Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) is a specialized massage technique recommended post surgery to accelerate the recovery period. During a surgical procedure, the lymphatic fluids build up and can pool which results in swelling. Giving the lymphatic massage to areas of the body can stimulate the lymph nodes which drains the lymph fluid. This massage works well and has shown positive results in a numerous amount of patients. We recommended that patients receive at least 10-15 LDM for the best possible results.

Some patients will experience lumpiness or hardness to the areas affected by liposuction, which is normal for most patients after surgery. The lumpiness or hardness is caused by inflammation and trauma from the surgical instrument that is used under the skin to extract the fatty tissue. The tunnels and channels which are created by the surgical instrument will fill with fluid and become swollen with both fluid and left-over fat. This fluid and left-over fat begins to harden between one week and three weeks after surgery. LDM will help move the fluid by gently pushing back into the lymph passages. It also helps get rid of bruises, as they are cellular debris and releases the substances that are trapped.

LDM are not painful, done correctly. They are gentle and slowly pump out the lymphatic fluid without increasing the blood circulation. The stimulation of the lymphatic system activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This may produce a physiological response and make the patient sleepy or fall asleep.

Doctors will advise their patients that, without LDM, there is a risk that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. LDM ensures you’ll achieve the best results possible from the surgery.

Every patient is different, however, most doctors advise their patients to begin their LDM treatment 24 hours after surgery to obtain the best, and fastest results.