Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Cosmetic Surgery Clients

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Cosmetic Surgery Clients

Written By: Anaya Bennett-DuBrois, The Massage Spa Therapist, LMP, NCTM, Reiki Practitioner



As with any cosmetic surgery, there are potential risk of side effects such as scars, bruises, and swelling. To minimize these possible results there is a massage technique used at The Massage Spa for our clients recovering from cosmetic surgery called Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM.) The benefits of LDM are sure to enable clients to make a smoother transition recovery.

What is the Lymphatic System?
One of the eleven systems that make up our human anatomy consist of the Lymphatic System. This system is responsible for carrying excess fluid, proteins, bacteria, and waste materials from the tissues, thus cleansing the tissues of debris. Once these particles enter the lymphatic system they are called lymph. The lymph is transported to lymph nodes where it is cleansed and filtered and then it is returned to the blood stream. The lymphatic system plays an important role in the body’s defense against infection. In the healing phase following surgery, waste products tend to build up in the local tissues. These waste products increase and prolong inflammation, swelling, and pain during the healing phase. LDM improves lymph flow and accelerates the removal of these waste products, and thus speeds up healing.

What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM) Therapy?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a technique used to provide relief from edema, an accumulation of fluids in the tissues that causes swelling. It is a gently, rhythmic style of massage that stimulates the immune system and improves the appearance of the skin. LDM is used before and after surgery, to help speed up healing and reduce edema/swelling. It increases blood flow and reduces scar tissue. During LDM, muscles relax, heart and breath rate decrease, and clients move into a state of relaxation that promotes healing and balance. Symptoms like fatigue, mild depression, and chronic soft-tissue pain call for the gentleness of lymph massage. It will stimulate the immune system and has an energizing effect on the body's vital energy. Scar tissue becomes smaller, smoother, more flexible and stronger with LDM.
How is LDM applied?
· Usually, the first session of lymphatic drainage massage will consist of a consultation with the therapist, at which time the therapist can determine how many treatments you will need as well as how those treatments will need to be focused.
· LDM is a series of very gentle, rhythmic massage strokes that increases the transport of lymph flow through the tissues. Every stroke is very light - not as heavy and the strokes of a Swedish massage. The goal of LDM is to reroute the lymph fluid around areas that are blocked and gently move it into areas with healthy lymph vessels where the lymph fluid can drain normally.
· Excessive pressure is undesirable. Each stroke consists of an active phase and a resting phase. During the active phase, pressure is gradually increased, stimulating the skin in a particular direction.
· This is followed by a slow, controlled decrease in pressure into the resting phase. Each stroke is directed towards the regional lymph nodes to stimulate appropriate lymphatic flow. Strokes last a few seconds and are repeated five to ten times in each area. LDM can be started several days after surgery and the typical patient undergoes several treatment sessions.


Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM):
· Decreases edema (swelling)
· Enhances the action of the immune system
· Reduces pain
· Improves skin health
· Promotes deep relaxation
· Speeds healing of injuries
· Decreases scar tissue
· Minimizes scar formation


When to have a Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM):
· Lymph edema
· Sinusitis
· Constipation
· Neck pain/whiplash
· Dermatological conditions
· Post-mastectomy edema
· Sluggish immune system
· Pre and Post Surgery
· Inflammatory conditions such as sprains, strains, and muscle tears


When it’s NOT safe to have Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM):
· Congestive Heart Failure
· Serious circulatory problems
· During acute infections and inflamed illnesses
· Untreated, malignant tumors




Best Candidates for this Massage:
· Patients who want to experience a speedy and smoother recovery from cosmetic surgery.
· Patients with postoperative swelling find LDM to be very soothing and effective in its resolution.


*If you are looking for additional assistance to make your transition from surgery a lot easier, an LDM trained therapist at The Massage Spa would be happy to service your LDM road to recovery. The Massage Spa is located in the Berkeley Heights Plaza, 1700 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30326. The phone number to The Massage Spa is 404-389-0494. Call today and one of our client coordinators will make you an appointment.