Undergoing plastic surgery at Aesthetic Edge clinic in Sydney can help address various cosmetic and health concerns. However, the recovery process following surgery can often lead to physical discomforts such as pain, bruising, and swelling. While medications are usually used to address these symptoms, a special type of massage called lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage massage, can also be used to help patients recover.
Understanding the Lymphatic System
To better understand lymphatic massage, it is important first to know the role of the lymphatic system in the body. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that help eliminate toxins, waste products, and excess fluid from tissues. Through these vessels, a special type of fluid called lymphatic fluid or lymph circulates. This fluid is then filtered by lymph nodes before returning to the bloodstream.
How Plastic Surgery Affects the Lymphatic System
Plastic surgery procedures involve using various surgical techniques and incisions which cause trauma or damage to the tissues. This, in turn, can disrupt the normal flow of lymphatic fluid within the lymphatic system. Because of this, excess fluid, toxins, and waste products can build up in the tissues, resulting in swelling in the treated areas. In addition, surgical manipulation of the tissues can cause bruising and inflammation.
How is Lymphatic Massage Performed?
Lymphatic massage involves the use of gentle and rhythmic techniques that mimic the natural movement of lymphatic fluid through the body. This is performed on specific areas of the body where lymphatic congestion or swelling is present. In most cases, lymphatic massage is performed on regions prone to fluid retention, such as the legs, arms, abdomen, or face.
During the procedure, light pressure and rhythmic strokes are applied to the skin while following the direction of lymphatic flow toward the nearest lymph nodes, typically located in the neck, armpits, and groin. The therapist may use their hands or specialised tools to perform lymphatic massage. Depending on the patient’s needs and the areas being treated, the duration of a lymphatic massage session lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.
It is important to keep in mind that there are considerations that must be taken into account before performing lymphatic massage after plastic surgery. First and foremost, this massage therapy can only be performed once the surgical incisions have completely healed. In addition, a clearance from the Aesthetic Edge surgeon is required before a post-plastic surgery patient in Sydney can undergo lymphatic massage.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage After Surgery
Lymphatic massage offers several benefits for patients recovering from surgery. Clinical studies back these benefits:
Decreases Pain
A study investigated the effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on postoperative facial swelling and pain. [1] Both the intervention group (14 post-operative patients) and the control group (13 post-operative patients) received the same postoperative care. However, the intervention group received 6 sessions of MLD after orthognathic (jaw) surgery. Three-dimensional facial scans revealed a faster decrease in swelling in the intervention group. In addition, questionnaires showed that the intervention group reported a reduction in swelling and pain within the first month after surgery.
Reduces Swelling
A study compared the effects of technical device-assisted negative pressure therapy (NP) and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on early functional outcomes after elbow surgery. [2] A total of 50 consecutive patients undergoing elbow surgery were enrolled in the study. Twenty-five patients were treated with NP, and another 25 with MLD. Results showed that both NP and MLD reduced upper limb swelling after surgery.
Reduces Scar Visibility
The effectiveness of self-manual lymph drainage (MLD) combined with physical exercise in preventing upper limb lymphedema (swelling), scar formation, and shoulder joint dysfunction after modified radical mastectomy (surgical removal of the breasts) was investigated in breast cancer patients. [3] It randomly divided patients into two groups: one received only physical exercise while the other also practiced self-MLD post-surgery. Results showed that the MLD group had significant improvements in scar contracture, shoulder mobility, and upper limb circumference compared to the exercise-only group, suggesting the addition of self-MLD to post-surgery care can be beneficial.
Reduces Tissue Fibrosis (Thickening and Scarring of Connective Tissue)
A study explored the effectiveness of combining manual lymphatic drainage and therapeutic ultrasound in reducing pain, swelling, and tissue fibrosis in women who underwent liposuction (lipoplasty) and lipoabdominoplasty. [4] Eighteen participants, aged between 18 and 60, who exhibited tissue fibrosis in the abdomen and flanks after their surgeries, were divided into two groups based on the procedure they had. Over twelve sessions, they received a therapeutic ultrasound followed by manual lymphatic drainage. Assessments at various stages showed a significant decrease in pain, edema (swelling), and tissue fibrosis in both groups.
Reasons to Choose Aesthetic Edge Clinic for Plastic Surgery in Sydney
From the initial consultation, our specialist plastic surgeons, Dr Jeremy Hunt and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi, ensure that each patient receives a personalised evaluation. During this period, a thorough patient assessment is conducted which includes their medical history, aesthetic goals, and unique physical needs.
Based on these assessments, Dr Hunt and Dr Seyedabadi will recommend the most suitable treatment or procedure while taking into consideration the patient’s facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and overall health status. They will customise the treatment plan so that it aligns with the goals and meet the individual needs of each patient.
They also provide patients with extensive support and guidance during the recovery period. This includes determining the need for lymphatic massage to support recovery, reminding about regular follow-up appointments, and providing accessible communication channels.
References:
- Van de Velde FEG, Ortega-Castrillon A, Thierens LAM, Claes P, De Pauw GAM. The effect of manual lymphatic drainage on patient recovery after orthognathic surgery-A qualitative and 3-dimensional facial analysis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2020 Nov;130(5):478-485. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2020.05.017. Epub 2020 Jun 6. PMID: 32680812.
- Weber M, Rahn J, Hackl M, Leschinger T, Dresing K, Müller LP, Wegmann K, Harbrecht A. Postoperative swelling after elbow surgery: influence of a negative pressure application in comparison to manual lymphatic drainage-a randomized controlled trial. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Oct;143(10):6243-6249. doi: 10.1007/s00402-023-04954-3. Epub 2023 Jul 8. PMID: 37421514; PMCID: PMC10491702.
- Zhang L, Fan A, Yan J, He Y, Zhang H, Zhang H, Zhong Q, Liu F, Luo Q, Zhang L, Tang H, Xin M. Combining Manual Lymph Drainage with Physical Exercise after Modified Radical Mastectomy Effectively Prevents Upper Limb Lymphedema. Lymphat Res Biol. 2016 Jun;14(2):104-8. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2015.0036. Epub 2016 Jan 29. PMID: 26824722.
- Masson IF, de Oliveira BD, Machado AF, Farcic TS, Júnior IE, Baldan CS. Manual lymphatic drainage and therapeutic ultrasound in liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty post-operative period. Indian J Plast Surg. 2014 Jan;47(1):70-6. doi: 10.4103/0970-0358.129627. PMID: 24987208; PMCID: PMC4075221.
