Pre- and Post-Surgical Applications of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Gentle, individualized lymphatic support for your surgical recovery.
With more than 14 years of experience and hundreds of post-surgical clients, Laurel West, LMT has provided lymphatic care following procedures including liposuction, tummy tucks, BBLs, facelifts, breast procedures, orthopedic surgeries and more.
Laurel also works with patients referred by surgeons and medical practices throughout the Austin area.
Post-surgical lymphatic therapy is designed to gently support the body's natural movement of excess fluid following the tissue trauma and inflammation associated with surgery.
Depending on your stage of healing, sessions may also incorporate specialized techniques for areas of tissue restriction, fascia, fibrosis and scar tissue as appropriate.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Post-surgery lymphatic therapy is gentle.
This is not deep-tissue massage, aggressive manipulation or a painful body-contouring treatment. Pressure is intentionally light and adapted to your procedure, healing stage and surgeon's instructions.
Most clients find their session very relaxing and comfortable. Tender areas are approached conservatively, and treatment is adjusted throughout your recovery.
Your first session begins with a brief assessment of your procedure, areas treated, current swelling, incisions and relevant surgeon instructions.
Treatment typically begins by gently stimulating appropriate lymphatic nodes and drainage pathways before working with areas affected by surgery. The goal is to encourage healthy lymphatic fluid movement toward available drainage pathways.
Clients typically undress to their comfort level, usually leaving underwear bottoms on when appropriate. Compression garments, bras and jewelry may be removed when necessary for treatment.
You will rest face-up on an ADA-compliant hydraulic massage table with supportive bolsters and pillows available for comfort.
Every session may look a little different because your body is changing as it heals.
Early sessions may focus primarily on gentle fluid movement and swelling. As healing progresses, treatment may evolve to address tissue mobility, areas of firmness, fascia, scar tissue or fibrosis when appropriate.
Results vary from person to person.
Some clients notice changes in swelling, pressure, comfort or tissue softness following a session. Others experience more gradual changes over a series of treatments.
The amount and speed of swelling reduction depends on many factors, including the procedure performed, number of areas treated, your individual healing response, activity level, compression, medications and your surgeon's post-operative protocol.
Post-surgical lymphatic therapy supports the healing process but does not replace your surgeon's medical care or guarantee a specific cosmetic result.
POST-SURGERY LYMPHATIC CARE
Your surgeon's recommendations always take priority regarding when lymphatic therapy should begin.
For many procedures, clients begin approximately 3–7 days after surgery, once cleared by their surgeon. Some surgeons recommend beginning earlier or later depending upon the procedure and individual recovery.
Post-surgical lymphatic therapy may help support:
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Healthy movement of post-operative fluid
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Reduction of swelling and feelings of pressure or heaviness
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Lymphatic circulation and drainage
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Tissue comfort during recovery
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Alternative lymphatic pathways when normal pathways have been disrupted
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Gentle tissue mobility
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Areas of firmness or fibrosis as healing progresses
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Fascia and scar tissue mobility when appropriate
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Relaxation and parasympathetic nervous system support
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
There is no universal number of sessions required after surgery.
A common starting schedule is 1–2 sessions per week during the early stages of recovery, but your needs may be different depending on your procedure, number of areas treated, amount of swelling, healing response and surgeon's protocol.
Some clients need only a few sessions. Others undergoing more extensive procedures or multiple procedures at once may benefit from a longer series.
Recommendations are adjusted as your body heals rather than automatically following the same protocol for every client.
If your surgeon has recommended post-operative lymphatic therapy, pre-booking several appointments is encouraged to ensure availability during your recovery window.
PRE-SURGERY LYMPHATIC CARE
Some clients also choose lymphatic therapy before surgery to support healthy lymphatic circulation, tissue relaxation and nervous system regulation going into their procedure.
When appropriate, 1–2 gentle sessions before surgery may be considered, with the final session commonly scheduled several days beforehand.
Pre-surgical sessions are intended to support:
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Healthy lymphatic circulation
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Normal fluid movement
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Tissue relaxation
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Nervous system regulation
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Overall relaxation before surgery
Pre-surgical lymphatic therapy is supportive wellness care and does not replace your surgeon's medical preparation or pre-operative instructions.
INCLUDED WITH YOUR SESSION
Your session includes use of the heated Photon Advanced PEMF InfraMat Pro®, featuring red/near-infrared light, PEMF and amethyst, tourmaline, jade and copper.
Gentle warmth and PEMF create a relaxing environment that may support muscular relaxation, circulation and recovery.
PEMF and/or heat will only be used when appropriate for your procedure and stage of recovery. Your surgeon's restrictions always take priority.
IMPORTANT POST-SURGICAL SAFETY
Please follow all instructions provided by your surgeon and medical team.
Before treatment, please let Laurel know about any complications or changes in your recovery, including unusual or increasing swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, fever, significant new pain, shortness of breath or other symptoms your surgeon has instructed you to monitor.
Lymphatic therapy is not a substitute for medical evaluation of a possible surgical complication.
If there is any question about whether treatment is appropriate, surgeon clearance may be requested before proceeding.
YOUR APPOINTMENT
Please allow approximately 50 minutes for your appointment.
Session time includes a brief intake/assessment, individualized hands-on lymphatic therapy and post-session recommendations as appropriate.
For cosmetic or medically indicated surgical recovery, schedule:
Pre/Post-Surgery Lymphatic Therapy
$175
Check out this informative article by Westlake Dermatology.
Study on PEMF Therapy in Clinical Plastic Surgery for wound healing post-surgery
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can be used to help wounds heal immediately after surgery. PEMF therapy can be used for a variety of other conditions, including pain management and nerve injuries.
