MLD Accelerated Healing for Post Surgery: The Research is In!
In a recent study conducted by Doctors Casa’s & Depoli’s patients were offered MLD for Post-op recovery. The groups that received MLD experienced:
*Decreased Swelling
*Decreased Bruising
*Scar Minimization
*Pain Management
*Shortened Recovery Time
*Special cushion and consideration for Brazilian Butt Lift surgery
Conclusions: “Typically, we see patients recover in 9-10 months post- surgery. With MLD, patients healed in under 3 months – significantly shortening the post-operative recovery phase.”
MLD Plastic Surgery Study
Pre and Post- Surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Pre and post-surgical patients can benefit from lymphatic drainage in a variety of ways. We encourage you and your physicians to incorporate these techniques into your recovery plan as it is a very valuable service in your healing process.
Those facing surgery will find that MLD offers a myriad of benefits. For optimal results it is recommended that lymphatic drainage be applied for one to three sessions prior to surgery. This process drains toxins and stimulates the immune system, the autonomic nervous system (the parasympathetic tone). It is important to drain and stimulate the lymphatic system before is inhibited, and possibly spasm, as a result of surgical trauma and medications.
It is usually much more arduous to begin Manual Lymphatic Therapy post-surgical than to do so prior to surgery. Surgeons also find it easier to make an incision through clean, well-drained tissue, particularly in any sort of esthetic surgery. This creates a higher chance for a nicer approximation of the scar. Lymphatic drainage therapy can begin as soon as 24 hours after surgery, with the approval of the physician– as long as there are no contraindications (especially infection).
Indications for Manual Lymph Drainage in Surgery Recovery
Lymphatic Drainage can effectively alleviate the edemas, chronic inflammation and pain of many musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders. Some studies have shown that substances injected into joints are removed, at least partially, by the lymphatic system.
Many benefits can result from lymphatic drainage before and after surgery. Its use in this setting decreases edema, pain and inflammation. Lymphatic drainage also seems to promote tissue regeneration, reducing formation and severity of scars which can be unsightly and sometimes painful. One can see this tissue-regenerating effect in treatment of burns, accelerated wound healing with fewer complications, bone fractures and even the reversal of stretch marks, especially in their early stages.
Your Pre/Post MLD Sessions:
MLD Sessions are 45-50 minutes. The recommended amount of MLD treatments is (3) Pre-op MLD sessions to clean the system of prior debris that slows the healing process followed by (3) Post-op MLD sessions the accelerated healing. MLD is given to the head/neck or body. Regular Deep Tissue massage is recommended to continue accelerated healing, as soon as able to.
Pre & Post-Surgical (MLD) Benefits
Pre Surgery:
*Prepares tissue for the surgery
*Alleviates edema
*It may allow surgery to be scheduled earlier
*Detoxifies tissue
*Stimulates the immune system; accelerates production of lymphocytes
*Induces a state of relaxation; promotes parasympathetic response
Post Surgery:
*Alleviates post-surgical edema
*Helps stimulate lymphatic “reroutes”; Manual Lymphatic Mapping allows the therapist to discover alternative lymphatic pathways
*Reduces Pain
*Alleviates Spasms (promotes parasympathetic response)
*Detoxification helps reverse build-up of toxins secondary to effects of medication, immobilization
*Stimulates immune system,helps prevent post-surgical infection
*Improves skin regeneration and wound healing and optimizes the scarring process
*Can help to prevent the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scarring
*Analgetic and infection preventing effects.
What To Expect & How To Prepare:
First, there will be a free in- person or phone consultation discussing your medical history to making sure you do not have any contraindications for receiving MLD. You will then be asked to fill out a medical history. This is available to download and print out here or come 15 minutes early to fill out.
Preparation: Avoid using lotions or products on your skin on the day of your massage. The success of manual lymphatic drainage depends on a therapist’s ability to manipulate the skin, and friction is required to do so.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
Drink at least a glass of water before and after treatment.
Avoid junk foods, smoking and alcohol
Specialized equipment: Clients typically undress, leaving panties/underwear on (can wear bathing suit) and lie on a padded warm massage table. Clients will be draped with a sheet or towel during manual lymphatic drainage. The therapist will remove the drape from the areas worked on during the massage. MLD can be done over post- surgical compression garments.
During an appointment, a massage therapist will use their hands to deliver pressure in slow, rhythmic motions to areas of the body where the lymph vessels may be congested. Because these vessels are just beneath the skin, very little force is required. You may be asked to breathe deeply during certain parts of the massage.
There will be a special Essential Oil Combo used to enhance and activate the lymphatic system during the session. Diaphragmatic breathing will be used at this time which enhance the sessions effects.
Areas that tend to require manual lymphatic drainage are the neck, underarm and groin. The therapist begins near these areas and uses specialized strokes.
Manual lymphatic drainage is typically performed on a heated table. Depending on your therapist, mood-enhancing candles or various forms of aromatherapy may be present to create a soothing atmosphere …
Lympho Breathe Essential Oil combo
Recommended sessions:
Sessions are 45-50 minutes. (2-3) Pre-op MLD sessions to clean the system of prior debris that slows the healing process followed by (3) Post-op MLD sessions for the accelerated healing. MLD is given to the head/neck or body. Regularly receiving Deep Tissue/Swedish massage if body surgery was performed, when able to tolerate.
These are time sensitive treatments
It’s important to tell your therapist if you are unwell, taking prescribed medication or currently having any medical investigations. In some cases it may be necessary to request your GP’s consent before carrying out your treatment.
MLD for Post-Surgical Care Recommended
For any surgery involving the removal of major lymph nodes (post-mastectomy, post-prostratectomy, post hysterectomy, post-ovariectomy, post-nephrectomy, ORL surgery, tumor removal)),Post-trauma surgery, Limb amputation, Prosthetic surgery, Skin transplantation, For burns and their surgical treatment,Oral surgery, face surgery, face lifting, ear lifting ,Vein stripping, surgery after phlebitis or thrombosis.
A series of Manual Lymph Drainage sessions are suggested within 3 -4 weeks after surgery as long as there are no contraindications present. You can start 24 hours after surgery with a Dr.’s approval. Should you have questions regarding contraindications and MLD before or after surgery, please do not hesitate to speak with your Dr. prior to scheduling any MLD sessions. Your Dr. will tell you when he feels you are ready for MLD.