​    we no longer offer  pOST SURGICAL Lymphatic MASSAGE

Must BE 8 WEEKS AFTER ANY MAJOR SURGERY.

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        This massage removes fluid, hardness and some imperfections. The price is determined by the time that

          has  passed since date of surgery. People request lymphatic drainage however what is needed at this

          stage is a different massage technique involving tools and products to address lumps and hardness and possibly the first stage of fibrosis.

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Lymphatic Massage is an effective treatment for pre and post op  for elective surgery and  plastic surgery.

 

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE- This type of massage requires a specific certification other than a state license, a Manual Lymphatic Massage Certification. This is not taught in massage schools. The certification addresses special health problems, cancer, auto immune disorders.  Post Plastic Surgery is not taught in this certification, it is a  specialty and focus learned due to a special interest in plastic surgery.  For my post-plastic surgery clients there is a series of treatments depending on what stage of healing you are in post surgery.  This ranges from lymphatic massage, to body contouring, to wood therapy etc.   There is no one massage for every person. It varies depending on your individual needs.

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Lymphatic massage may be recommended by your doctor or plastic surgeon. A lymphatic massage is the best way to ease swelling, bruising, and discomfort after surgeries such as Liposuction, Abdominoplasty, Breast Surgeries, Facelifts, Mommy Makeovers and more.  While this detoxification massage can benefit immunity, swelling and bloating at any time, it’s very helpful after these types of surgeries.

CAN  LYMPHATIC MASSAGE REALLY HELP  HEALING AFTER SURGERY?

Yes, it really can help.  It makes a "remarkable difference during the healing process"  It also helps with the final results.  A healthy lymph system decongests the dermis of the skin by removing excess water, proteins, fats and cellular debris that has not been removed by the circulatory system. When using lymphatic massage before surgery, it helps to clean debris from the lymph vessel system to prepare the skin tissue and relax you before surgery. For post op or after surgery, lymphatic massage redirects trapped fluid into healthy lymph vessels and nodes for efficient drainage. Lymphatic massage also allows for fresh nutrients such as oxygen, vitamins and mineral to nourish the cells, while reducing swelling and bruising, reducing fibrosis, helps in the scarring process and alleviates pain and speeds up recovery time.

 

If you would like to speed your healing or need to get back to work faster this massage is for you. If you are experiencing slow healing and excessive swelling, Lymphatic Massage will help.  If you would like to heal your post liposuction lumps  and fibrosis we also offer post surgical massage technique to help you heal smoothly and with less pain.

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WHAT IS A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE?

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Some patients experience post-surgery accumulation of liquid or tissues beneath the skin that can harden and form lumps and possible fibrosis. Lymphatic massage is a type of gentle massage that encourages blood flow and lymph drainage to help prevent this. Once the lymph is drained, the reabsorption process begins. This helps ease the pain and discomfort immediately. The waste tissue will be naturally removed from the body. Lymphatic massage is a very safe and effective way to speed the healing process and improve comfort post-surgery.

The lymphatic system flushes fluid through the body to help in the detoxifying process. Post-surgery, your lymphatic system may be damaged or backed up. A certified lymphatic massage therapist can help facilitate the movement of fluid in the proper drainage canals, which will relieve pressure. This allows the lymphatic system to be at the height of effectiveness when a patient needs it most. For most patients, this massage can speed recovery, ease discomfort, help reduce stress and anxiety, and prevent and break up permanent scar tissue. These types of massages have many other benefits, too, including detoxification, pain alleviation, and relaxation. Your immune system will also benefit from these massages, which is crucial during a post-operative time of healing.

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WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO GET THIS SPECIFIC TYPE OF MASSAGE?

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Lymphatic Massage is a very specific certification for massage therapists, not taught in a massage schools curriculum.  It involves moving lymphatic fluid away from the surgical areas through lymphatic vessels towards drainage canals to reduce swelling. Other massages (particularly deep tissue massages) could actually hurt you as you’re trying to heal, so it is crucial to choose a therapist who has the correct certification for lymphatic massage.  MLD massage is very different from regular massage. We are dealing with the lymph vessels and drainage versus muscles .   

This custom treatment will target your specific needs to aid in your recovery.  You will be advised on how many lymphatic massages will be right for you.  Anywhere from 8-12 are recommended.  Packages are offered for multiple treatments. If you develop fibrosis you will require a different type of massage and more sessions.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY LYMPHATIC MASSAGE?

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It is important to drink plenty of water and get up and move around. Most patients feel very relaxed after their massages and might be tempted to lie down, but a bit of movement will increase blood flow and speed up the healing process. You’ll need to follow your doctor’s specific recommendations for exercise and activity.

 

Have any further questions about the lymphatic massage? Please don’t hesitate to ask. I'm here to make your post-surgery healing experience as pleasant as possible. Post Surgery I recommend 2-3 times weekly starting within the first week of surgery.

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Q: Why do I need Lymph Drainage Therapy after my liposuction, Smart-lipo, Cool Sculpting or other cosmetic surgery procedure?

A:   You many notice a hardness or lumpiness to the areas treated with liposuction  Smart-lipo, or Cool Sculpting especially in the abdominal area and even more so if combined with other body contouring procedures (such as fat injections for what is popularly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift) This is normal right after your procedure. This post-surgical lymphedema is caused by inflammation and trauma from the cannula (instrument that sucks out the fat) moving under the skin. Channels are formed by the cannula that can fill up with fluid and the tissue also becomes swollen.  Manual Lymph Massage helps to move the fluid by gently pumping it back into the lymph vessels. Reducing the swelling can reduce discomfort. Without Lymph Massage (LDT or MLD) the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma ( pocket of serum) can form. Many doctors prescribe Lymph Drainage Therapy after liposuction or other plastic surgery procedures to make sure their patients get the best possible results from their procedure.

Q: Is Lymph Drainage Therapy a deep massage?

A:   No, although it may seem that deep massage would assist in decreasing the hardness following liposuction, it would actually increase the circulation to the treated areas making it harder to evacuate the lymph fluid.  Even though MLD is extremely light work, it is the most efficient way to reduce swelling and bruising. It is based on scientific knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the Lymphatic System. It is a myth that deep massage and heat are beneficial in healing after liposuction. The Vodder Method and the Chikly Technique are widely accepted forms of Lymph Drainage Therapy performed in hospitals and clinics all over the world. So, even though it may seem to you that a deep massage or other forms of therapeutic or Swedish massage would be helpful, it is not.

Q: Does MLD help get rid of bruising?

A:  Yes. That is one of the best applications of MLD. Bruises are an accumulation of cellular debris and old red blood cells in the tissue. Lymph Drainage Therapy greatly reduces healing time for bruises by cleansing the extracellular spaces where these substances are trapped.

Q: Is Lymph Drainage Massage Painful?

A:  Performed properly it is not painful. The Vodder Technique is the most respected method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) over the world.  It is NOT traditional massage. It is a specialized, advanced bodywork modality that uses a gentle, rotating, pumping motion that moves the lymph fluid without increasing the blood circulation. Increasing the blood circulation with deep massage and heat can actually inhibit the movement of lymph fluid by changing the permeability of the lymph and blood vessels. Do NOT receive a general therapeutic, deep tissue or Swedish Massage in lieu of MLD.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A:  It is ideal to receive at least one or two MLD treatments prior to a procedure. There are many different things that can influence healing. Some patients get 1-6 treatments post-operatively and that is enough, especially if the only area of liposuction was the legs, knees, or flanks. People getting liposuction to the abdomen often find they require up to 12 sessions.  Occassionally a client will need more than 12, especially if they had "Smart-lipo".  Also, patients who get multiple procedures at the same time (lipo and a tummy tuck, or lipo and a buttock enhancement; Brazilian Butt Lift) may need more sessions than someone who only gets one procedure. Sessions may be paid for individually, or in discounted packages of 6.

Q: What is an MLD treatment like?

A: After an initial consultation, you will undress, lie down on a massage table in the face-up position, covered modestly with a sheet. The atmosphere is the same as a massage treatment room with dim lighting and soft music.  Although you are in a massage setting, it is important to understand that MLD is a specific form of bodywork designed to efficiently move lymph fluid in your body. MLD is completely different from a deep tissue, Swedish or relaxation massage that you may be expecting or have had in the past. Stimulation of the Lymphatic System activates the para-sympathetic nervous system producing an automatic physiological relaxation response. Many clients fall asleep. Only the area being worked on is undraped at any time. Gentle, rotating, pumping motions with the therapist's hands and fingertips begin at the collarbone area, then focus on areas where there is a concentration of lymph nodes...the underarms, abdomen, groin and back of the knees. Usually the entire session is performed with you lying in the face-up position because all of the areas of lymph nodes that need to be decongested are located on the front of the body, although some surgeries do require the patient to turn side to side or face down for a short time if tolerated.  Starting on the back (even for fat injections to the buttocks) would not be indicated because it is necessary to open up the major lymphatic areas on the front of your body before the backside of the body can drain. It is very important to decongest the areas of drainage in the groin, abdomen, underarms and collarbone areas before sending extra lymph fluid to them. Directing lymph fluid to nodal areas without opening the lymph nodes up first increases the discomfort and overwhelms the nodes, leading to increased recovery time. 

Q: How often is MLD applied?

A: The first week it is suggested that sessions be daily or every other day, if possible.  The second week, every other day, reducing in frequency after that. It is not possible to get too much MLD and the sessions can be scheduled at your convenience.

Q: How soon after my procedure can MLD begin?

A: At least a week.   Most people wait until they can comfortably drive themselves to appointments.

Q: It has been over a month since I had my procedure.  Is it too late to begin MLD?

A:  No. The healing process after these types of procedure is several months. If it has been over a month since your procedure you can still get the smoothing benefits of MLD.  If it has been over 6 months since your procedure and you are still feeling lumps and hardness you should contact your doctor to make sure you have not developed fibrosis or a seroma.

Q: Do I need a prescription for MLD?

A:  No. Although many doctors recommend MLD, it is also perfectly fine to self-refer.

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