The lymphatic system has the job of helping release waste, toxins, and other unwanted materials from the body. This system also includes the lymphatic fluid that flows throughout the body to help the body fight infection. When a person has had a cosmetic surgery procedure, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, it is not uncommon for the person to need to rest more than normal due to soreness and fatigue. 

Unfortunately, this can slow down the movement of the lymphatic fluid and leave the body swollen and uncomfortable. This is why many cosmetic surgeons recommend their patients have post-surgical manual lymphatic drainage massage after they have had surgery. These are the benefits of this type of massage.

Encouraging the Lymphatic System to Work

The long, waving strokes of a manual lymphatic drainage massage helps encourage the normal movement of lymphatic fluid through the body. This helps reduce swelling and fight off infection and keeps the lymphatic system removing those unwanted toxins and waste from the body. With a decrease in the possibility of infection, healing time may also decrease as well.

Relieving Pain and Increasing Relaxation

Just like a regular massage helps relieve pain in sore muscles, manual lymphatic drainage massage can also relieve pain for cosmetic surgery patients. As the massage is performed, the patient often feels relief from pain because water retention is reduced (among other reasons). This decreases the feeling of pain and tightness in the areas where surgery was performed. This massage also helps promote relaxation and reduce stress by stimulating the nervous system. This also helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue as well.

Improving the Skin

As the post-surgical manual lymphatic drainage massage helps promote healing, it also improves the condition of the skin in the area where surgery has been performed. This is because faster healing means there is less likelihood that scar tissue will develop. Removing wastes and toxins from the body also helps the skin have a more healthy looking glow.

A post-surgical manual lymphatic drainage massage is beneficial for many different types of cosmetic surgery patients. It can also be used to help those who have had face lifts, rhinoplasty and breast lifts to heal more quickly and get back to their normal lifestyle sooner than expected. Many of these patients have also experienced little to no scarring thanks to having this type of massage as a part of their recovery plan.