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Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Following Surgery

When researching for information regarding cosmetic procedures and the best surgeons to carry out the required surgery, many overlook or are unaware of the importance of post care, specifically Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

Why do I need Manual Lymphatic Drainage Following Surgery?

The lymphatic system carries a colourless liquid called lymph and it helps our bodies get rid of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials including infections and cancer cells. The fluid bathes the tissues, to form tissue fluid, which collects waste products, bacteria, damaged cells and cancer cells if present.
It is the job of the lymphatic system to fight infection and Manual Lymphatic Drainage following surgery aids recovery by enhancing the lymphatic system and supporting the immune system.

MLD Healing Properties

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Post Tummy Tuck client

There is a specific requirement for manual lymphatic drainage following surgery to promote wound healing.

When part of the body is traumatised after an operation, the lymphatic system becomes compromised by the overwhelming experience of surgery. The area is damaged and becomes inflamed with bruising and residual toxins.

MLD assists the lymphatic system to heal and recover by improving the reabsorption of swelling and waste products from between the tissue cells, thus reducing swelling and helping to fight infection.

Reduce the Risks

Also, particularly with liposuction and similar reconstructive surgeries, there is a risk of a Seroma – https://rb.gy/b7neyz

For these reasons and many more, my two-step Manual Lymphatic Drainage following surgery and cosmetic reconstruction is highly recommended – https://www.lqtouch.co.uk/manual-lymphatic-drainage-treatments-lauras-touch-body-services/

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light, gentle, skin-stretching massage. Not to be confused with a deep tissue massage –https://www.lqtouch.co.uk/deep-tissue-massage-treatments-lauras-touch/ – for muscle tension, knots and soreness.

Developed in Paris, in 1936, by Dr Emil Vodder and his wife – https://vodderschool.com/emil_vodder_life_work_article – for the treatment of swollen lymph nodes, MLD is a highly skilled procedure that takes many years of training and hands-on experience.
Using rhythmic contractions to remove proteins and fluid from blocked or damaged lymph vessels, the lymph nodes are stimulated by MLD so that lymphatic fluid can be rerouted to improve activity and avoid lymphatic diseases that notably represent a serious health risk – https://medlineplus.gov/lymphaticdiseases.html.

For more information about lymphoedema and cancers of the lymphatic system go to https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/lymphoedema-and-cancer

How does Manual Lymphatic Drainage work?

Post-surgery, manual lymphatic drainage techniques are essential facilitation that directs lymph fluid back into the lymph vessels, reducing swelling and pain, improving circulation, and significantly aiding recovery.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage following surgery improves the efficiency of the lymph vessels, nodes and glands that run throughout the body – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21199-lymphatic-system – especially following fat transfers and liposuction.

The fluid that drains back into the lymph vessels is transported towards the lymph glands, filtering the lymph that contains lots of white blood cells, and taking out any harmful products to help us fight infections.

The lymph eventfully reaches a large vessel at the base of the neck, called the thoracic duct which passes the filtered lymph back into the blood circulation.

Who can provide a Manual Lymphatic Drainage service?

Before and After 5 MLD sessions for this post 360 Tummy Tuck Client. 3 More Sessions to go.

Specially trained massage therapists with a sufficient level of training and the necessary qualifications provide this professional aftercare.

Due to the complexity of the procedure, only fully trained professionals can assist the lymphatic system and help the body remove waste and cellular debris, whilst reducing the post-operative swelling associated with cosmetic surgery.

How many MLD sessions are required?

Week 1: In the first week post-surgery, MLD sessions are recommended to be carried out daily or every other day, if possible.

Week 2: The second week, every other day, reducing in frequency after that.

Conclusion

Essentially, the promotion of wound healing, immune system support, and the improved reabsorption of swelling and waste products are the main reasons why manual lymphatic drainage following surgery is highly recommended and, as touched upon already, widely regarded as imperative by surgeons.

The procedure works so well it means that the lymphatic system is not overwhelmed and it can work more efficiently, reducing the chances of serious illness and the unsightly, uneven, lumpy tissue that is associated with cosmetic surgery.

What type of cosmetic surgery can benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage following surgery?

There are risks associated with all kinds of surgery, and some procedures represent a higher risk than others, but it is recommended that an MLD professional therapist is consulted following:-
A Brazilian butt lift, often abbreviated to BBL, is a very common cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat to the buttocks to give the bottom of the body more volume.

The Brazilian Butt Lift, often known as the BBL, involves removing the patient’s own fat cells from another area of the body, treating them, and then reintroducing them to the buttocks. A perkier, more rounder backside is the end effect.

Liposuction

For those not seeking a contoured body under the knife, 360-Vaser liposuction – https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/vaser-liposuction – may sound like a futuristic video game, but it’s a growing procedure that can target most parts of the body – arms, neck, back, chin, stomach, legs and buttocks – and it is should be followed by MLD sessions.

Face Lift

A procedure dating back to the early 20th Century – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhytidectomy – even by those who are familiar with Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment and its benefits, many who seek a youthful facial appearance still overlook MLD above the chest.

Other above-the-neck surgeries that can benefit from MLD are:

Nose-reshaping (rhinoplasty)

Brow and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

Breast Augmentation

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure used to restore breasts to a more youthful lifted appearance when they have become somewhat sagging or droopy in appearance. Many seeking more affordable surgery travel to Turkey, however are not always informed of the necessary post surgery after care I.e. Manual Lymphatic Drainage massages post surgery

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck – https://www.manchesterplasticsurgery.com/mummy-makeover/ – is often a last-resort procedure and there are some very encouraging benefits associated with losing the excess skin and fat.
As well as strengthening a weakened core to aid flexibility and prevent hernias, this confidence boosting operation can assist with poor posture, help reduce lower back pain, and also minimise the risk of encountering life-threatening illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease – https://wendygottlieb.com/posts/plastic-surgery/how-a-tummy-tuck-can-benefit-your-overall-health/ .

It is important to remove any unsightly or hardened tissue that may develop post-op and this is where MLD can help.

Gastric Band Surgery https://rb.gy/hjkvpl – has been at the forefront of weight loss surgery since the 1960s but the past decade has seen considerable increases in the number of weight loss surgeries performed, and that is only likely to increase.

Although gastric band surgery may reduce the amount one can eat, it shouldn’t restrict one’s opinion of Manual Lymphatic Drainage following surgery, and your local therapist should be consulted at the earliest possible convenience.

Unsure whether your surgery requires Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Not all surgery requires MLD but, if you are unsure whether you will require Manual Lymphatic Drainage following surgery, please contact me to discuss via Email

Check out some Post Op Manual Lymphatic Drainage Clients in the gallery: Click Here

Block booking massage packages

In the first week of surgery, MLD sessions are recommended to be carried out daily or every other day, if possible.

During the second week, the frequency is then reduced from every other day and the ‘block booking massage package’ is ideal for this type of frequency.

In blocks of 6 or 9 with a free session thrown in – 7 sessions for the price of 6 or 12 sessions for the price of 10 – these block bookings are ideal for this kind of frequency.

Before and After of a 360 Tummy Lipo and Breast Lift Client

Block Booking Deal: LQ Touch Block Booking

Home visits are available for post BBL surgery clients depending on location. Please contact laura@lqtouch.co.uk to discuss this before booking.

Body Cleansing Herbal Teas

And for those who may be looking for added assistance during MLD, there is a selection of herbal teas available to help, cleanse, detox and repair – www.amzn.to/3wvZ0cz ; www.amzn.to/3WIWXN3 ; www.amzn.to/3XXebau and www.amzn.to/3HvRdRp

Please contact Laura@lqtouch.co.uk for a free consultation prior to booking or you can book now by clicking here: https://lqtouch.co.uk/book/

Furthermore, Laura’s touch offers convenient, cost-saving, block-booking packages. 7 for the price of 6 or 12 for the price of 10 on all treatments. If you would like to find out more about block booking your sessions please click here: https://lqtouch.co.uk/block-booking-sessions/