Lymphatic drainage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body.
The lymphatic drainage massage is usually performed by a physiotherapist in a specialized centre.
The lymphatic drainage massage has several medical and aesthetic benefits on the patient’s body.
You may discover the principle of lymphatic drainage massage and its advantages following an intervention of aesthetic surgery.
What is the principle of the lymphatic drainage?
The lymphatic system is made of lymphatic vessels containing a liquid of white color and akin to plasma; this liquid is known as the lymph.
The whole lymphatic system moves fluid from body tissues into the blood circulation. It contains white blood cells, which has the role of fighting infection; these are called the lymphocytes. The lymphatic system also gets rid of all the wastes that cells produce.
When the lymphatic circulation is insufficient (due to a lack of physical activity for instance), there is a risk of lymph accumulation; especially in members of the lower body.
For people having problems related to lymphatic circulation (for any reason), lymphatic drainage massage helps improve their lymphatic circulation and prevent lymph accumulation in the lower body.
Why get a lymphatic drainage massage after having underwent surgery?
After an aesthetic intervention (
abdominoplasty,
liposuction, etc.), the recovery phase is highly important.
The recovery duration is different for each patient. It generally depends on the importance of the underwent surgery and the patient’s body.
As a way to guarantee painless post-operative effects, surgeons usually recommend doing sessions of lymphatic drainage massage.
Lymphatic massages have countless benefits; among these we cite: helping ease post-operative swelling and bruising and relieving pain in operated areas of the body.
The lymphatic drainage massage also helps accelerate the patient’s recovery and have a sense of well-being after their surgery.
How is a lymphatic drainage massage done?
The lymphatic drainage massage is performed in a clinic or a private office. It lasts between 60 and 90 minutes; depending on the patient’s medical case and needs.
It is generally performed on both the arms and legs.
During the massage session, the patient would lay on the table; the specialist would perform very gentle movements which aim is to drain the lymphatic liquid and improve blood circulation.
According to the doctor’s recommendations, the patient will need to do a certain number of lymphatic massage sessions in order to correctly improve blood circulation and reach the expected results of their surgery.
For whom is lymphatic drainage massage destined?
Besides it being destined for patients who have recently underwent surgery, lymphatic drainage massage is also recommended for people suffering from poor blood circulation.
These problems may arise if the patient has a sedentary lifestyle or has been still for many consecutive hours.
Lymphatic drainage massage is also recommended for people having inflammations caused by venous insufficiency.
During preliminary consultations, the doctor will determine the patient’s needs and accordingly recommend a number of lymphatic drainage massage sessions for them to reach the results they expect.
It is also possible to combine the lymphatic drainage massage with other therapies in order to limit the volume of lymphedema.
What are the advantages of the lymphatic drainage massage?
Besides its relaxing effect on the body and its benefit of accelerating recovery after surgery, lymphatic drainage massage reinforces the immune system. The lymphatic massage also improves blood circulation in the case of venous insufficiency and accelerates post-surgical scarring.
The treatment of lymphatic drainage also has a positive impact on the aesthetic and physical aspect of the patient’s body as it helps tightening the skin and fighting cellulite.
Once the lymphatic massage is done, the patient will feel extremely relaxed and in a state of optimal well-being (mentally and physically).
If after the lymphatic drainage massage, the patient feels the urge to go to the wc, this means that the treatment has worked and that the lymphatic system has been stimulated.
All in all, the lymphatic drainage massage restores certain capacities of the patient’s system and helps in its regeneration; especially after a long period of inactivity or following a surgery.