Understanding The Lymphatic System
MLD therapist manually massage the body in a way that pushes lymph through the body, breaking up areas of swelling and reducing excess fluid in the body.
After having plastic surgery, for a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a mommy makeover, you want to heal as quickly and comfortable as possible. Everyone wants to feel better and get back to their daily routines and excited to see the results of their procedure. Rest, gentle activity, and following your post-op instructions are key. However, lymphatic drainage massage can accelerate your recovery time.
So, What is Lymphatic Massage
Before we get into lymphatic massage let’s understand the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a system of tissues, vessels, and organs that works together to maintain fluid levels in the body, support immune function, and keep our blood circulating. The system carries lymph, a clear fluid that contains proteins, waste, fat cells, and metabolized cells through the body which is filtered through the lymph nodes. Waste is removed from the body as clean lymph circulates back through. When the lymphatic system isn’t moving lymph through the body properly, excess fluid in the body builds up, causing edema and creating a puffy, uncomfortable look and feel.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Benefits
The lymphatic system is key to healing, regenerating tissues, and removing toxins from the body. When the body experience stress, like fighting off illnesses, healing from an infection, or experiencing emotional stress, the lymphatic system can slow down. Manual lymphatic massage helps “re-start” the system of moving lymph through the body and can provide a variety of benefits.
- More efficient healing from illness, injury, or surgery
- Supports relaxation and relieves stress
- Reduces scar formation by boosting healing responses
- Removes excess water and metabolic waste from the tissues in the body
- Reduces swelling and fluid retention
- Improves skin quality and provides a more vibrant appearance
Why Is Lymphatic Massage Important After Cosmetic Surgery?
One of the side effects of cosmetic surgery is swelling, a normal inflammatory response and a part of the healing process as fluid rushes to the area to nourish it with white blood cells. Body procedures, particularly tummy tucks and liposuction, often cause additional swelling as excess fluid and fat cells will harden within a few weeks of surgery.
Lymphatic massage helps to move the fluid that’s built up and allows it to move back into the lymphatic massages where excess waste and fluid can be flushed from the body. This prevents fibrosis, which is the development of thick, fibrous scar tissue under the skin as well as reduces swelling and bruising.