The Importance of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) After Surgery
- Corey
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
Undergoing major or cosmetic surgery initiates a healing process that often involves swelling, bruising, and discomfort. An effective method to alleviate these postoperative symptoms and promote a smoother recovery is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). This gentle massage technique stimulates the lymphatic system, facilitating the removal of excess fluids and toxins from the body. In the rest of this article, I'll outline the main questions people generally ask me about this, and why I am in the best possible position to be your practitioner!
Understanding the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a crucial component of the body's immune and circulatory functions. It comprises a network of vessels and lymph nodes that transport lymph—a clear fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, and waste products—throughout the body. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system lacks a central pump like the heart; it relies on muscle contractions and manual stimulation to move lymph fluid.
How Surgery Affects the Lymphatic System
Surgical procedures, particularly those involving tissue removal or manipulation, can disrupt the normal flow of lymph. This disruption often leads to lymphedema, characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid accumulation in the tissues. Additionally, the body's inflammatory response to surgery increases fluid production, exacerbating swelling and discomfort.
Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Post-Surgery
Incorporating MLD into postoperative care offers several advantages:
Reduction of Swelling and Edema: MLD encourages the movement of lymph fluid away from swollen areas, decreasing edema and promoting faster healing. (The Supine Studio)
Accelerated Healing: By enhancing circulation and reducing fluid buildup, MLD supports tissue regeneration and can shorten recovery time. (Centre for Surgery)
Minimization of Scar Tissue Formation: Regular MLD can prevent or reduce the severity of fibrosis (thickening and scarring of connective tissue), leading to more aesthetically pleasing surgical outcomes. (Macom Medical)
Pain Relief: Alleviating pressure from accumulated fluids reduces discomfort and can decrease reliance on pain medications. (Centre for Surgery)
Detoxification: MLD assists in flushing out cellular waste and toxins, contributing to overall wellness and reducing the risk of postoperative complications. (Macom Medical)
MLD After Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgeries, such as liposuction, tummy tucks, and facelifts, particularly benefit from MLD. These procedures often involve significant tissue manipulation, leading to substantial swelling and bruising. MLD can enhance circulation, improve lymph flow, and decrease swelling, bruising, and pain, resulting in a more comfortable recovery and optimal surgical results. (Macom Medical)
When to Begin MLD Post-Surgery
The appropriate timing for initiating MLD varies depending on the type of surgery and individual healing responses. It's essential to consult with your surgeon and a certified lymphatic massage therapist to determine the optimal schedule tailored to your specific needs. However, in general this can be from the day after surgery, to couple of weeks post.
Consultation Prior to Surgery
One of the things I try and instill in my post surgery clients, is the importance of coming for a consultation with me first. This allows us to discuss the procedure you are having, ang help us to design a post surgery treatment plan for you. Even more important is for me to get experience with your body's tissues and fluid content levels before they are disturbed by surgery. Its much easier to understand when you are getting back to a normal dermal consistency having felt it first.
Conclusion
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a valuable component of postoperative care for both major and cosmetic surgeries. By facilitating efficient lymphatic function, MLD reduces swelling, accelerates healing, minimizes scar tissue formation, and enhances overall recovery. Incorporating MLD into your post-surgical plan can lead to a more comfortable and effective healing journey.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to get in touch!
