Manual Lymphatic Drainage and post surgery recovery
After any plastic surgical procedure, especially hi-definition liposuction, patients experience severe swelling and bruising that can last for weeks to months and the flow of lymph can be interrupted by the surgery, which can result in reduced healing, fibrosis (scar tissue, dimpled, uneven skin and the possibility of developing seromas (pockets of serous fluid). Plastic surgeons frequently recommend Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) after liposuction, or after abdominoplasty with liposuction (a ‘tummy-tuck’). If you have multiple procedures simultaneously (liposuction, breast work and tummy tuck), MLD will be even more necessary to address swelling and tissue hardness. Manual Lymphatic Drainage accelerates recovery and decreases the chance for irregularities, lumps or bumps, and scar tissue formation, which can all affect the final cosmetic outcome. It also helps the skin to tighten and conform to the new body shape and sculpted musculature during the liposculpture procedure.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is composed of a series of lymphatics channels that run throughout the body and lead back to larger lymph nodes. The job of the lymphatic system is to rid the body of toxins, waste, and unwanted materials, in addition to transporting lymph — a fluid containing white blood cells — throughout the body to help fight infection.
What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is a central component of CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy) which is the treatment recommended by the International Society of Lymphology for managing chronic swelling in patients with lymphatic insufficiency (lymphedema). Imaging studies confirm that manual lymphatic drainage significantly increases the flow of fluid in lymphatic vessels in normal individuals.
MLD is widely used throughout European hospitals and clinics. It is accepted worldwide as the primary tool in lymphoedema treatment & management.
A lymphatic drainage is different than getting a regular massage in the sense that long, rhythmic, wave-like strokes are used to open and then shut the lymphatics, leaving little time for that lymph to get sucked down along the vessel. During a lymph drainage massage, we use a series of gliding, compressing and stretching motions over the client’s body. The light rhythmic movements stimulate the lymphatic system without compressing the vessels – allowing lymph to move easily through the tissues and lymph nodes. MLD follows a specific sequence over the body so lymph isn’t trapped anywhere, making sure every area is treated with care.
The lymph system is a slow-moving system of vessels and lymph nodes that is supplementary to the body's system of blood circulation. By stimulating the lymphatic system through this treatment, the body helps drain puffy, swollen tissues, supports the body's immune system, helps the body heal from surgery, and carries away excess fluid, waste, virus and toxins.
Post-Surgical Lymphatic Drainage is good for detoxification, edema, pre- and post-plastic surgery and post-liposuction. It can also help with cellulite treatments and reduce swelling after cosmetic facelift or blepharoplasty. Post-Surgical Lymphatic Drainage should have a very soothing, relaxing effect to relieve swelling, numbness, bruising and pain. It should also help the appearance of the treated area.
How does Manual Lymphatic Drainage feel?
Lymphatic vessels are very tiny and fragile hence Manual Lymphatic Drainage has to be extremely gentle and very relaxing. The masseuse will massage extra fluid towards the lymphatic tissue, so that it is more quickly absorbed by the body.
Manual lymphatic drainage is usually delivered in one-hour sessions. It is not painful, much gentler than regular massage, and is usually described as being pleasant.
When can I have Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
To receive the full benefit of Manual Lymphatic Drainage after Liposuction it is best to receive a treatment as soon as possible after the procedure.
How many MLD sessions should I have?
It's usually a minimum of 10 to 15 post-surgery for liposuction and 6-10 for other types of surgery.
Benefits of a Post-Op Lymphatic Massage
- It speeds up the healing process by: reducing swelling and bruising, increasing the removal of cellular debris and other waste from the area (including free fats), reducing local inflammation and decreasing the risk of infection by improving the immune response (the lymphatic system plays an active role in immune surveillance, immune cell transport, and clearance).
- It decreases scarring and the build-up of fibrotic nodules (hard lumps), and consequently improves skin texture and tone.
- It decreases pain, sensitivity and touch-avoidance by speeding healing and providing gentle and pleasing massage.
Testimonial
What an amazing find for after my surgery. Leila gave me confidence in my healing process, providing amazing massages and gave emotional support every session. I couldn’t have got through the first 10 weeks without her and thanks to her my body looks insane. Her knowledge is incredible and I feel I have healed faster and better seeing her than I would have done without her. Also her compression garment is the best. So comfortable and again helped with my shape. She went above and beyond and was worth every penny.
Contraindication to Manual Lymphatic Drainage
It should be noted that lymphatic drainage massages aren’t recommended for patients if they have any of the following conditions:
- Congestive heart failure
- History of blood clots or stroke
- Current infection
- Liver or kidney problems
Prices and Booking
We treat every individual as exactly that - individual. Your treatment will be tailored just for you, your body and what you are trying to achieve. If you are interested in Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment, please contact us in the first instance on info@theangelstouch.co.uk or call us on 07412 200001
Prices:
| In Clinic - Toye Avenue, London N20 0FL | |
| 60 Minutes | £85 |
| Package of 5 | £395 (Save £30) |
| Package of 10 | £750 (Save £100) |
| Fibrosis Treatment - 60 Minutes | £80 |
Some patients require longer sessions, depending on their recovery, lipo areas and if they have multiple procedures.
| In Clinic - Toye Avenue, London N20 0FL | |
| 90 Minutes | £120 |
| Package of 5 | £570 (Save £ 30) |
| Package of 10 | £1100 (Save £100) |
Please note that we also specialise in a variety of other massage techniques and body contouring.
This is suited for patients after they are 3 months post op.
All prices include VAT.
Cancellation Policy
I respect that your time is very valuable and I appreciate that you understand mine is valuable too.|
If you cancelled or rescheduled an appointment at short notice I wouldn't be able to book another client.
If you think that you are going to be unable to attend your appointment, I would appreciate if you can give me as much notice as possible. I’ll be pleased to cancel and reschedule your appointment at any time, without any penalty up to 24 hours before your booking.
Any cancellation less than 24 hours, the full price will be charged. All deposits are non-refundable.