Lymphatic Mapping; An Effective Route to Post-Liposuction Healing

Lately I’ve seen several people for care following liposuction; I enjoy supporting clients after such a surgery because there is so much potential for change and relief for them. Tight tissue can be loosened, excess swelling can be moved out, scar tissue and fibrosis minimized, and clients can walk away and enjoy the full benefit of the surgery.

Surgery such as liposuction can result in a great deal of swelling in the tissue as well as significant bruising. The body system responsible for removing excess fluid from the body is the lymphatic system. Through Lymphatic Drainage Techniques, the lymphatic system has the potential to increase the movement of lymph through the body by 10x its’ resting rate. This is partly why lymphatic drainage is so effective following surgeries such as liposuction; it dramatically increases how fast excess fluid can move out of the body. 

Lymphatic Mapping is an advanced technique of lymphatic drainage. A skilled therapist can learn to feel and identify the quality of lymph flow before and after surgery. The lymph might be moving quickly and easily, or it may be congested and moving sluggishly. Or it may not be moving at all. It may deviate from its customary route if the closest lymph nodes are full and overwhelmed. Basically, Lymphatic Mapping allows the therapist to identify exactly how the lymph is moving or not, and then create a customized session for each person. 

I can’t imagine not getting caring, hands-on treatment after any kind of surgery. While all surgeries can be traumatic for the body, some more so than others, all of them can benefit from specialized post-surgical care. Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is lightweight, gentle, supportive, and effective. Most importantly, it doesn’t require any direct work over the surgical site. 

Lymphatic techniques need to be light for the most part because 70% of the lymphatic capillaries are directly under the skin. Moving out extra swelling helps people feel better; it’s the swelling that causes pressure in the tissue and ultimately, discomfort. Reducing excess swelling also greatly increases the body’s healing rate, allowing patients to move with more ease and recover with grace after surgery. Whatever kind of surgery people get, my passion revolves around making sure their bodies are healing optimally, restoring vitality and function, inside and out. 

If you have scheduled liposuction surgery, or any surgery, consider adding skilled customized lymphatic drainage as part of your recovery plan. Schedule a session (or two) ahead of your surgery to assess your lymphatic movement and ensure it’s working at full strength. This strategy will support your tissue’s healing, minimize the pain and provide a level of emotional support you may not otherwise receive.