Benefit of Lymphatic Massage After Tummy Tuck?

It’s not unusual for patients to experience significant
swelling following abdominoplasty.This
swelling occurs for a variety of reasons including fluid retention and
disruption of the normal lymphatic channels.In some cases, swelling persists for prolonged periods of time and is
associated with post-operative discomfort.Under these circumstances, it’s appropriate to consider lymphatic
massage.In the
early post-operative period, compression garments are utilized to minimize
swelling.Compression garments are
typically worn for three to six weeks following surgery.At six weeks, it’s reasonable to consider
lymphatic massage if residual swelling is still present.Before
proceeding with this technique, it’s important that the wound edges be sealed
and surgical drains be removed.It’s
also important that lymphatic massage be performed by an experienced
therapist.This minimizes the potential
for complications such as wound separation.Patients
who have prolonged post-operative swelling should discuss this treatment with
their plastic surgeon.Their surgeon
should be able to tell them if lymphatic massage is appropriate for them.

    Lymphatic massage may be of benefit, but the massage at 4 weeks should be carefully orchestrated.  The incision should have healed, and healing must have been uneventful.