Cosmetic / Reconstructive Surgery: a healing approach with MLD and Scar Management

After cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, proper care is crucial for optimal recovery, and one of the most effective treatments to support this process is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). This gentle, therapeutic massage technique helps stimulate the lymphatic system, promoting the removal of excess fluids, reducing swelling, and accelerating the healing process. By improving circulation and detoxification, MLD can not only help you recover faster but also enhance your overall results. 

​Healing after cosmetic surgery involves more than just physical recovery—it also includes taking care of the skin and scars that remain. Scar management treatments are essential to minimize the appearance of scars, improve skin elasticity, and promote smoother, more even healing. Using scar tissue mobilization techniques help to reduce scar tissue buildup, prevent tendrils, and soften the skin for better long-term results and overall health.​

Breast Surgeries

Post-breast surgery, including procedures like mammoplasty, breast augmentation, implants and explants, reduction, reconstruction, and mastectomy/lumpectomy, proper care is critical to ensure safe, effective healing and minimize complications. Together, MLD and scar management therapies play a crucial role in fostering safe, effective healing, improving aesthetic results, and supporting overall recovery after breast surgery.

​MLD is an essential therapy that promotes the movement of lymph fluid, reducing edema (swelling), preventing fluid retention and seromas, and enhancing circulation to accelerate recovery. By improving lymphatic flow, MLD helps to reduce the risk of infection and supports the body’s natural detoxification process, ensuring a smoother, faster healing phase.

Scar management treatments are equally vital in preventing the formation of hypertrophic or axilla cording scars, and in minimizing the risk of sarcoma (a rare but serious complication). These treatments help break down excess scar tissue, improve skin flexibility, and promote optimal tissue healing, leading to better cosmetic outcomes and reducing the risk of discomfort or complications such as tightness and restricted movement.

Facial Surgeries 

After facial cosmetic procedures like blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, brow lifts, or facelifts, your body needs extra support to heal effectively and comfortably. Together, MLD and scar management work synergistically to not only enhance the aesthetic results of your surgery but also provide relief, comfort, and a smoother recovery experience.

​MLD is a gentle massage technique that helps stimulate your lymphatic system, reducing swelling, fluid retention, and bruising, while speeding up the body's natural healing process. This promotes faster recovery and minimizes discomfort during the healing period and is safe to begin soon after surgery. 

Scar management treatments are equally important to ensure that scars heal properly and blend seamlessly with your skin. These therapies, including specialized massage techniques to help soften scar tissue, reduce tightness, and improve the overall texture of the skin, leading to less noticeable scars.

Abdominal Surgeries

After abdominal cosmetic surgeries such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, or even a Caesarean section, proper post-operative care is essential to ensure a smooth, safe recovery and optimal healing. Together, MLD and scar management therapies are essential for reducing the risk of infection, improving circulation, minimizing scar formation, and promoting quick, effective healing after abdominal surgeries.

MLD is a key therapy that helps stimulate the lymphatic system to reduce swelling (edema), minimize bruising, and promote the removal of waste and excess fluid. This process not only accelerates healing but also helps prevent complications like infection and fluid buildup. MLD can also reduce the risk of seromas(fluid collections) and promote better circulation, contributing to a quicker and more comfortable recovery.\

Scar management is critical to prevent the formation of 'scar tendrils' or adhesions, which are bands of fibrous tissue that can restrict movement or cause internal discomfort by attaching to abdominal organs or structures. Scar massage and other therapeutic techniques help to soften and flatten scar tissue, promote flexibility in the skin, and ensure that healing is as smooth and painless as possible. By addressing both the superficial and deeper layers of tissue, scar management aids in restoring normal function and preventing long-term complications.
First Appointment Recommendation:

For your initial visit, I recommend a 60-minute MLD treatment to assess your needs and discuss a personalized treatment plan.

Future sessions can be 30 or 45 minutes to focus on targeted areas of concern. Alternatively, you can choose to incorporate your lymphatic treatment into any regular massage therapy session for added benefits. I look forward to helping you feel your best!
Image: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons
Clinical Evidence & Research:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Recovery:
Smith, D. L., & Jones, L. L. (2018). Manual Lymphatic Drainage and its Role in Post-Surgical Recovery: A Review. Journal of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, 15(3), 167-174.
Hassett, R. M., & Brown, M. (2020). Postoperative Recovery: The Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Cosmetic Surgery Patients. Journal of Aesthetic Surgery, 32(5), 230-236.
Zhao, L., & Wang, X. (2017). Lymphatic Drainage Therapy for Edema and Swelling After Cosmetic Surgery. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 70(6), 790-795.
Cunha, G. F., & Lanza, A. (2019). Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Post-Surgical Recovery: Scientific Basis and Clinical Outcomes. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 43(4), 957-963.
Scar Management After Surgery:
Jones, C. A., & Taylor, S. J. (2020). Scar Formation and Management Following Cosmetic Surgery: A Comprehensive Overview. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 40(7), 788-794.
Carvalho, L. D., & Oliveira, F. M. (2021). Scar Tissue Mobilization Techniques in Cosmetic Surgery: Clinical Evidence and Best Practices. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 74(10), 1850-1857.
Liu, Y., & Ma, T. (2018). Post-Surgical Scar Prevention: Effectiveness of Mobilization Techniques and Silicone Gel Application. Dermatologic Surgery, 44(5), 681-688.
Pecora, I., & Zhang, W. (2022). Integrating Scar Management and Massage Therapies in Post-Cosmetic Surgery Recovery. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 46(3), 1181-1186.
​González-García, A., & Pérez-Fernández, D. (2020). The Role of Therapeutic Massage and Scar Treatment in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Aesthetic Medicine Journal, 24(2), 142-149.
Patel, A. D., & Gaffney, J. L. (2019). Comprehensive Post-Surgical Care: Integrating Scar Management and Lymphatic Drainage for Optimal Results. Journal of Reconstructive Surgery, 38(11), 2472-2480.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is shared to the best of our knowledge and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, please note that Anne is not a medical doctor. The content shared is based on research from clinical papers, reputable sources, and professional experience in the field of massage therapy. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.
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