When you choose to have a cosmetic procedure it is easy to forget that before you reach the beautiful “after” picture you have to undergo surgery.
And all surgery, regardless of its aim, causes trauma and swelling and discomfort. Which doesn’t really fit into that beautiful “after” picture does it?
Less swelling, less pain, faster recovery
Post op recovery is not a fun process, but there is a way to speed up your recovery, reduce the swelling and discomfort and get you to your “after” picture that much faster – lymphatic drainage therapy.
In fact studies have shown that you can reduce pain and swelling by up to 50% and speed up recovery dramatically by incorporating lymphatic massage into your recovery program – reducing recovery from 9 months to just 3 weeks!
What is the lymphatic system?
Your lymphatic system is your body’s clean up crew. It takes all the “bad” and toxic buildup out of your body.
But, unlike your blood system, your lymphatic system doesn’t have a “heart” to make it move. So it can get blocked or stuck.
Surgery, naturally, cuts through lymphatic vessels and can disrupt the flow of lymph through the body. Swelling also slows the removal of waste products. Treating the lymphatic system helps remove the swelling and bruising much faster.
But will it hurt?
Although the word “drainage” conjures up some awful images, this is actually a really gentle therapy. Key areas of the lymphatic system lie in very small vessels just below the skin, so very small, gentle movements are used. So there is no pain, even on tender and bruised tissue.
As your lymphatic system is also your body’s detoxification system it will also help with your recovery from the medications and stress of the surgical procedure. The work on the skin also reduces scarring and improves skin tone and appearance, helping with that healthy glow all good “after” photos need!
When can I start?
There are different methods of lymphatic therapy – some manual and some using machines.
Broadly speaking manual therapy can be started almost immediately after surgery – once your wound is closed. But therapies using machines (particularly those using compression forces or similar) shouldn’t be used until later, perhaps 6-12 weeks.
Some therapies, particularly electro lymphatic, can still have a dramatic effect on scar reduction even years after surgery.
Not sure what’s best for you? our Patient Care Coordinator can talk you through the options available both at the clinic and locally to make sure you get the best support possible.
If you’d like to book an appointment please contact us directly over email, WhatsApp or in person as required.
