Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
August 29, 2024 | 4 minute read
After a surgical procedure, especially cosmetic surgery, patients want to recover quickly and make sure their results look fantastic. When it comes to post-surgical recovery, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a powerful tool with many benefits. This blog will discuss how MLD bolsters the post-surgical recovery process and the unexpected benefits that come with this treatment.
Understanding the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels (similar to blood vessels), lymph fluid, lymph nodes (like the ones that swell in your neck when you have a cold), and lymphoid organs (including the spleen and bone marrow).
The primary function of the lymphatic system is to remove toxins, waste, and other unwanted substances from the body. It’s the body’s sewerage system! It also plays a significant role in immunity, fluid balance, and infection defense.
Why Is Lymphatic Drainage Important After Surgery?
Different surgeries affect the body in various ways, but most will involve some level of disruption to the lymphatic system. For example, abdominal swelling is common after a tummy tuck, while patients often experience puffiness in the face and neck after a facelift.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage can make a world of difference when it comes to assisting the body’s natural healing process, including symptoms like the swelling described above. Making MLD part of your recovery from the beginning helps your body eliminate anesthesia residue and toxins more efficiently. It also works to prevent the buildup of fluids that often cause discomfort, complications, and healing delays.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), sometimes called lymphatic drainage massage, is a specialized therapeutic massage technique that helps lymph fluid move. It was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife, Dr. Estrid Vodder, early pioneers in studying and recognizing the importance of the lymph system.
MLD involves light strokes and gentle skin stretching to stimulate proper lymph flow. It is not designed to reach the muscles or deeper tissues as a standard massage does. Some surgeons recommend this beneficial treatment to speed the recovery process, but many, unfortunately, do not incorporate it into their post-surgery recovery protocol.
MLD Benefits in Post-Surgical Recovery
One of the main benefits of MLD is that it helps to reduce swelling and fluid retention associated with the post-surgical healing process. Because the lymphatic system is so integral to fluid balance in the body, MLD supplies much-needed decongestion and lymph circulation, especially after surgery.
The removal of toxins and stimulation of lymph fluid are so integral to the body’s well-being that MLD has seemingly endless benefits. To name just a few, MLD can:
- Improve scar formation
- Minimize fibrosis, seroma, and other complications with tissue healing
- Provide comfort, relaxation, and pain relief
- Decrease lumps and bumps
- Enhance the appearance of surgery results, including tighter, glowing skin and smoother contours
How Soon After Surgery Should I Get Lymphatic Massage?
It depends on your surgery and your physician’s recommendation. Sometimes, you can receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy within the first 24 hours of your procedure. Otherwise, it’s recommended to start drainage in the first five to seven days after surgery. In most cases, the sooner you begin lymphatic drainage massage, the better. MLD drastically improves the healing process and is a gentle technique that can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Interested in Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Pasadena, CA?
If you have an upcoming surgery and want to learn more about Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or even if you had surgery years ago and want to learn how MLD can benefit you, we’re here for you! At Elite Post-Surgical Treatment Center in Pasadena, our practitioners are highly trained, multilingual, and passionate about patient recovery.
Fill out our online contact form or call (626) 566-1470 to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to meeting you!
