Post-Op MLD | Restoration Massage

Post-Op Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (Post-Op MLD Massage)

Swelling is natural after an injury or surgery. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a particular technique useful for swelling. It helps keep the lymphatic drainage system functioning at a peak level by stimulating the collector vessels and lymph nodes. Stimulation of the lymphatic system increases the rate at which the body removes waste, dead cell particles, and inflammatory agents from our tissue.

Accelerating the lymphatic flow has been demonstrated to reduce swelling and bruising in the injured region. Studies indicate that as the volume of fluid at the injury site is reduced, rehabilitation time may be shortened.

Post-Op Manual Lympatic Drainage is a gentle rhythmical massage that acts on both the lymphatic and nervous systems. It has been shown to increase lymph flow in the lymphatic channels by up to ten times normal levels – channeling the fluid into an effective drainage route. In addition to acting on the lymphatic system, MLD reduces sympathetic nervous system activity allowing the parasympathetic system to be predominant. Parasympathetic nerves innervate smooth muscle in the body. As the lymph pre-collector and collector vessels are wrapped with smooth muscle, the MLD technique can thereby stimulate these muscles to contract further increasing lymph flow.

Not all cosmetic procedures are the same, therefore recoveries should not be treated like one solution fits all. In addition, what works best for one tummy tuck patient may not be the best for another, even though both had the same procedure. We treat each client an an individual and look for the best possible combination of techniques to assist in their recovery.

Liposuction

MLD is an effective method to treat any swelling and lumpiness experienced after a liposuction procedure, speeding recovery time. Not only do patients appreciate the pain reduction often experienced from MLD, but they can see their procedure results much sooner with the swelling reduction. It’s more common than not for our liposuction clients

to have what they see as a “problem area” of hardness or lumpiness after the procedure. MLD and other

manual therapy techniques can also soften these areas.

Tummy Tucks

By moving the lymphatic fluid away from the tummy tuck area with lymphatic drainage massage, both swelling and bruising are reduced. This helps to make the tummy tuck results more immediately apparent. In addition to helping you to have an attractive abdomen, drainage massage will also make it clear more quickly whether further surgery is necessary or if your tummy tuck has allowed you to achieve your desired goals.

Breast Augmentation

MLD can move the lymphatic fluid away from swollen areas without affecting the healing process. MLD after breast augmentation can help improve the results of the surgery and dramatically increase the patient’s level of comfort. Following breast augmentation, patients may notice the effects of the body’s immune system as it responds to the perceived trauma of surgery. When the immune system detects an injury, it directs lymphatic fluid to the area to aid in the healing process. While this is a desirable effect during an injury and is not harmful in any way following a surgery, the swelling and bruising that accompany this effect can be uncomfortable and may obscure the results of your breast augmentation surgery.

Facial Procedures / Facelifts

While many cosmetic procedures can benefit from MLD very soon after completion, facial procedures may require more time before beginning any manual therapy. As with any surgery or procedure, we tell all clients to get permission from their doctor before beginning any post-treatment. Dr. Andrew Jacono, MD, FACS, is a New York-based plastic surgeon, who states this on his website (www.newyorkfacialplasticsurgery.com) in regards to facial procedures:

Some patients may have residual swelling at the sixth week. Facial massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

can expedite recovery. MLD is a technique that assists the movement of lymph fluid in the lymph vessels and

body tissues. The lymphatic vessels are drains that run throughout the body. They remove swelling and fluid in

the facial skin and tissue. MLD is a precise touch technique that helps move fluid through the lymph vessels

to resolve swelling.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Does MLD help get rid of bruising?

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.

Is MLD painful?

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.

TREATMENT

Treatments can begin 3-5 days post-surgery and there may no open wounds or tubing.
Follow all your surgeons post-op-surgery care instructions.
Obtain permission from your doctor before beginning any post-op treatment.

TREATMENT PLAN

DAY 1-5

Rest and heal after surgery

WEEK 1 – 4

Focusing on pain, swelling and tissue healing. During the first 1-4 weeks post-liposuction aftercare treatments should initially be gentle and aim to minimize pain and swelling and prevent excessive scar tissue from forming.

Dr. Vodder Method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is needed as soon as possible after any liposuction surgery and after drainage is closed and healed.

Recommended are 2-3 Post-Op MLD Massages weekly.

WEEK 5-11

Focusing on scar tissue breakdown and cellulite reduction. The treatment can become progressively more firm: stronger lymphatic stimulation massage is preferred to the light touch MLD used the first six weeks. In addition to reducing water retention, stronger massage also helps with the breakdown of scar tissue / hard bumps that typically form after liposuction surgery and uncouple skin stuck on underlying tissue and increase range of movement. Lymphatic Cupping, Hot Stones, Vibration Massager, Myofascial Massage, Stretching and Lymphatic Kinesio taping is recommended.

Recommended are 1-2 Post-Op MLD Massage weekly.

WEEK 12-15

After about 12 weeks you can start having a strong suction treatment to more effectively break down leftover fat and cellulite and tighten up the skin. Swedish Massage, Petrissage, Sports Massage and exercise are recommended.

Recommended is 1 Post-Op MLD Massage weekly.

Who Should NOT Receive Manual Lymph Drainage

MLD is generally safe, given the very light pressure used in the technique.
But in cases where increased lymphatic flow would be detrimental, MLD should be avoided.

People with the following conditions should not receive MLD:

Acute infections, including inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, poisons or allergens
Cardiac edema – swelling caused by cardiac insufficiency or other major heart problems
Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), phlebitis
Renal failure
Acute bronchitis
Malignant tumors

Prior to treatment, your lymphatic massage therapist will discuss your medical history, and in the interest of safety, we will not perform MLD in the presence of any of the above conditions. In addition, we are not certified to treat clients with lymphedema. Please consult a medical professional for proper referral and treatment.