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What Happens if You Don’t Get Lymphatic Massage After Liposuction?

Posted July 15, 2024 in Lymphatic Massage

Woman getting a massage after the surgery

Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgeries available, with nearly 350,000 procedures performed in 2023. And while liposuction can offer dramatic outcomes, caring for your body properly during recovery can not only help enhance your results but also encourage faster healing. In this blog, we explore the benefits of lymphatic massage after liposuction and how skipping lymphatic massage can impact your recovery and results.

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Table of Contents

What Is Lymphatic Massage?

Also called lymphatic drainage massage, lymphatic massage is a specialized technique designed to stimulate your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system consists of organs (including your lymph nodes and spleen), lymph vessels, and lymph fluid. It is responsible for detoxification, protecting you from infection, and regulating the fluid levels in your body.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle way to boost the processes of the lymph system after liposuction surgery. It uses both circular and long strokes along your body that follow the natural direction of the flow of lymph fluid toward the lymph nodes. This assists the lymphatic system to circulate and drain properly, which are crucial elements in the healing process after liposuction.

So, now that you know the basics of what the lymphatic system does and how lymphatic massage works, what happens if you don’t get lymphatic massage after your liposuction procedure?

Increased Swelling

One of the typical side effects of liposuction (or any surgery) is post-procedure swelling. Swelling is your body’s natural response to trauma, and while it will eventually dissipate on its own, getting a lymphatic massage can help the process along. Without lymphatic massage, swelling may be more severe and persist longer, extending your discomfort as you recover, limiting mobility, and potentially extending your downtime.

By using lymphatic massage to reduce your body’s inflammatory response and keep lymph fluid moving, you will see a quicker improvement in swelling, which in turn allows you to see your final liposuction results sooner.

Slower Healing

Lymphatic massage stimulates the flow of lymph fluid, which speeds the body’s healing process in several ways, including boosting your immune system and clearing toxins and waste from your tissues. The lymphatic system contains lymphocytes, which are immune cells specifically designed to destroy microorganisms. Poor lymphatic circulation means the lymphocytes can’t do their job, allowing potentially infectious or inflammatory toxins to accumulate and slow down healing.

Lymphatic massage not only stimulates the flow of lymph fluid but also encourages blood circulation. When blood flow is improved, oxygen and vital nutrients reach the surgical site more quickly, assisting in healing and helping to alleviate soreness after liposuction.

Lumps, Bumps, and Scars

While liposuction incisions are very small, your body still works to create scar tissue around the wound. This process is called fibrosis, and in most cases, you end up with a normal, flat scar that fades over time. However, if you have excess inflammation after liposuction surgery due to poor lymphatic function, you may end up with excess scar tissue, which can lead to more noticeable scars or lumps under your skin. Lymphatic drainage massage helps keep the developing scar tissue soft and malleable, preventing hard, fibrous scars and unsightly bumps.

The increased circulation from lymphatic massage also promotes more even healing, reducing the risk of lumps and bumps after liposuction and enhancing your overall skin health for gorgeous results.

General Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

The benefits of lymphatic massage, in general, can also be applied to healing after liposuction. Some of the ways that lymphatic drainage massage can help speed your recovery include:

Supporting Digestion

After surgery, you may find that your digestive system is more sluggish than usual, especially if you take prescription pain medication. Lymphatic massage helps reduce inflammation in your digestive tract to ensure you stay “regular” as you heal.

Promoting Relaxation

If you’ve ever gotten any type of massage, you know how relaxing they can be. Lymphatic massage is no different, and the enhanced relaxation and stress relief offer several benefits to recovery after liposuction. Quality rest is essential to the healing process, and massage can promote better sleep and stress relief, allowing your body to focus on healing.

Getting You Moving More, Sooner

By reducing inflammation and swelling, increasing circulation, and supporting detoxification, lymphatic drainage massage helps you feel more energetic and ready to move, which enables you to heal faster and feel better quicker.

Learn More About Liposuction in Huntsville

When you’re ready to address those pesky pockets of stubborn fat that refuse to respond to your best diet and exercise efforts, it’s time to explore the benefits of liposuction. Dr. Knowling and the skilled team at The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville will guide you through the process from start to finish, including providing recommendations for trained lymphatic massage specialists. The combination of expertly performed liposuction and the healing benefits of lymphatic drainage massage will ensure you receive the stunning liposuction results you desire. To schedule a consultation, call today at (256) 881-2220 or complete the online contact form.