Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Post-Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction

If you are planning a procedure this year to improve your confidence, be sure to include lymphatic drainage as part of your post-operative plans.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be a great tool to improve post-operative outcomes following a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. The primary functions of lymphatic system is to absorb protein and water from the interstitum, absorb nutritional fatty acids, and serves immunological functions.

 Lymphatic vessels are present throughout the body and form a network of pathways to remove excess fluid from the interstitum.  Regardless of the reason for surgery, surgery interrupts the lymphatic network resulting in less efficiency in removing fluid in addition to an inflammatory response from surgery. An inflammatory response is a normal phase of soft tissue repair followed by proliferative and remodeling of tissue of tissue.  Swelling of tissue related to surgery results in lack of oxygen to traumatized tissue, decrease transport of macrophages (white blood cells) to area, decrease transport of basic substances needed for tissue healing, irritation of pain nerve receptors, and scar tissue formation.

Due to the network of lymphatic vessels being interrupted, an insufficiency will be present creating a high protein edema.  MLD can be beneficial for numerous reasons.  MLD can have numerous benefits post-operative period whether from cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage works to increase lymph production and increase venous return. Working with both intent and purpose with directional stretch increase superficial return and deeper techniques (as indicated) can influence deep venous systems.  MLD helps pull fluid from interstitium back into lymphatic system and speeds up healing process by reducing swelling and increase the removal of cellular debris.   MLD can decrease the tendency of fibrotic tissue due to reabsorption of protein from interstitium and improve skin tissue by boosting healing response. Ultimately, the result being decrease pain and improved healing to maximize outcomes. 

Surgery can often feel like the end, but really the beginning of healing. Despite the nature of outpatient or short hospitalization for reconstruction, having a plan in place to support your recovery is important after the cut. Providing yourself the gift of increased confidence is invaluable, and you deserve post-operative care to maximize your results.