Lymphatic Drainage for Liposuction/Tummy Tuck Recovery

What does Liposuction do to the Lymphatic System?

The surgical effect of liposuction on the lymphatics is unique. Liposuction disrupts or destroys most lymphatic capillaries within the targeted adipose tissue. Fortunately, lymphatic damage from liposuction is not usually permanent; lymphatic capillaries regenerate within a few weeks to several months after being damaged by a liposuction cannula.

Lymphedema is edema caused by inadequate lymphatic function resulting from the lack of development, destruction, or obstruction of lymph vessels or lymph nodes. These causes include primary lymphedema from impaired development of the lymphatics, and secondary lymphedema from acquired physical destruction (surgery, radiation, infection) or obstruction (malignancy, parasitic infection).

The secondary post-liposuction lymphedema is unique in that it usually resolves spontaneously with time, typically within 2 to 9 months.

Lymphedema is the result of a failure of the lymphatics to remove large-molecular-weight proteins from the interstitial space. Although both blood and lymphatic capillaries reabsorb interstitial water, the lymphatic capillaries are the only route for absorbing proteins from interstitial tissue. No other route is available for the removal of excessive interstitial fluid proteins. The excess proteins simply accumulate indefinitely, along with a proportionate increase in osmotically attracted interstitial water.

The lymphatic capillaries throughout the adipose tissue undergo damage from cannulas. Lymph capillary injury is an inevitable consequence of liposuction, but the extent and the duration of liposuction lymphedema can be significantly reduced by postoperative care. Early and continued efforts to clear out as much blood-tinged anesthetic fluid as possible are immediately beneficial. Once the drainage fluid is allowed to become trapped within interstitial micro-loculations, the edema becomes persistent, resolving only when the injured lymphatic capillaries regenerate.

HOW DOES LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE THERAPY HELP AFTER LIPOSUCTION?

Since the Lymphatic System is the area of surgery is not working properly, when we are working with this type of surgery, we must help recreate the pathways and manually move the lymph to healthy areas. 

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy help you clear out lymphatic fluid and help re-educate your system for optimal function.

Most physician recommend that you receive Lymphatic Drainage after Liposuction to help you to get back to your daily life more quickly.

BENEFITS OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE AFTER LIPOSUCTION:

Enhances circulation.

Improves lymph flow, which decrease swelling and edema.

Decrease bruising.

Prevent and decrease severity of fibrosis.

Decrease scaring.

Decrease pain.

Increase comfort and movement.

Better sleep.

Improved recovery time.

Eliminates toxins from the body including anesthesia and cellular debris.

Promotes the healing of incisions.

Carries white blood cells and proteins to the blood.

Improves overall results of liposuction surgery.

The skin and tissues are hydrated more efficiently, thus achieving a better appearance.

Improves overall health of the body.

FAQ:

SHOULD I GET LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE BEFORE MY SURGERY?

Yes, the best way to prepare for a successful surgery is to get the “ground” ready with a minimum of 1-2 Lymphatic Drainage Sessions. This will help to clear out any toxins and debris. As well as enhance the proper function of the lymphatic system, as if you were unclogging a drain. Nice clean pipes can handle more flow.

WILL YOU RE-OPEN MY SUTURES TO DRAIN FLUID? WILL IT BE PAINFUL?

Lymphatic Drainage is meant to be light work because the lymph system is right underneath the skin.  When it is done correctly it is gentle, not painful, and soothing.

When your tissue is ready, then we can begin to incorporate myofascial and scar tissue work in the areas that the scar tissue is starting to bind.

HOW SOON AFTER SURGERY SHOULD I START MY LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE SESSIONS?

Surgeons often recommend that their patients supplement their recovery with lymphatic drainage as early as possible, ideally within the first few day’s post-surgery. The idea behind this recommendation is that lymphatic drainage can help prevent and alleviate the build-up of fluid and formation of scar tissue. We recommend you get your drainage tubes taken out before you come to us for your sessions.

Prolonged swelling or pockets filled with fluid can slow down recovery and compromise results. Lymphatic drainage releases this, decreasing inflammation. Because the lymphatic system also plays a vital role in immune cell transport, this treatment can improve the overall immune response, reducing the risk of infection.

Without lymphatic massage, the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of blood) can form..It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.