Following plastic surgery, especially a body operation such as liposuction, tummy tucks, or mommy makeovers, you want to heal as soon as possible. In addition to wanting to recover faster so you may resume your regular activities, you are eager to see the procedure’s benefits. Lymphatic drainage massage might hasten your recuperation but rest, moderate exercise, and adhering to your post-operative instructions are crucial. In this video, Raleigh plastic surgeon Dr .Tiffiny C. Taylor, a board-certified specialist, explains lymphatic massage and its potential benefits following cosmetic surgery.
What Is Lymphatic Massage?
To further comprehend how the massage functions, let’s first examine the lymphatic system and what it performs. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, blood arteries, and organs that collaborates to keep our body’s fluid levels stable, support immunological function, and regulate blood flow. The lymphatic system transports lymph, a transparent fluid that passes through lymph nodes and is filtered to remove waste, metabolized cells, proteins, and fat cells. As clean lymph flows back through the body, waste is eliminated. When the lymphatic system isn’t functioning properly, the body’s extra fluid accumulates, leading to edema and a bloated, unpleasant appearance.
The purpose of lymphatic drainage massage is to treat lymphedema, a condition in which the body accumulates fluid and which frequently results from the removal of lymph nodes. A skilled massage therapist can manually manipulate the body to force lymph through it, dispersing edema and decreasing the amount of extra fluid there is.
Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is essential for tissue regeneration, healing, and toxin elimination from the body. The lymphatic system may slow down when the body is under stress, such as when battling a disease, recovering from an infection, or going through an emotional or mental strain. The following are only a few advantages of manual lymphatic massage, which “re-starts” the body’s lymphatic flow system:
- faster recuperation following disease, trauma, or surgery
- promotes calmness and reduces tension
- enhances healing reactions to lessen the creation of scars
- eliminates extra water and waste products from metabolism from the body’s tissues
- minimizes edema and fluid retention
- enhances the quality of skin and gives the illusion of more vibrancy
Why Is Lymphatic Massage Important After Cosmetic Surgery?
Swelling is among the adverse consequences of cosmetic surgery care services. White blood cells are being supplied to the area by the fluid, which is causing a typical inflammatory reaction. This is a normal course of healing. The extra fluid and fat cells after body operations, especially liposuction and tummy tucks, solidify a few weeks after the procedure, which might result in more swelling.
By helping the fluid to re-enter the lymphatic tubes, where extra waste and fluid may be eliminated from the body, lymphatic massage helps to release this stored fluid. This minimizes swelling and bruises and stops fibrosis, the formation of thick, fibrous scar tissue beneath the skin. Lymphatic drainage is strongly recommended by many doctors, like Dr. Tiffiny C. Taylor, to help patients achieve the best outcomes possible following surgery and to relieve their discomfort.
For more information about cosmetic surgery, including the process and recovery, contact us at (504) 202-8183 or use the form below to arrange a consultation with Dr. Tiffyin C. Taylor.