Accelerating Healing | Benefits Of Post-liposuction Lymphatic Drainage By Physiotherapists

 Liposuction, a popular cosmetic procedure aimed at removing excess fat from specific areas of the body, can yield impressive results in contouring and shaping. However, the process of liposuction can also leave patients with postoperative swelling, bruising, and discomfort. To aid in the healing process and promote a speedy recovery, physiotherapists have introduced a highly effective technique known as lymphatic drainage. In this blog, we will delve into physiotherapy after liposuction which includes lymphatic drainage, when administered by skilled physiotherapists, plays a crucial role in assisting patients during their post-liposuction journey.

Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system is an essential part of the body's immune system, responsible for eliminating toxins, waste products, and excess fluids from tissues. Lymphatic drainage is a manual therapy technique designed to stimulate and improve the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. By using gentle, rhythmic strokes and specific hand movements, physiotherapists assist the lymphatic system in transporting fluids away from the treated areas, thus reducing swelling and promoting faster healing.

 

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage After Liposuction

1: Reduced Swelling and Inflammation
Post-liposuction, swelling is a common side effect as the body responds to the trauma of the procedure. Lymphatic drainage helps accelerate the removal of excess fluid and inflammatory mediators from the affected area, reducing swelling significantly. As a result, patients experience increased comfort and an expedited recovery process.

2: Enhanced Healing and Tissue Regeneration
By improving lymphatic circulation, lymphatic drainage aids in the transportation of vital nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells to the treated areas. This enhanced circulation facilitates tissue repair and regeneration, allowing patients to heal more efficiently and minimize the risk of complications.

3: Prevention of Hematomas and Seromas
Hematomas and seromas are collections of blood and serous fluid that can accumulate in the treated area post-liposuction. Physiotherapist-administered lymphatic drainage helps prevent the formation of these fluid accumulations by facilitating the natural drainage pathways of the lymphatic system, keeping fluid circulation smooth and consistent.

4: Alleviation of Pain and Discomfort
Liposuction can cause discomfort during the recovery phase. Lymphatic drainage therapy employs gentle, non-invasive techniques that reduce pain and muscle tension, making the recovery process more tolerable for patients.

5: Improved Skin Appearance and Texture
Lymphatic drainage supports the body in removing waste products and toxins, which can contribute to healthier-looking skin. Patients often notice improvements in skin texture and tone as a result of increased circulation and toxin elimination.

6:Shortened Recovery Time
One of the most significant benefits of lymphatic drainage is its ability to expedite the healing process. By encouraging the body's natural mechanisms for recovery, patients can return to their daily activities sooner and with greater ease.

 

Role of Physiotherapists in Lymphatic Drainage

Physiotherapists are extensively trained in anatomy, physiology, and manual therapy techniques, making them well-equipped to administer lymphatic drainage effectively. When performed by a skilled physiotherapist, lymphatic drainage is a safe and non-invasive treatment that complements the postoperative care provided by the surgical team. During the initial post-liposuction recovery period, physiotherapists will conduct a thorough assessment to identify specific areas of concern and tailor the lymphatic drainage treatment accordingly. They will then use gentle, precise movements to stimulate lymphatic flow and clear any blockages or stagnation in the lymphatic system. Furthermore, physiotherapists provide personalized instructions to patients on self-massage techniques and simple exercises they can perform at home to support ongoing lymphatic drainage and maintain optimal results.

Lymphatic drainage, when administered by qualified physiotherapists, offers remarkable benefits for patients recovering from liposuction. By promoting effective lymphatic circulation, this manual therapy technique reduces swelling, aids in tissue regeneration, and improves overall healing. Moreover, patients experience less discomfort and a faster return to their regular activities. If you are considering liposuction, it is essential to consult with a skilled physiotherapist to learn how lymphatic drainage can be integrated into your postoperative care plan, ensuring a smooth and successful recovery journey.

 

Physiotherapy after Liposuction | A way to Maintain your Body Contour.

Do you suffer from swelling, skin irregularities, and lumps after undergoing Liposuction surgery and want to manage these problems? If yes, then you should consult your physiotherapist.  Physiotherapy is one of the best options to flatten and smoothen out these isolated areas.  Physiotherapy techniques are painless and non-invasive and help to maintain a healthy body so that the patient can enjoy the results of liposuction surgery. In this blog, we have discussed liposuction and how physiotherapy helps to maintain the results achieved after liposuction.

 

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat deposits from one or more specific areas of the body. For this procedure, a tube called a cannula is passed through the targeted areas, to suction fat out of the body. The vigorous motion of the cannula can damage the connective tissues when large amounts of fat are removed. Some common areas for liposuction include breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, and arms. Recovery can be painful and can take some time, and by giving time for proper healing, the patient can enjoy the results of this procedure. General activity can be resumed within 1-2 days, but special care needs to be taken while resuming exercise routines.

 

Physiotherapy Treatment

For best results, a well-trained and experienced physiotherapist should be consulted to create a personalized treatment plan and ensure that the patient gets the body that he/she has always desired.

 

Compression Garments:

Physiotherapists recommend bandages and compression garments to collapse the tunnels that are made with the tool used while suctioning out the fat.  A compression garment helps to decrease the swelling, maintains pressure on the area, stops bleeding, and helps the skin lay flat. These garments also help prevent infection, therefore both the garment and the wounds should be kept clean. Loose-fitting clothing should be worn to avoid pressure on the surgical area.

 

Rest and Lightweight Exercises:

A comfortable environment, including a cozy mattress, pillows, and bedding can help rest and heal more effectively. Rest is recommended for 24 hours after liposuction, light exercise, such as short walks, gentle movements, and light physical activity one to two days after the procedure can improve blood circulation and speed up the healing process, but strenuous activities and exercises should be avoided. It is important to start moving at a gentle pace as soon as the patient can. Walking can help prevent blood clots from forming in the legs, which can be fatal.

 

Manually Massaging Skin:

Physiotherapy technique like lymphatic drainage massage (MLD), is often recommended to decrease recovery time and reduce post-surgical swelling and scarring. While using this technique the physiotherapist uses a sequence of massage strokes to stimulate the flow of fluids through the lymphatic system which helps relieve swelling and lessens the risk of infection and complications caused by liposuction. Another example of a physiotherapy technique that can be used after liposuction surgery is Myofascial release (MFR), it is a hands-on soft tissue technique that facilitates a stretch into the restricted fascia. It is performed below and above the scar area and helps eliminate the pain.

 

Weight Loss:

Weight loss is advised to reduce the risk of developing loose or uneven skin after liposuction, Weight should be kept stable once liposuction is performed, Exercises should be done 5- 6 days a week for at least 30 minutes.

 

Strengthening Exercises:

Resistance exercises can be done in the 2nd week after surgery. Strengthening exercises are done to tighten the muscles, allowing them to hold the skin in place of fat. exercise programs help the body heal and regain its ideal mobility. The patient should pay attention to the way the bodies react during and after exercise. If pain, discomfort, or drainage occurs due to resistance exercise, the physiotherapist should immediately be informed.

 

Aerobic Exercise

Light aerobic exercise, like walking, is recommended within two days of liposuction.  Every person responds to surgery differently thus the person should listen to his/her body and consider the limitations when returning to exercise. Exercise routines should be returned to slowly with a lower intensity level initially. Mostly wait for 3 weeks post-opt to return to higher impact aerobic activities such as running and aerobics.

 

Cardiovascular Exercise:

Moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise can help maintain fitness and also help lose weight.  Minimum 30 minutes of moderate exercise 4-5 days a week should be done. Exercises include using an elliptical machine, biking, walking, swimming, running, and rowing are excellent options.

 

Skin Tightening Exercises:

Skin tightening exercises like tummy tuck, arm lift, and thigh lift, can help tighten the skin. Individuals need to make positive lifestyle changes to maintain the changes achieved through liposuction.  Doing regular exercises is the key to long-term positive results.

 

Laser Therapy:

Laser therapy generates heat and can smooth out lumps or uneven skin. Erchonia lasers target and eliminate fat in areas that are difficult to reduce with regular diet and exercise. Zerona laser is proven to stimulate the body at a cellular level and is the first and only low-level laser to be given FDA clearance for use before and during liposuction treatments. It is a painless treatment applied before liposuction to liquefy the fat, making it easier to remove during the surgery. In addition to improving surgery outcomes, it also helps to reduce post-operative pain and bruising and decreases the overall recovery time. Though not used in pregnant women, laser treatment is not recommended due to its effects on fetuses are not well understood.

 

Shockwave Therapy:

Shockwave therapy is used after liposuction. It is an easy, non-invasive, local therapy, without side effects, with short periods of application.  Shock wave therapy delivers pulses of energy to the body and causes the fibrous cords to break down to smoothen the skin, and collagen and elastin are triggered to regenerate and strengthen the skin from within. Blood circulation and lymphatic flow in the treatment area are also improved.

 

Therapeutic Ultrasound:

Therapeutic Ultrasound can also be used to decrease inflammation in sore muscles, reduce swelling, and speed up the recovery process. It cleans up debris in an injured area which decreases the recovery time.

The patient should drink plenty of water at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep functioning. And also keep stress levels low to prevent weight gain.

This article was first published at CB Physiotherapy