Lymphatic Message

 Has anyone tried massage as a way to ease swelling?  I have had a number of plastic surgeries but this is the first time I've had so much swelling. Now I know what swell hell is!

I've read a couple of people's post who swear by it. They did say it hurt like he**, but worth it after wards. I asked my PS about it and she said I could do it myself. (with DH help). But I haven't had my surgery yet. I may do it if self massage doesn't work. Also, depends on what kind of surgery you have. I would ask your PS if it's OK first. Hope it gets better, soon.

I have Lymphedema in my left leg, and self-massage was taught to me in PT.  Try OTC compression hose.  You can get them in the pharmacy section at Wally World.  Pantyhose or men's socks

Mine has gotten better, but I know that ultimately, my thighplasty/lower body lift may make it worse. I'll take the risk, the same as I took the risk to have my DS.  I weighed over 400 pounds at my highest, 397 on surgery day, so I was very high risk.

If the OTC compression hose with massage doesn't work for you, then it's time to see a specialist.  You want to massage in the direction of your heart, at least, that's what I was taught.

I have dependent edema - which resolves if I take a diuretic and keep my feet elevated.  However, as I expected and as you mentioned with my thighplasty, it has gotten worse.  I had my thighplasty a year ago, it was really bad for about 6 months.  It has improved slightly, but is worse than it was pre surgery.  My ps and I discussed it and he warned me.  I was okay with going with the thighplasty because my weight was carried mostly in the thighs and my knees were really suffering.  My knee problems have resolved and I believe in time my edema will decrease slowly.  I do wear my compression garment which goes to my ankles with compression hose when I workout and when I work my 12 hour night shifts.  It helps a lot.

I had one on Monday and will be going weekly from now on. I am 3 months PO from LBL, AL, and Fat to (_:_)

My stomach started getting more swollen once I hit 7 weeks...my waist has grown 4 inches. My thought is, is that the scar tissue is preventing my lymph system from creating new pathways for the ones that were cut. Just a theory but the massage guy agreed with me. I also heard of "dry brushing" which I am going to try.