Post Operative Massage and Lymphatic Drainage After Plastic Surgery

Post-operative massage is often recommended after surgery, particularly lymphatic drainage massage after plastic surgery. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) works to reduce swelling and bruising and to help patients heal more quickly with optimal results. By reducing swelling, post-op massage can help to prevent scar tissue formation and fibrosis that often results after surgical treatment. 

Studies, such as this one on MLD after liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty surgery show that applying MLD techniques show “statistically significant reduction of pain, swelling and tissue fibrosis”. It can be an excellent therapy to incorporate as part of your healing process.

Should You Get Post Operative Massage after Every Surgery?

It is best to speak to your surgeon and a certified lymphatic massage therapist to determine if this is the best therapy after your surgery. The benefits of receiving manual lymphatic drainage as part of your post-op care are: 

  • Reduction in scar tissue formation and fibrosis

  • Reduction in post-operative swelling 

  • Reduction of bruising 

  • Shorter recovery time

  • Decrease pain and sensitivity

  • Increase in range of motion

The goal of lymphatic drainage massage is to reduce the swelling that occurs as the result of plastic surgery, allowing patients an increased recovery time and better results from their procedure. It is used in combination with surgeon-recommended compression garments for optimal healing.m. 

Recovery post-surgery will vary from person to person. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very helpful tool for healing from most cosmetic procedures as well as many orthopedic surgeries.  The number of sessions will be recommended by your therapist based on your unique factors, the surgery you received, and your health.

When Should You Start Lymphatic Massage After Surgery?

In most cases, doctors will recommend starting manual lymphatic drainage massage very soon after surgery - often a few days. Starting as early as possible can help to prevent and release the buildup of fluid and scar tissue formation. 

Some of the procedures that lymphatic massage is recommended for after surgery include:

What is the Massage Like? Is it Painful?

The Dr. Vodder method uses gentle skin stretching massage techniques that do not cause pain. Incisions are never opened and excess fluid is redirected from the tissue back into natural circulation via lymphatic drainage pathways. 

What to Look for in a Post-Surgical MLD Therapist?

The Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the most widely known, researched, and used method to manage lymph drainage. This method focuses on not only a drainage effect but also on pain reduction and relaxation. 

When looking for a post-op lymphatic massage therapist, it is recommended to find a therapist that is trained in the Dr. Vodder method. The sequence of gentle massage strokes to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic system is often used with compression garments and education as part of CDT.  

Book an Appointment

Jana is a Dr. Vodder Certified Lymphedema Therapist and 2200 hour Massage Therapist with over 15 years of experience. She is trained in post op massage for plastic surgery and has worked extensively in oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema management. Working out of her SW Calgary home, in the Braeside community, you can book your 60 or 90 minute massage therapy appointment online. Jana will apply her extensive experience and knowledge to determine the best course of action for your Lymphatic Massage After Surgery.