Is the lymphatic drainage massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care?

Question

Does doing it improve the BBL results? Do doctors recommend this (lymphatic drainage massage) or is it just the patient's preference. What are the pros & cons to doing it?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I do not recommend this.  I have only seen complications like hematoma and seroma due to increased pressure from the massage.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Germán Newall, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After your BBL procedure you will have bruising and swelling so it is best you listen to your board certified plastic surgeon's post-op instructions to optimize your results. To support the comfort and recovery of patients after surgery, a post-surgical massage that is designed to speed the healing process and help you return to your normal daily activities more quickly. Using a combination of lymphatic and Swedish massage techniques, massage to provide the following benefits:

• Reduce swelling and bruising• Improve flexibility• Stimulate nerve endings to diminish numbness and any skin sensitivity

For the majority of our surgical patients we ask they start about 10-14 days after surgery with the massages. Hope this helps,Dr. Newall

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well.. I always recommend my patients to have their first drainage lymphatic massage 24 hours after surgery, this is because after surgery our bodies get really swollen and full of liquid,, this is dangerous because we can start to retain the same liquid, and this is not good for us, also the massages help you to reduce, and sooner!

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Although, post op massage is not necessarily mandatory, following a BBL or liposuction procedure, it can be helpful to speed the healing process by mobilizing fluid and helping to break up subcutaneous scarring.  The massage doesn't have to be a "lymphatic massage" nor does it have to be performed by a professional masseuse.  Before starting any massage, check first with your surgeon as to their recommendations in your particular case.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Is the lymphatic drainage massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care?

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Answer: Is the lymphatic drainage massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care?

Answer: Is the lymphatic drainage massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care?

Answer: Is the lymphatic massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care.

Answer: Is the lymphatic massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care.

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Everything you need to know about Lymphatic Massage

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Is the lymphatic drainage massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care?

Answers (6)

Answer: Is the lymphatic drainage massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care?

Answer: Is the lymphatic drainage massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care?

Answer: Is the lymphatic massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care.

Answer: Is the lymphatic massage really necessary? Should it be done after a BBL? Is it routine post op care.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lymphatic Massage

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.