Post Op Lymphatic Drainage

What is the lymphatic system?

PostOp is short for post operative massage. Post-operative massage is a series of massage styles that range from gentle to firmer techniques of massage that increases blood flow and promotes recovery by targeting the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system helps process waste and absorbs fluids. We refer to it as the truancy officer of the body— its an intricate system that is wrapped around vessels throughout the body collecting straggler cells. The lymphatic system picks up toxins along with the immune system and sends them to the liver for processing. The viable cells are returned to the heart and waste matter is later excreted from the body. However during major surgery, the lymphatic system is compromised for 2-3 months allowing the fluid that pools within the skin layers to linger. After surgery, these fluids can harden, which is often painful.

Why do I need PostOp massages?

Massage plays an important role as a supplement to standard rehabilitation procedures after surgery. Legacy will be the first to admit that you do not NEED to receive postOp massages. However, clients that don’t receive postOp massage treatments heal slower and usually have more complications. PostOp massages help clients heal faster, get rid of inflammation and postOp fluid quicker, and help mold the body to heal with a mor natural look by breaking down scar tissue, manually detoxing the body while the lymphatic system heals, and improving circulation. By increasing circulation while relaxing the muscles, postop massage helps the body pump more oxygen & nutrients into vital organs.

Post Op care questions

How many Post Op massages do I need?

While all procedures will benefit from some form of postOp massage, the massage schedule differs depending on the type of procedure. Most of our clients follow along these postop massage schedules. However, the faster you heal the less sessions your body may require.

When should I start postOp Massages?

Aside from a tummy tuck, postOp massages should start day 1 postOp. If you had a tummy tuck massages should start day 7 postOp.

HOW LONG DO THESE RESULTS LAST?

This is one of the biggest questions we get. It is important to point out that nothing in this life is permanent and anything achieved must be maintained. If you achieve amazing results in the gym and just stop working, your results fade. If you dye your hair and it grows out, the colors must be reapplied. If you get braces to adjust your teeth, a retainer must be worn to hold the results firm. Nonsurgical body contouring treatments are no different. It’s important to keep in mind that nonsurgical fat reduction should be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. This will help you to maximize and maintain results.

What to expect

Manual Lymphatic Drainage/MLD

The massage is conducted

Right after surgery we will assess the best way to administer your treatment. If you had a fat transfer your abdominal area will be addressed with you standing up. If you had procedures on the posterior and anterior (front and back) you have the option of standing for half or all of your treatment.

The pressure applied

For all types of MLD the pressure used is gentle with light pumps and little to no oil. The skin movements are very light so that the small lymph vessels are not flattened. Flattened lymph vessels would prevent the lymph fluid from draining. The movements are slow and rhythmic so that the lymph vessels open up.

During this period, no machines are used. MLD is performed using hands only during the treatment. This type of treatment is recommended from day 1 to week 3 postOp if clients have had surgery.