Lymphatic Massage for Swelling (long)

I had a lymphatic massage at Dr Lomonaco's office about 2 weeks ago.  Dr L recommends his patients get lymphatic massages for swelling after PS and offers a complimentary massage with his surgeries.  I have to say that I did notice a decrease in the swelling just in the time I was there.  I haven't been in a couple of weeks but I am so tired of the swelling that I am going to schedule more.  The lady who did the massages was wonderful and recommended that I do at least  5 since she said I had alot of swelling in my entire abdomen area and in my back.  Since I had a LBL with an anchor cut, there really isn't anywhere for the fluid to go since my scar runs all the way around and down the middle.  The massage increases the flow of the lymphatic systems and helps your body get rid of the fluid and therefore reducing the swelling.  It's not a cure, but it helps.  The lady I am using on Monday says she does the massage for an hour and then uses an ultrasound machine for about 15 minutes on top of that.  I'll post next week about my experience.

My PS also plans to do some lipo on me in September and said he recommends all his patients get massages after the lipo.  He said everyone who has them is very pleased with the results.

I have attached some posts about lymphatic massages that I had bookmarked months ago.  There is also some info I found further down and a youtube video (very informative) of a Dr talking about the benefits after PS as well. 

Have any of you had a lymphatic massage?  I'd be interested to hear about your experience.

Thanks and  Happy Reading!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/3755302/Wha t-the-Lymphatic-Massage-Masseuse-Said/#29941705

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/3753475/4mo nths-post-up-TT-terrible-swelling-still/#29927068

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/3773898/Nee d-info-on-lymphatic-massage/#30130660

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/3790186/Lym phatic-massage-and-swelling/#30301844

www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6124Ylj0nw

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Manual Lymph Drainage

What is it?

The lymph system is your body's waste removal system consisting of lymph fluid, Lymph vessels that transport the fluid away from the tissues, lymph nodes which filters and cleanse the lymph fluid, and lymphatic organs such as the tonsils and spleen.

There are three basic functions of the lymph system:

1. it returns excess fluid back to the blood;
2. Absorption of fats and fat-soluable vitamins from the digestive system;
3. It provides defense against disease.

This very important system is crucial to the health of the body. The lymph fluid transports all the wastes like bacteria, viruses, damaged cells, cellular debris, and pathogens which get filtered by the lymph nodes and the fluid eventually moves back into the circulatory system by way of the lymph ducts. The lymph system has no pump like the heart to move it and relies solely on muscular contraction, deep breathing, and manual lymph drainage techniques.

Manual Lymph Drainage is a systematic series of light rhythmic manipulations that stimulate the lymph flow and fluid movement in the whole body. Gentle stretching of the lymph collectors of the body and face sends blocked fluid through lymph vessels for drainage into the venous system.

What does it do?

MLD gently cleanses the body of wastes and toxins and causes body fluids to flow. Used tissue fluid is moved from the various parts of the body so that new, fresh lymph can flow into the tissues. Fresh Oxygen and active substances penetrate through the tissues to nourish and regenerate the cells. It improves immunity and accelerates healing time. It balances the nervous system and relieves congestion. MLD relieves lymphodema symptoms. Manual Lymph Drainage is gently relaxing.

A poorly functioning lymph system lowers our defense, making us susceptible to infection, colds, flu and other ailments. Unfortunately, this stagnation also has a detrimental effect on our appearance. This is the deeper cause of many cosmetic flaws such as reddening, swelling, puffiness, bags under the eyes, pimples, etc. Stagnation of the lymph flow has catastrophic results for health and beauty. One must get the lymph circulation going again at all costs and this is achieved with the help of Manual Lymph Drainage. Lymph Drainage is a healthy, natural, painless and very effective method which renews the lymph, removes toxins, activates the circulation, and stimulates cell activity and regeneration of the facial tissue.

What does it feel like?

Manual Lymph Drainage techniques involve application of a very light touch applied to the skin's surface over the areas with lymph nodes on the body and face. It is performed softly, harmoniously, rhythmically, and with supple hands. This is very relaxing; many clients even fall asleep.

What are the benefits?

Manual Lymph Drainage is used for maintaining overall wellness by helping the body to cleanse, remove toxins and fend off infections. Manual lymph drainage has been successfully treating lymphodema (protei rich swelling of the limbs) for decades.

Manual lymph drainage has proven to be beneficial for conditions such as skin problems, allergies, scar tissue, and a wide range of stress related disorders. It is also helpful for fibromyalgia and other autoimmune conditions. It is being used pre and post plastic surgery and for skin conditions such as spider veins, rosacea, acne and more. Due to the light, rhythmic application of touch in the Manual Lymph Drainage Massage, it is especially beneficial to patients before and after cosmetic surgery.

• Reduces swelling.
• Decreases bruising.
• Decreases pain and discomfort in the affected area.
• Soothes skin sensitivity.
• Helps to minimize scar formation.
• Increases arterial and venous flow, speeding up the healing process.
• Helps prevent adhesions.
• Helps with numbness in affected area as a result of surgery.
• Relieves stress and anxiety.

I really really want to do this, but it's not covered and damn, I am poor these days. Maybe I'll save up!

I'm in the same boat as you.  That's why I hadn't gone back because it can get expensive.  My other surgeon recommended someone that they use at Baylor and she is cheaper and will let me do payments if I buy a package of 10, so I'm going for it.  The packages always come out less per session than paying individually.  She recommends doing 2 a week for the first 2 weeks and then one a week afterwards.  I figured I can spread it out long enough so that I can use the last few sessions after my lipo is done that way I can have it last long enough for both procedures. 

You know I was so patient with the swelling the first 6 weeks because I had prepared myself for it, but now I'm back at work and want to look like I am eventually going to look like--right now!  Like my doc says, waiting for the swelling to go away and the final outcome is one of the hardest parts.  Ain't that the truth!

I found a lymphatic massage specialist here for about $70 a session-- I may make it happen.

I found out today I have only lost 1.4 pounds of the 10+ I left on the OR floor. I am small framed, so 8 1/2 pounds of water in my abdomen is very painful--- it's super taut, bright red and full of stretch marks.

It's a foregone conclusion I'd swell--I have edema anyway (mostly in my left leg)--I just hadn't counted on it being so intense for so long. After my bowel surgery last year, I gained 25 pounds in a week, and three weeks later lost 40-- it was insane!

I was just starting to look into this so THANK YOU for posting all this great information.

I have a question......
Does the massage hurt?  I had very aggressive lipo done this past Monday and am very sore, especially if I touch my arms, I can't imagine someone rubbing them....ouch.
How does the massage work?

Thanks for the great info!

MIne didn't hurt at all but I was 4 weeks out.  The only place I felt some pressure was along my incision line in the front.  She had me take deep breaths and then as I exhaled slowly she was pressing down along the center of my stomach where my anchor cut was.  I did have lipo as well but the soreness and bruising was pretty much gone by then.  I think after a couple of weeks of the lipo, you should be good.  The massages really gentle  Nothing like a muscle massage which is probably what you're thinking about.

Thanks Melissa for posting this.  It is now bookmarked for future reference, thanks again!

I had a few after my brachioplasty.... they were wonderful, my doctor prescribed them as well, and I agree with you whole-heartedly about how much better one feels after the massage....

Thanks for the info...I have been blessed with minimal swelling (SO FAR) lol.  I am in compression from neck to ankle 24/7  though, and I also use Kinesiotape which also promotes lymphatic draining.  Good luck!