Lymphatic Drainage Massage

The Essential Element of Your Post-Cosmetic Surgery Recovery

Supporting your body’s natural mechanisms during post-cosmetic surgery recovery plays a critical role in optimizing operation results. Among these treatment methods, Lymphatic Drainage Massage particularly stands out. This specialized massage technique, applied by the expert team at Estherian Clinic, is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your recovery after cosmetic surgery.

What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a specialized manual therapy technique designed to stimulate the body’s lymph system and accelerate the elimination of excess fluid and toxins. Applied with light, rhythmic, and directional movements, this treatment supports the natural flow of lymph fluid, helping to reduce edema that forms especially after surgical intervention.

Two Different Treatment Methods Based on Suture Type

At Estherian Clinic, two different Lymphatic Drainage Massage protocols are applied according to the type of surgery and suture variety:

1. Application for Self-Dissolving Sutures

In facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, and other cosmetic surgical procedures in the facial area, self-dissolving sutures are generally used. Lymphatic drainage massage applied after these types of operations:

  • Focuses solely on accelerating edema elimination
  • Does not require any additional medical intervention
  • Is applied with gentle techniques appropriate for the sensitive tissues in the facial area
  • Accelerates the healing process and reduces swelling

2. Application for Permanent Sutures

In liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast surgeries, and operations in other body areas, permanent sutures are generally used. Lymphatic drainage massage applied after these types of operations is more comprehensive:

  • Applied in conjunction with antibiotic cream
  • Sutures are checked by expert personnel during massage sessions and removed when necessary
  • Supported with special pill treatment to promote healing
  • Accelerates tissue healing and reduces infection risk
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After Which Cosmetic Surgical Procedures Should It Be Applied?

Lymphatic Drainage Massage provides significant benefits especially after the following cosmetic surgical procedures (in order of importance):

  1. Liposuction – The most critical application area for reducing edema formed after fat removal and achieving a smoother contour.
  2. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) – Accelerates the healing process after this surgery where edema and fluid accumulation are intense due to extensive tissue manipulation.
  3. Facelift – Important for reducing swelling in the face and neck area and for faster healing.
  4. Breast Surgeries (Augmentation, Reduction, Lift) – Beneficial for reducing swelling in breast tissue and ensuring operation results reach an optimal level.
  5. BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) and other body contouring surgeries – Applied for contours to become more defined.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Application

Session Information:

  • Number of Sessions: Generally 5-10 sessions are recommended depending on the type of operation and the patient’s healing condition.
  • Duration: A session typically lasts between 30-60 minutes.
  • Starting Time: Can generally begin 48-72 hours after surgery with doctor approval.
  • Frequency: Daily in the first week, 2-3 times per week in the following weeks.

Devices and Products Used:

At Estherian Clinic, our expert therapists use the following professional equipment and products alongside manual massage techniques:

  • Pressotherapy Devices – Stimulates lymph circulation and accelerates edema elimination using special pressurized air garments.
  • Ultrasound Devices – Supports healing by affecting deep tissues with low-frequency sound waves.
  • LPG Endermologie – These devices providing mechanical massage are especially effective in smoothing contours after liposuction.

Special products used during massage:

  • St. John’s Wort Oil – Helps reduce post-operative swelling and redness thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Arnica-Containing Lotions – Contains components effective against edema and bruising.
  • Antibiotic Creams – Used to reduce infection risk in areas with permanent sutures.
  • Essential Oils – Special formulas containing circulation-stimulating oils like rosemary, eucalyptus are used.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

  1. Edema Reduction: Helps swelling after surgery to quickly subside.
  2. Accelerating the Healing Process: Accelerates healing by facilitating the delivery of necessary nutrients and oxygen to tissues.
  3. Pain Management: Alleviates pain and discomfort by reducing pressure in tissues.
  4. Preserving Tissue Elasticity: Preserves skin elasticity by minimizing scar tissue formation.
  5. Elimination of Toxins: Enables faster elimination of toxins from the body.
  6. Improving Circulation: Supports the healing process by increasing blood circulation.
  7. Suture Control: In operations with permanent sutures, regular control and removal of sutures when necessary is ensured.
  8. Optimization of Results: Contributes to obtaining smoother and more aesthetic results, especially in contouring procedures like liposuction.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) research, manual lymph drainage after surgery has been reported to provide improvement in edema reduction at rates up to 40%.

The Estherian Clinic Difference

The special advantage of Estherian Clinic is its expertise in post-operative care with its professional team led by Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli and Dr. Mehmet Yıldıran. As stated in the documents, at Estherian Clinic:

“In cosmetic surgical operations, especially after liposuction procedures, there is permanent staff who apply massage to make the patient’s edema elimination process as comfortable as possible.”

This is part of a team of over 100 experts who follow the patient’s recovery process. Following each patient’s pre-operation and post-operation processes contributes significantly to the success of the operation.

Estherian’s Special Service: Free Short Session Lymphatic Massage

Estherian Clinic offers Lymphatic Drainage Massage as a free short session to all patients who have undergone cosmetic surgical treatments. This special service is provided to optimize patients’ recovery processes and ensure they obtain maximum benefit from operation results. You can consult with our advisors for longer and more comprehensive sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions from Our Patients

How soon after surgery can I have lymphatic massage? Generally, it can be started 48-72 hours after surgery with your surgeon’s approval, but a special assessment is made for each patient.

Will I feel pain during the massage? Lymphatic Drainage Massage is applied with very light and gentle movements. It is not painful; on the contrary, it is relaxing.

How many sessions do I need? Generally, 5-10 sessions are recommended depending on the type of surgery and your personal healing process.

If I have permanent sutures, when will they be removed? Permanent sutures are generally regularly checked during massage sessions and removed at the appropriate time by our experts according to your healing condition.

What should I do after lymphatic massage? Drinking plenty of water, taking light walks, and following other post-operative rules recommended by your doctor will enhance the effect of the massage.

For more detailed information about Lymphatic Drainage Massage and to optimize your recovery process after cosmetic surgery, contact Estherian Clinic.


References:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations.