Are you facing breast explant surgery soon?
You can do many things to reduce your risks from surgery, one of which is post-op lymphatic drainage massage.
Learn why surgeons recommend you schedule a massage and what the benefits are below!
What is Post Op Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Plastic surgery is still surgery, and after going under the knife, it’s highly recommended that you schedule a post-op lymphatic drainage massage.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a unique massage that helps drain your lymph nodes, which, if left unchecked, can create significant health problems.
Light, rhythmic movements stimulate the lymphatic system during a lymphatic drainage massage. Your lymphatic massage therapist should use the right amount of pressure to avoid pressing too hard on your vessels.
This type of massage aims to move the lymph fluid trapped in your nodes and tissues, ensuring your body can properly heal after plastic surgery. Drainage of toxins and waste is critical to your health as you heal.
Check out my in-depth post about the history of lymphatic drainage massage to learn more about its origins.
Breast Explant Surgery & Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Breast explant surgery, also known as breast implant removal, removes breast implants due to infection or for another reason, such as breast implant illness.
This procedure is a delicate process. The risk of a leak from your implant or a break in your breast capsule is high.
However, your surgery should be fairly standard if you have a competent surgeon. One issue surgeons face, depending on how long you’ve had your implant, is scar tissue.
After breast augmentation, the body forms scar tissue around the implant. This can lead to swelling, which is normal.
Cosmetic surgeries like breast implant surgery can disrupt the body’s natural lymphatic system pathways. This causes lymph fluid to seep into the surrounding tissue, hindering the natural lymphatic channels. This is where lymphatic drainage massage can help.
A professional certified lymphatic massage therapist can help your body move lymph fluid. This reduces swelling and discomfort associated with your surgery.
How Often Should You Get a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
If you’ve undergone breast explant surgery, it’s highly recommended that you receive a lymphatic drainage massage before your procedure—up to 3 weeks, once per week until your procedure.
Once your surgery is finished, let your doctor recommend the appropriate number of massages you should receive. Wait at least three days post-op to start with your lymphatic drainage massage routine.
Monthly maintenance is recommended once your surgery has healed.
Top Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Explant Surgery
Post-op lymphatic drainage massage is well-researched, and the benefits are widely known. Some of those benefits include:
- Reduction in post-op pain
- Elimination of toxins
- Strengthened Immunity
- Reduces downtime after surgery
- Reduced swelling
- Reduced fibrosis
You can add to these benefits by wearing compression garments after surgery, too.
Schedule Your Lymphatic Drainage Massage today!
If you’re having breast explant surgery, I highly recommend scheduling a lymphatic drainage massage as soon as possible. Preparing for your surgery both before and after the procedure sets the stage for rapid healing and a great reduction in your symptoms.
Get in touch with me via my contact form to schedule your first lymphatic drainage massage post or pre-op! You are also invited to reach out to schedule a 30 minute breast health consultation.