Healing Faster & Better: The Power of Post-Surgical Lymphatic Drainage and Scar Tissue Massage
Recovering from surgery is a journey that doesn’t end when you leave the operating room. Whether you have undergone a cosmetic procedure like liposuction or a tummy tuck, an orthopedic surgery like a knee replacement, or a medically necessary reconstruction, your body has a big job to do: heal.
At Wisconsin Lymphatic Therapy, we specialize in helping your body navigate that journey more efficiently. Two of the most powerful tools in post-surgical recovery are Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Scar Tissue Massage.
If you are feeling stiff, swollen, or worried about how your scars will heal, here is why these therapies should be an essential part of your recovery plan.
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Reducing the "Surgical Swell"
After any surgery, the body’s natural response is inflammation. This leads to swelling (edema), which can cause pain, stiffness, and a feeling of heaviness. While some swelling is normal, excessive fluid can actually slow down the healing process by limiting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue.
What is MLD?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, rhythmic skin-stretching technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system—your body’s "waste disposal" network. Unlike a deep tissue massage, MLD is light and soothing. It manually guides trapped fluid toward healthy lymph nodes so it can be processed and eliminated by the body.
The Benefits of Post-Surgical MLD:
Accelerated Healing: By reducing fluid buildup, fresh blood containing oxygen and repair cells can reach the surgical site faster.
Pain Relief: Less pressure from swelling means less pain on sensitive nerve endings.
Detoxification: It helps flush out anesthesia and cellular debris left behind after surgery.
Reduced Fibrosis: Early MLD can prevent the hardening of tissue (fibrosis) that often creates lumpy or uneven results after liposuction.
2. Scar Tissue Massage: More Than Just Aesthetics
Once your incision has fully closed, your body begins the final phase of healing: remodeling. This is when scar tissue forms. While scarring is a natural part of repair, how that scar matures matters. Without intervention, scars can adhere to underlying muscle, fascia, or bone, limiting your range of motion and causing discomfort.
How We Treat Scars
At Wisconsin Lymphatic Therapy, we use specific myofascial release and friction techniques to align the collagen fibers in the scar. This prevents them from growing in a chaotic "spiderweb" pattern and encourages them to lay flat and smooth.
The Benefits of Scar Tissue Management:
Improved Range of Motion: Frees up restricted skin so you can move your joints and muscles without that "pulling" sensation.
Better Appearance: Helps scars flatten, soften, and fade in color over time.
Nerve Desensitization: Surgical scars are often hypersensitive or numb. Massage helps normalize sensation in the area.
Emotional Closure: Reconnecting with the surgical area through therapeutic touch can be a vital part of emotional recovery after trauma or surgery.
When Should You Start?
For MLD: Many surgeons recommend starting Manual Lymphatic Drainage as soon as a few days after surgery (with their clearance), especially for cosmetic procedures.
For Scar Tissue: We generally wait until the incision is fully closed and any scabs have fallen off—usually around 4 to 6 weeks post-op.
Your Recovery Partner in Wisconsin
Surgery is a major investment in your health or appearance. Don't let swelling or restrictive scars compromise your results. At Wisconsin Lymphatic Therapy, our certified therapists understand the delicate nature of post-surgical tissue. We are here to help you heal faster, move better, and feel comfortable in your own skin again.
Ready to speed up your recovery?
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific surgery.
