What is a post surgical lymphatic massage and why is important?
Lymphatic drainage massage was developed to treat lymphedema, a condition of accumulated fluid within the body that often develops after removing lymph nodes. A trained massage therapist can manually massage the body in a way to push lymph through the body, breaking up areas of swelling and reducing excess fluid in the body.
Your lymphatic system is key to healing, regenerating tissues, and removing toxins from the body. When the body has experienced stress, such as fighting off illness, healing from an infection, or experiencing emotional stress, the lymphatic system can slow down. Manual lymphatic massage helps “restart” the system of moving lymph through the body and can provide a variety of benefits, including:
⎔ More efficient healing from illness, injury, or surgery
⎔ Supports relaxation and relieves stress
⎔ Reduces scar formation by boosting healing responses
⎔ Removes excess water and metabolic waste from the tissues in the body
⎔ Reduces swelling and fluid retention
⎔ Improves skin quality and provides a more vibrant appearance
One of the side effects of cosmetic surgery is swelling. This is a normal inflammatory response and a part of the healing process as fluid rushes to the area to nourish it with white blood cells. Body procedures, particularly tummy tucks and liposuction, often cause additional swelling as excess fluid and fat cells will harden within a few weeks of surgery.
Lymphatic massage helps to move the fluid that’s built up and allows it to move back into the lymphatic passages where excess waste and fluid can be flushed from the body. This prevents fibrosis, which is the development of thick, fibrous scar tissue under the skin as well as reduces swelling and bruising. Many doctors, including Dr. Ayewah, highly recommend lymphatic drainage after surgery for both their patients’ comfort as well as to help them get the best possible results after their procedure
What are the ingredients in a post surgical recovery IV Cocktail?
Our post surgical recovery IV cocktail contains sodium chloride (NS) IV fluid, Myer’s cocktail (B Vitamins, Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium), Amino Acids for wound healing, Immunity Boosters (Zinc, Glutathione), Anti Nausea (Zofran), and Pain Medication (Toradol). It is a great was to jump start a healthy recovery process.
When can I shower after surgery?
You can typically shower 24hrs after surgery, but this must be after you have been seen by your surgeon or nurse for the Post Op Day 1 visit. When standing in the shower, make sure the water hits the opposite side of your body from your surgical incisions i.e. after breast surgery the water should be directed at your back. Use antibacterial soap. Gently towel dry your body and blow dry the dressings on the cool setting. Do not place the compression garment (faja) over wet bandages.
How long should I take my antibiotics?
Please take your first antibiotic dose the night BEFORE your procedure. Take your antibiotics until all the pills prescribed are finished. If your antibiotics finish and you still have a surgical drain in your body PLEASE request a refill from your pharmacy. You must be on antibiotics while a drain is inside your body.
What is the best way to take my pain medications?
I recommend taking the non-narcotic medication (ibuprofen) on a scheduled basis (every 6-8 hrs) with food, whether you feel pain or not. This is for the first few days so you have consistent baseline pain coverage. You can take the narcotic medication (Percocet, Oxycodone) as needed when your pain level is above the 6-7 range. Do not drive while you are on narcotic medications.
When can I go back to work or get back in the gym?
In general, I recommend resting as much as you can for the first two weeks after surgery. This includes avoiding house chores and rigorous activity. You are still advised to walk everyday, but do not overexert yourself. If you have a job that requires heavy lifting, I would wait 4 weeks before returning to work. If you work from home, the timing is up to you. At the gym, you can resume light cardio activities at week 3, and weight lifting at week 6. These instructions mostly apply to large incision surgeries rather than liposuction alone.
When can I have sexual intercourse?
In general I recommend waiting a minimum of 2 weeks for most procedures. For an abdominoplasty, please wait 4 weeks. Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
How long do I have to wear the compression garment (faja)?
This varies across every provider and post op specialist. We require that you wear your compression garment full time for the first 3 weeks at least, and part-time after that for another 3-6 weeks.
/sc-assets/prd/practices/e79293df-5635-4c5b-80ee-b7cbdd9e592d/BG1.png)
READY TO SCHEDULE YOUR
WELLNESS EXPERIENCE?