Lymphatic massage can be performed prior to and after your surgical procedure. Pre-treatment helps to make sure that your lymphatic system is working well at the surgical site even prior to surgery. This can often reduce the severity of postoperative swelling. Having a lymphatic massage after surgery helps to re-open lymphatic channels at the surgical site and can reduce post-surgical pain. In addition, at The Piazza Center in Austin, we have noticed that by decreasing the swelling at the surgical site, patients feel like they gain flexibility and have improved mobility as they recover from surgery.
Common Questions About Lymphatic Massage Therapy
Here are some of the most common FAQ’s we get when it comes to lymphatic massage therapy:
Does lymphatic massage hurt?
There may be mild discomfort with the treatment, but most patients report that they feel significant relief of pain and tightness in the surgical area after a massage.
What does lymphatic massage feel like?
It feels like light pressure with the fingertips to re-open lymphatic channels and to move the fluid (swelling) back into these re-opened channels. It is a gentle experience and very different from traditional Swedish or sports-style massage therapy.
When do you recommend starting lymphatic massage?
For patients who have had liposuction or body contouring procedures in the past and are having revision surgery in that area, we recommend starting lymphatic massage therapy several weeks prior to surgery. This helps to make sure that the lymphatic system is working properly.
Oftentimes, scar tissue can cause prolonged post-surgical swelling in the treatment area from previous scar tissue formation in the tissue. Also, for tummy tuck and liposuction patients, we recommend starting lymphatic massage 7-14 days after surgery. This significantly decreases post-surgical swelling and speeds up the recovery process.
How frequently should I have a lymphatic massage?
This depends largely on your responsiveness to the therapy. We recommend that you follow the guidance of your therapist with regard to the treatment frequency.
Are there any supplements that I can take to decrease post-surgical swelling?
Yes! We recommend Arnica and Bromelain.
Austin, TX Lymphatic Massage Providers
At The Piazza Center in Austin, we have found the following local resources to be excellent providers of lymphatic massage in our community:
Learn More About Post-Operative Swelling
At The Piazza Center, our goal is to provide you with education and information to enable you to make an informed decision when deciding to have a surgical procedure and to achieve the best possible outcomes. To learn more about the risks of post-operative swelling and how to minimize its effects, please read our blog post, How Do I Manage Swelling After Surgery?
Rocco C. Piazza, M.D is the owner of The Piazza Center plastic surgery practice in Austin, TX and is a Diplomate of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as well as a national spokesperson for the ASPS. Call (512) 288-8200 and visit the website www.ThePiazzaCenter.com.
