Recovering from surgery is a complex journey that demands a well-rounded approach to ensure optimal healing. One often overlooked yet essential aspect of post-surgical recovery is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). This specialized therapy supports the body’s natural healing processes and significantly reduces the risk of complications. At VIVA Wellness, we recognize the importance of post-surgical lymphatic care and offer targeted treatments designed to enhance recovery and promote well-being.
Let’s look at which surgeries benefit the most from post-surgical lymphatic drainage and dive into our offerings here at VIVA Wellness.
What is Post-Surgical Lymphatic Drainage?
Post-surgical Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized massage technique that encourages the natural movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. After surgery, the body experiences significant trauma, leading to swelling, pain, and sometimes a risk of developing conditions like fibrosis.
MLD helps reduce swelling and pain, minimizes the risk of fibrosis, and improves circulation within the lymphatic system, which is crucial for flushing out toxins and fostering an optimal healing environment.
Why is Lymphatic Drainage Important After Surgery?
During surgery, tissues are manipulated, incisions are made, and the body undergoes stress. This can result in lymphatic congestion, where lymph fluid accumulates, leading to swelling, discomfort, and a slowed healing process. Supporting the lymphatic system with MLD can accelerate recovery by:
- Reducing Swelling: MLD encourages the removal of excess fluid, reducing post-surgical swelling.
- Minimizing Pain: By reducing inflammation and swelling, MLD can alleviate pain, making the recovery processmore comfortable.
- Preventing Fibrosis: Fibrosis, or scar tissue formation, is a common complication after surgeries such as liposuction or a tummy tuck. MLD can help prevent the formation of fibrous tissue, leading to a smoother recovery and better surgical outcomes.
Common Surgeries Benefiting from Lymphatic Drainage
Many surgical procedures, both cosmetic and medical, can benefit from MLD. Some of the most common surgeries where post-surgical lymphatic Drainage is recommended include:
- Breast augmentation or implant removal
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
- Mastectomy for breast cancer
- Tummy tuck
- Liposuction or Lipo 360
- Facelift
- Mommy makeover
Here’s an in-depth look at each below:
Breast Augmentation, Including Explant or Implant Removals
Breast augmentation, whether it’s initial placement or explantation (removal of implants), can leave the body in need of support to recover effectively. Lymphatic drainage treatment can help manage swelling and fluid buildup in the tissues, promoting quicker healing and reducing discomfort. This treatment is crucial in maintaining a smooth recovery and enhancing the procedure’s overall results.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) involves transferring fat to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks. Post-surgery, patients often experience swelling and bruising in the treated areas. Lymphatic Drainage can help expedite the reduction of these symptoms by improving circulation and reducing fluid retention. This supports a more comfortable recovery and helps achieve the desired contour more efficiently.
Post-Breast Cancer (Mastectomy) Lymphedema Prevention
For individuals who have undergone mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment, lymphedema (swelling caused by fluid buildup) can be a serious concern. Lymphatic drainage therapy is an effective preventive measure to manage and minimize the risk of lymphedema. By facilitating proper fluid Drainage and reducing swelling, this treatment aids in maintaining mobility and comfort during recovery.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, often leaving patients with significant swelling and fluid retention. Lymphatic drainage therapy helps to alleviate these symptoms by encouraging the body to eliminate excess fluids and reduce swelling. This accelerates healing and enhances the final aesthetic results of the surgery.
Liposuction or Lipo 360
Liposuction, including Lipo 360, targets stubborn fat deposits to contour the body. Post-surgery, patients frequently deal with swelling and bruising. Lymphatic drainage treatment assists in reducing these effects by improving lymphatic circulation and helping the body remove excess fluid more efficiently. This treatment contributes to a smoother and faster recovery, allowing patients to enjoy their results sooner.
Facelift
A facelift rejuvenates the facial appearance by removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues. The procedure often results in swelling and bruising in the facial area. Facial lymphatic drainage therapy can be highly beneficial in minimizing these post-operative effects. By supporting the body’s natural healing processes, this treatment promotes quicker recovery and helps achieve a more refined and natural-looking result.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover typically combines several procedures, such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction, to address post-pregnancy changes. Given the multiple areas treated, patients often experience extensive swelling and fluid retention. Lymphatic drainage treatment helps manage these symptoms effectively, facilitating faster recovery and improving overall results across the treated areas.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, involves reshaping the nose, which can lead to significant swelling and bruising in the nasal and surrounding facial areas. Lymphatic drainage therapy supports the reduction of these symptoms by enhancing fluid circulation and reducing congestion. This treatment helps in achieving a more refined nose shape and speeds up the overall healing process.
Now that you understand which surgeries often require and benefit heavily from post-surgical lymphatic drainage treatment, let’s take a look at what we offer here at VIVA and the planning side of things.
Planning Your Post-Surgical Lymphatic Drainage Treament
Planning your post-surgical lymphatic drainage treatment well before your surgery is crucial. We recommend scheduling 1-3 pre-surgery lymphatic drainage sessions at VIVA Wellness to prepare your body for optimal healing. This proactive approach can set the stage for a smoother and quicker recovery.
After surgery, we strongly suggest a minimum of 8 MLD sessions within 30 days to reduce the risk of fibrosis and other complications. The timing of these sessions is critical; starting them within the first 14 days post-surgery significantly reduces the risk of fibrosis.
What to Expect from Your First Session
Your initial session with us will be a comprehensive two-hour appointment with our Registered Nurse, who is certified in MLD and has extensive experience managing post-surgical clients. During this session, we will review your surgical history, assess your current condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to You. You’ll also receive your first MLD treatment during this visit.
Package Options and Pricing
We offer post-surgical lymphatic drainage packages in 8, 12, and 16 sessions to make the process easier. Each follow-up session is 45 minutes and focuses on one treatment area. Purchasing a package saves you money and ensures you have a consistent treatment plan to support your recovery.
- 8 Sessions: $1,160 (Save $160)
- 12 Sessions: $1,620 (Save $360)
- 16 Sessions: $2,000 (Save $640)
All sessions must be paid in full at the time of booking. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your recovery process, but please note our policy for cancellations or missed appointments.
Invest in Your Recovery with VIVA Wellness
Your post-surgical journey is important to us. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team at VIVA Wellness is dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored to your unique needs. If you have any questions about post-surgical lymphatic Drainage or want to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
Embrace a smoother, more comfortable recovery with the support of our specialized lymphatic drainage treatments. Your health and well-being are our top priorities—let us help you heal better and faster.