Manual Lymphatic Drainage for liposuction & cosmetic / general surgery
So you have had cosmetic surgery or liposuction and you can't wait
to see the new you.
Or you have had general surgery and want the best recovery.
The reality is that you are swollen, bruised and feel sore
and tender to touch.
Get the best results & see the results as quickly as possible
Reduce the pain and swelling to get back your flexibility and mobility
This is where Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can help. It is frequently recommended by surgeons for both pre and post liposuction and cosmetic surgery in order to ensure that their patients get the best results from their procedure and see the results as quickly as possible.
You may find that you receive MLD treatments from your surgeons nursing team
before you leave for home.
What procedures can MLD help?
Any liposuction, cosmetic surgery, general surgery or injury where you have bruising, swelling, oedema, inflammation or scarring.
Surgery, liposuction, lifts, enlargement, reductions or reshaping for eyes, nose, brow, cheeks, chin, breast, stomach, abdomen, hips, buttocks, arms, legs and skin reductions after weight loss etc..
MLD is also suitable after general surgery as the effects of surgery are the same with possible complications from the reason for your surgery.
Why is Manual Lymphatic Massage(MLD) recommended after liposuction and cosmetic surgery?
Swelling, bruising and tenderness are common after these procedures and the flow of lymph can be interrupted, which can result in: reduced healing; fibrosis (thickening and scarring); scar tissue; dimpled uneven skin; and the possibility of developing seromas (pockets of fluid).
MLD is an active, effective treatment that encourages the lymphatic system to remove the accumulation of waste products, toxins and metabolic waste in the tissue, and in doing so reduces swelling and fluid, bruising and soft tissue lumps and hardness.
The MLD helps to smooth out scars and help to make them less visible, smoother, softer and reduce any tightness caused from the stiches or staples.
After liposuction the MLD will help with smoothing out the treated areas and reducing brusing.
The MLD improves the lymphatic system for your whole body, not just the areas being treated, so helping to improve your immune system, generla tiredness and helping to reduce tension.
Is MLD painful?
No, the treatment is very gentle and is not painful. This means that the area of surgery can be treated directly over or very close to the areas where the procedure has taken place to maximise the effect.
You may be sore and bruised due to your surgery but, you will find that the MLD will help to reduce this quicker than waiting for it to get better. If you feel too bad then book a treatment as soon as you feel able.
Many clients even fall asleep as the rocking motion of the treatment is so relaxing.
When should I start MLD after surgery?
Cosmetic surgery - Surgeons vary in their recommendations; anything from 3 days to 2 weeks after your surgery depending upon the procedure(s) you have received will help give the best results. Even starting MLD up to 6 months after surgery will help. Some surgeons will have their nursing staff give you MLD hours after your surgery.
General surgery - After general surgery you may need to wait longer before you can receive treatment depending upon the procedure and the reason for the surgery - please ask your surgeon / GP if MLD would be suitable. Please contact me for more information or to answer any questions about Manual Lymphatic Drainage after your surgery.
Will MLD cause infection or affect the surgery?
The MLD is really gentle and will only help your body to recover from the surgery.
If after surgery there are areas that are weeping or infected then these and
surrounding areas will not be treated with MLD.
The MLD will not cause an infection but may cause the infection from the surgery to develop further causing pain and inflammation if the therapist is not advised to avoid the area before starting the treatment.
Sometimes you may have an infection that is not noticeable for the therapist, such as the from the navel if have cleaned the area and it is not currently weeping. You need to ensure you inform your therapist if you have any infections BEFORE the therapist starts the treatment.
In cases of infection you should contact your surgeon for advice or, when that is not available, your GP.
If you have had major surgery then you may still have therapy treatments as these will be adjusted to your current state of health and may be shorter in duration. I have trained in treating people with cancer, major surgery and those needing palliative care.
How many treatments will I need?
This will depend on many factors including how much surgery you have had, how much of your body has been affected and your own bodies recovery speed. It will also depend on the health of your lymphatic system before you had the procedure.
Surgeons recommend anything from a couple of treatments for a couple of weeks to a specific routine of 12 treatments over 6 weeks.
To remove the excess fluid you need a healthy lymphatic system. As you will not be exercising or moving as much directly after your surgery your lymphatic system will become sluggish and struggle to remove the excess fluid so a couple of MLD treatments soon after the surgery is advisable.
If you cannot come for an appointment every week initially then I can give you some exercises and advice to help in between appointments.
During the MLD treatment your whole lymphatic system will be worked on, not just the areas you have had procedures as lymph nodes located around the body need to be clear to help remove the fluid.
Your appointment
If you are not sure about having the treatment, you can initially contact me via email, my contact page or give me a call and we can discuss what procedures you have had and what has been recommended by your surgeon, if anything.
You will need to book an initial appointment for 60 minutes. Then, depending upon your surgeons advice; how your body has reacted to the procedures; improved with the initial MLD; we can discuss how long and how often any further treatments need to be.
Is it too late to start treatments?
No, as the healing process for liposuction and surgery is several months. Within that time MLD will help with any smoothing out, reduction of bruising and swelling reduction that is needed.
If your procedure was over 6 months ago and you still have lumps and hardness then a trip to your GP or surgeon would be advisable as to ensure there are no problems and to advise on the best treatment.
If you develop fibrosis (thickening and scarring); scar tissue; dimpled uneven skin; and seromas (pockets of fluid) then MLD and other therapies such as Scar Tissue Release and Myofascial Release can help with improving these.
General surgery - If you have had major surgery then you may still have therapy treatments as these will be adjusted to your current state of health and may be shorter in duration. I have trained in treating people with cancer, major surgery and those needing palliative care.
What is most important is that you follow your surgeons post operative instructions and continue wearing your compression garments for as long as is advised.
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