5 Reasons Why You Should Be Doing Lymphatic Drainage Massages After Your Surgery

​Lymphatic drainage has grown to become incredibly popular in the past few years mainly due to the increase in various cosmetic procedures. Whether it’s a tummy tuck, liposuction, or Brazilian butt lift, a lymphatic drainage massage is one of the best things for your post-surgery recovery! 
 
The Importance of an Efficient Lymphatic System
A functioning lymphatic system is integral to your body’s ability to filter foreign substances, regenerate tissues, drain fluids, and maintain a healthy immune system. The lymphatic system is made of complex nodes and lymph vessels to achieve these goals. The lymph vessels carry proteins, fatty acids, hormone and immune cells, and toxins to be processed by the lymph nodes. So, when your body is under any stress, fatigue or is recovering from surgery, this process slows down. In order to speed up this process, an increasing number of doctors are recommending their patients to opt for a lymphatic drainage massage after surgery.

So, what is a lymphatic drainage massage exactly?

Also known as manual lymph drainage, a lymphatic drainage massage originated in Germany. The purpose of this massage is to treat lymphedema, which is swelling that is caused by accumulated fluid. This fluid often accumulates after the removal of lymph nodes that happen during mastectomy surgeries. Moreover, lymphedema can also be caused by various other conditions and often results in swelling and pain. A lymphatic drainage massage is now used to help speed up their post-surgery recovery process. 

Why Get a Lymphatic Drainage Massage after Surgery?
Here are a few benefits of getting a lymphatic drainage massage after surgery. 

1.   Helps Move Lymph Fluid:
 Your lymphatic system experiences considerable trauma during surgery, making it difficult for it to perform its job properly. Getting a lymphatic drainage massage is the best way to get the stagnant lymph fluid moving manually to decrease the chances of infection. Moreover, it helps your post-surgery bruises heal faster by transporting cells away from your lymph nodes faster than usual. 

2.   Reduces Post-Surgery Swelling:
Experiencing some post-surgery swelling is an essential part of the inflammatory healing process and is quite normal. However, prolonged or excessive swelling can be rather problematic as they lead to more pain and increase healing times. A lymphatic drainage massage helps you get rid of any unnecessary swelling, easing your pain and speeding up your healing process. 

3.   Helps Get Rid of Foreign Fluids and Substances:
One of the best benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage is that it helps get rid of excess toxins, water, bacteria, metabolic waste, and other substances from your tissues. 

4.   Reduces Pain and Stress:
Since a lymphatic drainage massage reduces the pressure of lymph fluid around your nerves, it helps in relieving pain and discomfort. The precise hand movements during the massage help reduce the pain signals sent to your brain, reducing pain greatly. A lymphatic drainage massage also helps relax your sympathetic nervous system while improving your immune system, helping relieve stress and improving chances to fight off an infection. 

5.   Prevents Scar-Tissue:
When left undisturbed, lymph fluid tends to solidify and forms into scar tissue. The area where this lymph fluid accumulates starts feeling uneven and lumpy. Getting a lymphatic drainage massage helps get rid of the lymph fluid, minimizing the chances of scar formation. 

A lymphatic drainage massage is a very gentle treatment that you can receive just a few days after your surgery to speed up your recovery process. Despite the surgical procedure you have gotten, you might want to consider investing in MLD!