Lymphatic massage and swelling

Anyone had lymphatic massage after plastics to help deal with swelling?  If so, how did it work for you and would you recommend it?  My swelling has gotten worse in the past week (I'm 7 1/2 weeks post op) and I've got a call in to my surgeon to see if he'll write an order for lymphatic massage.  But just curious what other folks experience has been with this.  Thanks for any info you're willing to share -

Kellie

I am 9 weeks post op from bracho and 3 other procedures.  I have had a lot of swelling and discomfort from the arms.   My primary doctor wrote a prescription for lymphatic massage and range of motion exercises to help with my arms.  My PS didn't want me to have the massage and I didn't get to talk to him directly about it.  Personally, I don't think his twitty office staff relayed the message correctly to him.  I didn't mean to go against his orders, but ....

I have had 3 sessions with a physical therapist fully trained in dealing with lymphedema and it has made all the difference!  The swelling is better, my range of motion is almost completely back and she's been able to rub out the webbing that was starting under my left armpit (Painful!! but effective!).  She has also put kinesio (sp?) tape on the incisions and man has that made a TRMENDOUS difference in the appearance of the scars.   I have three more sessions with her and she thinks I'll be good to go after that.

Hope this info helps you,

Lynda

Thanks for the info, Lynda.  I'm waiting for a call back from my surgeon's office; hopefully he'll be willing to write an order for lymphatic massage. 

My swelling is worse some days than others, but my bigger concern is that I'm having a second round of plastics (breast lift and brachioplasty) in 3 1/2 weeks.  Since that will involve additional disruption of my lymph system and I'm already having problems w/ swelling from my first surgery, I'm hoping that the lymphatic massage can can help keep my swelling at a dull roar, so to speak. 

Good luck with your continuing recovery!!!

Kellie

YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!  Can't even tell you how much it has helped me!!!!  Like you my swelling got worse when I hit the 8 or 9 week mark.  I've had 4 or 5 sessions and it's a huge help.  Make sure you go to someone who is CERTIFIED in lymphatic drainage massage.  Some folks say they do it but don't have certification.  This type of massage takes a LOT more, rather expensive, training then the average massage therapist has.  Also make sure you drink lots of water before and after and be prepared to have to pee every hour after ward :-)

Anyway, totally worth it!

Corinna Q

Thanks for the info, Corinna.  I'll double check whether the massage therapist at the clinic where I have my appointment scheduled is certified in lymphatic drainage massage.  If not, I know there are certified therapists in my area, so I'll look around until I find one of them. 

I appreciate the reminder about drinking lots of water before and that I'll pee a lot afterwards; frankly, that would be a blessing!  I'll post an update after my first session to let folks know how this works for me. 

Kellie

My surgeon automatically sends his patients for 3 rounds of lymphatic massage. To be quite frank I honestly did not feel much difference. However it was relaxing and calming which was enough for me :)

At about 7-8 weeks out I looked like the Stay Puffed Marshmallow Man and it wasn't getting better with ice, elevation, or compression.  I went twice a week for about 4 weeks to my regular massage guy for a modified lymphatic massage (make sure your person is licensed ESPECIALLY in this type of massage).  It hurt me like a ***** but you could VISUALLY SEE the difference moments after the massage was over!!! It wouldn't take but 8-12 hours to fill back up, but I think the constant draining helped my lymph system along.  I am not 6 months out and still have occational flare ups in my legs from the high volume lipo (11 liters), but my dr did say about 8 months for most of the swelling to be gone.