Skip to content
Home » Resources » Lymphatic Massages After Tummy Tucks: Everything You Need To Know

Lymphatic Massages After Tummy Tucks: Everything You Need To Know

Schedule a Consultation

Guide:

As the body’s sole source of natural cleansing, the lymphatic system gets rid of toxic fluids that cause us to experience swelling and pain. A combination of swelling and pain following surgery can cause recovery to be difficult for some patients, leaving them tired, disoriented, or both. Did you know a medical process is available that reduces pain and swelling after surgery and promote a smoother recovery?

What is lymphatic massage?

Lymphatic massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, is the gentle manipulation of specific areas to relieve swelling after surgery. Initially developed for treating lymphedema, or tissue swelling caused by fluid accumulation, lymphatic massage involves a lymphatic therapist gently massaging affected areas to boost the movement of lymph fluids around the body. Although it is not required, lymphatic massage is incredibly beneficial to post-surgery recovery and highly recommended after some procedures.

Why is lymphatic massage so important?

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, which protects the body from any changes that could lead to illness and is how your body can stay healthy. The lymphatic system creates and releases white blood cells and other cells in the immune system that find and destroy invaders like viruses or bacteria that may enter the body and cause illness. Lymphatic drainage aims to help the body maintain proper fluid balance, immunity, and blood circulation.

Why get lymphatic massage after plastic surgery?

More complex cosmetic procedures that focus on large, significant areas, such as the tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift (BBL), or liposuction, require a lengthy recovery. For many, recovery from these procedures is more painful and includes more swelling than less invasive procedures. These complicated procedures, however, lead to remarkable, truly life-changing results if you follow proper recovery guidelines given to you by your plastic surgeon. When certain cosmetic procedures  are followed by  a great deal of post-op  swelling, plastic surgeons with genuine care for their patients recommend all possible solutions to alleviate pain and swelling throughout recovery. One of the first solutions that come to mind for cosmetic providers to stimulate a speedy, healthy recovery is lymphatic massage.

What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?

Patients often come to Dr. Liland with concerns over the amount of loose skin around their abdominal area that conceals their original body shape. Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a popular body contouring procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the midsection and tighten stretched abdominal muscles.

Typical tummy tuck candidates are:

  • People who lost a significant amount of weight and now have a layer of excess skin that covers the new body they worked hard for through diet and exercise. 
  • Moms wanting to restore their pre-baby body after pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tummy tuck is one of the top procedures chosen by mommy makeover patients. The mommy makeover can include practically any rejuvenating procedure available, so why is the tummy tuck so popular? Though abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure, it is remarkable for removing excess skin and revealing the contour of your new stomach following weight loss or pregnancy. A procedure as life-changing as the tummy tuck is worth the downtime, but great surgeons do everything to ensure recovery is as smooth as possible.Here’s what to expect after your tummy tuck surgery:

The First Few Days: Taking it Easy

Right after your procedure, focus on rest and relaxation. This allows your body to begin healing and minimizes discomfort. Dr. Liland will provide specific instructions on pain medication, dietary restrictions, and any necessary medications.

Weeks 2-3: Recovering and Healing

During this period, you’ll experience most of the healing process. Expect swelling, bruising, and some pain, but it should gradually decrease. Strenuous activities are still off-limits, as they can disrupt healing and potentially lead to scar revision. Dr. Liland may recommend specific gentle exercises, such as massage after tummy tuck, to promote healing.

Weeks 7-10 and Beyond: Returning to Normal

After 7-10 weeks, you can gradually return to your usual exercise routine, but it’s crucial to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard.

Tummy tucks are more complex procedures due to the removal of skin and tightening of muscles. When performed by an experienced, caring surgeon like Dr. Liland, however, the results can be truly transformative, and all steps will be taken to keep you as comfortable as possible, including lymphatic massage after tummy tuck.

Dr. Liland prioritizes a smooth recovery for each patient. He’ll develop a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will include detailed instructions on medication, diet, post-surgical care, and activity restrictions. For smooth healing and best results, Dr. Liland often recommends collaborating with a lymphatic massage therapist after tummy tuck and other complex procedures like BBL to further reduce pain, swelling, and bruising.

What are scars like after a tummy tuck?

After your tummy tuck, you will have one or more scars, usually on your lower stomach. Dr. Liland does his best to strategically place tummy tuck scars in areas often covered by clothing. As there are multiple types of tummy tuck techniques, the placement of your incision will depend on which tummy tuck you have. The tummy tuck scar is typically thin and may appear raised or recessed, pink, or lighter than the skin around it. Dr. Liland will send you home with special bandages and glue on your incision to reduce scarring and keep the incision together.

Why get lymphatic massage after a tummy tuck?

Lymphatic massage can aid in the healing process of your scars by reducing swelling and helping prevent excess scar tissue from developing during your recovery. Swelling, after any type of cosmetic surgery, is entirely normal and a necessary part of the healing process. Lymphatic massage simply ensures the swelling is healing appropriately and does not contain harmful fluids that may negatively impact your body’s healing response, and in turn your results.

Benefits of lymphatic massage after tummy tuck include:

Reduced Swelling and Bruising – Lymphatic massage gently stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps drain excess fluid and waste products away from the surgical site, leading to a noticeable reduction in swelling and bruising.

Pain Relief – The massage techniques used can help improve circulation and ease muscle tension, leading to a reduction of pain.

Improved Scar Healing – Lymphatic drainage can help reduce the build-up of fluid around the incision site, leading to smoother, less noticeable scars.

Faster Recovery – By promoting the removal of waste products and improving circulation, lymphatic massage can shorten your overall recovery time and get you back to feeling your best sooner.

Improved Skin Tone – After a tummy tuck, the tone and texture of the skin may change. Drainage massage can enhance the tone and texture of the skin in the treated area.

Enhanced Results – Lymphatic massage can greatly improve your tummy tuck surgery outcome by promoting proper healing, reducing complications, and enhancing skin tone.

Lowered Infection Risk – Drainage massage promotes proper circulation and reduces swelling, helping to minimize the risk of infection after surgery.

How soon after surgery should I start lymphatic drainage massage?

For best healing and top notch results, we recommend starting lymphatic drainage massage within 3-5 days after your surgery.

How often should I do lymphatic massage after a tummy tuck?

Regular post-tummy tuck massage sessions are typically recommended for 4 to 8 weeks after surgery, spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, depending on your individual progress.

How do I find the best lymphatic massage therapist?

Most plastic surgeons with connections in the field have a direct pipeline of lymphatic massage therapists they can send you to if they find lymphatic drainage necessary for your healing. Many plastic surgery centers have in-house lymphatic drainage specialists. 

If your tummy tuck surgeon does not have any connections in lymphatic massage, you should thoroughly research and analyze lymphatic specialists near you as you did for your surgeon. Read reviews from past patients, check their social media if applicable, ask about how much experience they have helping tummy tuck patients throughout their healing journeys, and so on.