PREPARING AND RECOVERING FROMÂ COSMETIC SURGERY
Get faster cosmetic results
Tummy tucks, BBL's(Brazilian butt lifts), Liposuction, Liposuction 360, breast augmentations, mommy make-overs, face-lifts, fat transfers
How?
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy/massage is a technique developed to stimulate the pumping of the lymphatic system, therefore directing the lymph fluid under the skin back to the lymphatic vessels. In turn, this is a powerful tool to reduce edema/swelling caused from surgical trauma.
Benefits
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Edema reduction: MLD reroutes fluid to alternative uncompromised pathways untouched by surgery to allow for accelerated drainage. As opposed to the slow trickle of fluids in the operative site. Therefore reducing the time it will take to enjoy your new cosmetic results!
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Pain Management: As the pressure of the fluid is removed from surrounding tissue and nerves, pain and discomfort reduces. This results in increased function and less need for pain medication.
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Infection Prevention: Removing stagnating fluid after surgery can eliminate the environment by which bacteria thrive. MLD removes toxins and macro-molecules while stimulating local immunity and healing agents.
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Scar Tissue Prevention: Lymph fluid left to build up under an incision can result in advanced scar tissue and fibrotic tissue formation. Removing this fluid can lead to an improved scar appearance. Manual techniques can be utilized to prevent and treat fibrosis and reduce adhesions.
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Bruising Reduction: Bruising is an accumulation of cellular debris under the skin. Cells are transported and eliminated 10 times faster with MLD, therefore speeding up the healing process as well as the cosmetic result.
How many treatments will I need?
Ideally the individual should receive 1-2 session prior to surgery as this will help prepare the area for surgery by draining the tissue allowing for cleaner surgical incisions and creating alternative pathways to reduce fluid accumulation after surgery. Treatment after surgery can begin as soon as 24 hours after the procedure. A lot of circumstances surround the healing process and can be vastly different from person to person based on health history. Therefore some individuals may only require 1-6 treatments after surgery. Others may require 6-12 sessions, especially if more than one procedure was preformed. Treatment frequency will be increased right after your procedure, ideally 3-5/week and taper off as results occur. A typical session will last 60 minutes in length and may also include other modalities such as myofascial release, cupping, kinesiotaping and recommendations for compression needs.
What does a session entail?
The massage itself is much different than your typical Swedish style massage. MLD uses a gentle, rhythmic skin-stretching stroke that stimulates the superficial lymphatic system which is skin deep. The atmosphere is the same as your typical massage, including a massage table, soft music, dim lighting and undressing with proper draping for modesty. The areas of lymph nodes are drained first which are located in the clavicle and neck region, abdomen, armpits, thigh crease and behind the knee. Careful consideration will be taken regarding painful areas post surgery. Deep breathing is a powerful tool to stimulate lymphatic pumping and will be incorporated before, throughout and after the treatment. The massage is not painful as the technique is superficial in nature. Besides MLD, other techniques will be incorporated depending on number of days post-operatively. This includes vibration, lymphatic cupping, IASTM and deeper compression techniques to help manage scar tissue. Clients often leave feeling very relaxed, less stiffness and improved movement, with less pain as MLD stimulated your parasympathetic nervous system which is your "rest and digest" system. Some clients may even fall asleep. I will also assess compression solutions including faja's, foams, boards and fibrosis reduction options.
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I DO NOT PERFORM INCISIONAL DRAINAGE. IN MY OPINION THIS IS UNSAFE, DANGEROUS AND COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY FOR POST SURGICAL RESULTS AND HEALING.
Do I need a physician order?
MLD does not require a doctors order. In Europe, MLD is commonly prescribed by physicians and is widely available in hospitals to promote healing as well as provide a more comfortable recovery. This valuable tool is slowly becoming more known and utilized in the US.