Lymphatic Drainage

What is the lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage helps stimulate the microcirculation and eliminate swelling caused due to the accumulation of local fat. This way, thanks to its epidermic and decongestant action, the “manual lymphatic drainage” helps to accelerate the absorption of postoperative edema.

It is a kind of gentle, slow, and repetitive massage that promotes the smooth flow of lymph in the body. Its goal is to promote the natural drainage of the lymph, the fluid that occurs in large quantities postoperatively.

The procedure in brief

The goal of the lymphatic drainage massage is to help the accumulated lymph find a way out, unlike the classic massage which only works on the muscle groups and blood circulation. Our specialized partner, in fact, works on the superficial lymphatic vessels but the movements are such that they unblock even the deepest circulation of the lymph, which now finds escape through secondary channels that connect the lymphatic system with the veins.

Where is the lymphatic drainage massage performed?

Lymphatic drainage massage can be performed all over the body, but mainly on the arms, the entire length of the legs, abdomen, and buttocks, but also on the face and neck, thus helping in the case of surgeries such as liposuction and fat transfer, abdominoplasty, thigh-lift, etc.

In which cases is it contraindicated?

It is important to emphasize that lymphatic massage is contraindicated in some cases, as for instance in people with thrombophlebitis (risk of pulmonary embolism), cancer and tumors, eczema, and skin diseases of the limbs, edema, heart failure (risk of pulmonary edema).

The duration of the sessions depends on a person’s individual needs and on the severity of the operation and the accompanying edema. In any case, the first session should be performed after the wounds have healed (usually one week after the operation). Usually, at least 5-6 sessions should be performed to significantly reduce the recovery time, while the final number of sessions depends on the problem of each person. Usually, each session lasts 60 minutes.