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7 Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massages & Why You Need One

Benefits Of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

After complex surgeries with multiple incisions, lymphatic drainage massage can help optimise your recovery by reducing swelling. But dealing with inflammation after a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation or a BBL is not the only benefit of lymphatic drainage massage, and this blog will outline seven of the most important advantages of the treatment and explain how these massages can help you.

We strongly recommend all of our patients book in with our nurse and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage therapist, Paulina Holland, after surgery. This is because MLD massages can improve your comfort and your overall recovery significantly.

Contact the CREO Clinic today to find out more about lymphatic drainage massages with Paulina, and how these can help improve your recovery from surgery.

7 Benefits Of Lymphatic Drainage Massages &Amp; Why You Need One Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast)

What Is A Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymph is the fluid that passes through the lymphatic system – a complex system of vessels that works to detoxify the body, functioning as a filter that removes bacteria and waste. While this system is a crucial part of a healthy immune response, it can become congested after surgery, and intervention through targeted massage can help it work more effectively. 

Lymph fluid can sometimes accumulate and cause swelling at the site of incisions, and lymphatic drainage massage helps to remove this fluid, reducing inflammation and providing other important benefits.

7 of the Best Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massages

1. Reduce Swelling and Edema

As incisions recover and heal after surgery, inflammation can sometimes remain for longer than is necessary when fluid is retained around the incision site(s). An edema is a swelling created by fluid under the skin, and this can be caused by a congestion of lymph. 

Lymphatic drainage massage can help to move the excess fluid  and bring down excess inflammation, especially when combined with the use of compression garments.

2. Minimise the Appearance of Cellulite

Cellulite is a dimpling effect often seen on the skin of the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Although lymphatic drainage massage cannot cure cellulite, it may temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite by reducing swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid.

3. Increase Joint Mobility

It has been suggested that lymphatic drainage massage can help increase joint mobility by improving conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis – a condition that creates chronic pain and swelling around the joints. Reducing accumulations of lymph around the joints can bring down swelling, reducing discomfort and increasing joint mobility.

As you become more mobile, there will also be increased blood flow to the treatment area, helping to further improve lymphatic drainage.

4. Improve Blood Flow and Tissue Regeneration

Lymphatic drainage massage works to remove any excess fluids and drain away the toxins that lymph fluid works to filter out. It does this by improving the circulation of lymph fluid, which can also help aid the regeneration of damaged tissues – for this reason, it is often used to help sports people recover from injuries.

 5. Promote Relaxation of the Mind and Body

A significant benefit of lymphatic drainage massage is its ability to calm the mind and body simultaneously. The massage itself has a comforting rhythm that soothes, as well as providing important improvements to the circulation of the lymphatic system. It can help alleviate physical issues, but also give patients an opportunity to relax.

6. Enhance Post-Surgery Healing

After surgery it is common to experience inflammation at the sites of the incisions. Lymphatic drainage massage can help to avoid accumulations of fluid at those sites and improve circulation of lymph fluid to and from the incisions as they heal. 

Many of the CREO Clinic’s surgical patients respond well to lymphatic drainage massage post surgery, and our practitioners strongly recommend it as a way to optimise recovery.

7. Increase Overall Health

A course of lymphatic drainage massage can work to improve the lymphatic system, a system that plays multiple roles around the body, detoxifying and getting rid of waste that might otherwise be damaging to our health. Improvements to our immune system, stress levels and chronic pain can all contribute to an overall improvement of health and quality of life.

When To Consider Getting a Lymphatic Drainage Massage

If your lymphatic system is working less efficiently, you may see physical symptoms such as swelling, especially if you have had a recent surgery, infection, or chronic illness. Swelling or or issues with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and difficulties with the veins in your legs are all reasons to consider lymphatic drainage massage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should You Get A Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Many people find weekly lymphatic drainage massage is beneficial for their general well-being, but it can also be effective when used specifically during recovery from surgery to reduce swelling at incision sites.

Does Lymphatic Drainage Clear Skin?

Some online sources suggest that lymphatic drainage massage can improve skin health, but there is currently no definitive evidence to confirm this.

Can Lymphatic Drainage Cause Weight Loss?

While lymphatic drainage massage does not reduce levels of fat in the body, it can move on lymph fluid that has accumulated – this may cause a reduction in what is known as ‘water weight’ and slim down your physique. However, it should be noted that any slimming effect would be minimal.

Who Should Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Massages?

There are some conditions that indicate a person should not undergo lymphatic drainage massage, such as an ongoing infection, issues with the liver or kidneys, congestive heart failure, or those with a history of blood clots or strokes.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Lymphatic Drainage Massages?

Any negative impacts from lymphatic drainage massage are rare, but some patients report feeling tired, nauseous, or having headaches after the treatment. Any negative side effects should be short lived and mild.

Talk To A CREO Clinic Specialist About Lymphatic Drainage Massages Today

Contact the CREO Clinic today and speak to our team about the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage. A regular treatment of lymphatic drainage massage could improve the functioning of your lymphatic system and can be an excellent aid in recovery from cosmetic surgery.