Post Op Lymphatic Massage - What to expect

So you've had surgery and your doctor tells you that the next step is to get a post op lymphatic massage to help with swelling reduction and aid in healing.

Post Op Lymphatic Massage NYC

Eager to continue with your healing journey you say okay but soon realize you have more questions like...

What is a post op lymphatic massage?

How soon after surgery can you have a lymphatic massage?

How often should I get a lymphatic massage?

How do you feel after a lymphatic massage?

And as someone who not only provides lymphatic massage in NYC but also cares about what information is out there on the topic (so you don't get mistreated), my goal is to help you feel confident to walk into your session.

What is a post op lymphatic massage?

Underneath the skin sits lymph a fluid that does not move on its own. Its pushed around and through our body with the help of lymphatic vessels into your lymph nodes.

A lymphatic massage helps to facilitate the pushing of this fluid (that often makes you look bloated, swollen, or feel heavy) into your nodes at a faster rate so that it can later be relieved from the body through urination.

The difference in regular MLD and Post Op MLD is that you will experience some traditional regular pressure massage during it if fibrotic tissue is felt and or to make it a more relaxing experience.

After your surgery whether its lipo 360, a bbl (brazilian butt lift), tummy tuck, breast augmentation, gluteal augmentation, a c section or even lymph node removal your body needs help reaching homeostasis again (reaching a balance). When we help rid the body of all the excess fluid thats accumulated and promote blood circulation you give your body a happier environment to heal in.

A happier body heals faster.

How soon after surgery can you have a lymphatic massage?

Clearance for your post-op massage can start as early as week one.

The longer you wait for a MLD massage after surgery the higher chance of fibrotic tissue forming.

Fibrotic tissue is hard tissue that feels stiff and can even have a lumpy texture.

How often should I get a lymphatic massage?

You can expect to have about 12 weeks of post op surgery care that includes weekly sessions for most of it.

As you progress in your healing you can decrease in frequency from 2-4 times a week followed by twice a month and eventually once a month.

You and your practitioner can decide what course of action is best for you.

Everyone is different.

What are the benefits of a post op lymphatic massage?

Benefits for getting a post op lymphatic massage include...

• Aiding in healing after surgery

• Reducing inflammation

• Improving blood circulation

• Reducing excessive swelling & fluid retention

• Aiding in scar formation

• Alleviating pain & discomfort

• Reducing stress & anxiety (its light touch)

• Accelerating lymphatic flow 

• Boosting the immune system 

Massage always has nice benefits.

How do you feel after a lymphatic massage?

Depends. Ideally you'll feel lighter and relaxed (peeing more frequently and or thirsty for a bit) but if this is after a surgery then you might be in pain -- but not from the MLD.

Under less common circumstances influenced by not eating the day of or being hydrated enough, or your body being prepared to handle MLD, you might feel temporarily sick.

In that case the symptoms include nausea, fatigue, or cold like symptoms that all should lessen over the next few days.

In conclusion

I hope this was helpful and you feel prepared to book your next Post Op MLD massage. Theres a lot of information out there and sometimes its a lot to digest especially if you live here in NYC where it seems everyone is providing it.