WHAT IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) allows for the effective removal of excess interstitial fluid. A physiotherapist uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system and facilitate the drainage of fluids and toxins from the surgical area.
This process helps reduce edema, improve circulation, and minimize the risk of complications such as seroma formation. Additionally, lymphatic drainage alleviates tension in surrounding tissues and reduces inflammation. When included in post-operative care plans, patients often experience better mobility and a more comfortable recovery process.
Manual lymphatic drainage contributes to reducing edema, detoxifying tissues, and creating a state of relaxation. Typically, MLD sessions can commence 24 hours after surgery. Lymphatic drainage involves your therapist stimulating key lymph nodes to enhance the movement of lymphatic fluids in your body. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, protecting the body from any changes that could lead to illness and ensuring the body remains healthy.
Lymphatic drainage aims to maintain the body’s proper fluid balance, immunity, and blood circulation. We emphasize the importance of reducing swelling and inflammation, promoting the healing of bruises and stitches, increasing oxygen flow, alleviating discomfort, preventing scar tissue, fibrosis, and keloid scar formation, and eliminating toxins from the body. After completing a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session, you’ll feel incredibly rejuvenated and relaxed, noticing increased comfort in mobilization.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, unlike traditional massage, focuses on improving the lymphatic system in the skin rather than muscle blood flow, assisting the progression of fluid through the skin using mechanical force applied to the skin.
BENEFITS OF POST-SURGICAL MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Speeds up blood and lymph circulation
Facilitates increased oxygen circulation in the blood, aiding in shorter recovery times
Reduces inflammation
Diminishes bruising, swelling, and sensitivity associated with surgery
Reduces stress
Accelerates healing of scars
Enhances your mobilization
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
WHEN CAN I START?
It is best to progress according to your doctor’s recommendation. Generally, patients who have undergone liposuction can begin the day after surgery, while those undergoing abdominoplasty surgeries can start on post-op day 2.
DOES IT HURT?
Lymphatic drainage is generally not painful, but since your body is in the inflammation phase post-surgery, you may feel somewhat sensitive to touch. As a result, we are confident that the benefits of your drainage will outweigh any discomfort you may feel.
HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED FOR THE BEST RECOVERY?
Typically, recommendations for post-surgical manual lymphatic drainage suggest three sessions per week during the first 3 to 6 weeks of recovery.
These sessions are conducted by physiotherapists specialized in post-operative manual lymphatic drainage techniques.
CAN I GET A LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE WITH DRAINS?
Absolutely Yes.
WİLL MY PHYSIOTHERAPIST GET INFORMATION FROM MY SURGEON ABOUT MY SURGERY?
Yes, you can be assured that we will communicate with your surgeon to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
DOES MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE REALLY REMOVE FLUID FROM MY BODY?
Yes, your body produces fluid in response to surgery, and the accumulation of this fluid leads to pain, swelling, and scarring. The purpose of manual lymphatic drainage is to remove excess fluid from your body for better and faster healing.
CAN I GET MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE AT MY HOTEL/HOME, OR DO I NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL?
Both options are available. Our post-op team at Orion Plastic Surgery can coordinate appointments at your preference, whether it’s at your hotel or hospital.
FOR WHİCH PROCEDURES IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MOST BENEFICIAL?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is beneficial for the recovery process following all surgical procedures.
BREAST SURGERY
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is helpful after breast surgeries to prevent capsular contracture, which signifies the hardening of scar tissue around implants. Lymphatic drainage reduces the accumulation of fluid and excess waste that can lead to capsular contracture.
FACELIFT
Facelift procedures cause pain and sensitivity due to manipulation of the skin tissue. Lymphatic drainage sessions on the face will relieve pain receptors, support faster healing, and reduce swelling by accelerating blood circulation. This is done with gentle upward strokes.
LIPOSUCTION AND TUMMY TUCK
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is beneficial after liposuction or tummy tuck surgeries as it aids in increasing circulation and improving lymph flow. This helps reduce swelling, edema, incision-related scarring, pain, and bruising while preventing or reducing the severity of fibrosis, ultimately improving overall outcomes and recovery times.
