Lymphatic Drainage for Plastic Surgery Recovery
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is frequently recommended by plastic surgeons during the recovery phase following cosmetic procedures. It helps to decrease recovery time and improve results, by reducing post-surgical swelling and fibrosis (scar tissue formation).
Plastic Surgery Side Effects:
Edema/Swelling
After any trauma to the body, cells release chemicals which affect the absorbency of blood vessels in the area of the injury. Surgery, although controlled, causes trauma. This increase in permeability allows lymph fluids, white blood cells, and other chemicals to flood the areas to start the healing process. This process is known as inflammation or edema.
Excessive fluid or localized pockets of fluid may slow recovery and/or make the results less aesthetically optimal by encouraging uneven healing and fibrosis, resulting in longer recovery times, greater pain, and health complications. Uncontrolled swelling could potentially create other complications such as small pockets of fluid becoming trapped (‘seroma’) and infection.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage stimulates lymph nodes and increases rhythmic contractions of the lymph vessels to enhance their activity so that stagnant lymphatic fluid can be rerouted.
BRUISING
Bruising appears after surgery because of blood leaking from capillaries once the surgery is complete. Although most of these blood vessels are cauterized during surgery, there may be some mild bleeding when the blood pressure returns to normal. There is no reason for concern, as bruising is inevitable after surgery and is rarely serious.
Bruising is never pretty, especially for the first few days following surgery. It is particularly unpleasant when it affects highly visible areas like the face. For the first few days, the bruising will be black, dark purple, or blue. And then should fade down to a green, yellow, or brown hue. The skin should return to normal afterward and completely subside after a couple of weeks.
Bruises are broken down cellular tissue and old red blood cells stuck in the tissues after surgery. Lymphatic Drainage moves these waste products out of the areas where they are trapped so that you can regain function more quickly.
FIBROSIS:
When the body is injured, including by surgery, specialized cells rush to the area to help stabilize the tissue. This natural inflammatory response is initially a very good thing because it helps to protect us from further damage. If the body is healing normally, these specialized stabilizing cells, as well as cellular debris, are gently removed, and normal function is restored.
When lymph flow is compromised such as post-surgery, the accumulation of these stabilizing proteins can be significant, causing lumps to form, known as fibrosis. Excessive fibrosis may be noticed to the touch or be visible. It may restrict motion and produce and overall sense of tightness.
Fibrosis can be prevented or reduced with lymphatic drainage because it removes fluid buildup, helps to break down the accumulation of large protein structures, and enhances proper lymphatic flow.
