Post-Operative Treatments:  lymphatic drainage and scar management for quicker healing

One of the side effects of surgery (including cosmetic) is inflammation or swelling. This is a normal inflammatory response and a part of the healing process as fluid rushes to the area to nourish it with white blood cells. Cosmetic procedures, particularly abdominoplasty (tummy tucks), liposuction, breast surgery and facial procedures, often cause additional swelling as excess fluid and fat cells will harden within a few weeks of surgery. However, MLD is not only for post cosmetic surgeries, but and excellent early treatment to swelling caused by elective surgeries from replacements and injury causing immobility, inflammation and edema. 

Please note that MLD treatments can only begin once your surgeon has provided clearance, to ensure your safety and proper healing.

Read more about Structured Post-Operative Care (MLD, fascial release, scar management) after: 

Why is early treatment important to recovery?

Reducing inflammation, and mobilizing the lymphatic system, aids in quicker recovery time and less bruising.
Manual lymphatic drainage massage helps to move the fluid that’s built up and allows it to move back into the lymphatic passages where excess waste and fluid can be flushed from the body. This helps to prevent fibrosis, which is the development of thick, fibrous scar tissue under the skin AND it reduces swelling and bruising. Many doctors highly recommend lymphatic drainage after surgery for both their patients’ comfort and quick healing, as well as to aid them in getting the best possible results after their procedure.

Reducing the formation of scar tissue through scar management.
As the healing progresses after surgery, scar management techniques can be incorporated into treatment. This aids in continued strong recovery, including lessening and softening scar tissues. 

Benefits of Post-Operative Treatments

In the treatment, a combination of massage, lymphatic drainage, mobility movements, cupping and gua sha may be used. Treatment plan will be discussed with the patient prior to each session.

Some benefits of post-operative massage may include:
  • quicker healing times and more effective healing
  • improved circulation (blood and lymph)
  • decrease in inflammation
  • may prevent edema and/or sarcomas
  • reduction in musculoskeletal pain
  • improved scar tissue mobility and less thickening
  • better sleep
  • decrease levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and blood glucose levels. This reduction in stress may boost the immune system.​

What does treatment look like?

Treatment can look different for each patient and caters to their needs from their particular surgery.

An assessment and update will be done prior to each treatment, a full-body lymphatic pump protocol will be performed, and then the treatment plan will follow as directed by the patient, their surgeon/healthcare professional, and how the tissues are presenting on the day of the treatment. Lymphatic drainage will be performed, scar tissue treatment and soft tissue work on compensating structures may also be included if deemed necessary.

MLD and massage, and possibly scar management treatments may be included in the session.


CHECK OUT THE POST-SURGICAL Q&A for post-op treatment timelines and more info
First Appointment Recommendation:

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

Sixty-minute sessions are a common expectation for ongoing treatment times. Depending on your individual surgery and recovery, the frequency and length of future appointments may change, and we will review and adjust your plan at each visit.
Image: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons
Resources:  www.vodderschool.com
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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Anne the RMT

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59 Bruce Street - Wortley Village
London, Ontario N6C 1G6
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