Can lymphatic drainage massage improve my body contouring results?
Women and men in Joplin, MO and the four-state area are increasingly turning to body contouring procedures to improve their shape when diet and exercise simply aren’t enough. While these cosmetic treatments are incredibly effective, all body contouring procedures—from liposuction to BodyTite—can cause temporary swelling that may obscure your initial results. In this month’s post, we discuss whether or not lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce post-body contouring inflammation and improve your results.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is the part of your immune system responsible for transporting fluid through the lymph vessels, thereby removing fluids and toxins from the body. A healthy lymphatic system moves waste to the liver and kidneys to ultimately eliminate it through your urine and bowel movements. If your lymphatic system is stagnant, you’re liable to experience a range of issues, from inflammation to infection. An unhealthy lymphatic system can even create the appearance of lumps and bumps beneath the skin that may be associated with cellulite.
After body contouring, some swelling around your treatment area(s) is normal, as the lymphatic system has to work overtime to break down and eliminate the fat and other tissues destroyed during treatment. Lymphatic drainage massage can alleviate some of this swelling, helping you see your results sooner.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage, sometimes referred to as lypossage, is a type of massage that aims to activate the body’s natural lymphatic drainage process to reduce inflammation caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid. Lymphatic drainage massage is often performed after surgical fat reduction procedures like liposuction and BodyTite, as it is beneficial for reducing the swelling associated with those procedures.
Lymphatic drainage massage is often performed after body contouring treatments like liposuction or BodyTite.
How can lymphatic drainage massage improve body contouring results?
While research is still being conducted on the effects of lymphatic drainage massage post-body contouring, we can attest that lymphatic drainage massage can indeed impact body contouring results in healthy patients. Specifically, we have noticed that our patients who undergo lymphatic drainage massage following their surgical body contouring treatments tend to see their results more quickly than those who don’t. But why?
Lymphatic drainage massage can increase blood flow circulation and help flush out dead cells and toxic fluid that has become trapped between cells, improving the appearance of your treatment area. Since the lymphatic system also plays a vital role in regulating your immune functions, lymphatic drainage massage may help reduce the risk of infection and support the health of your body’s major organs (kidneys, liver, skin), improving your overall health and well-being. In short, the better your lymphatic system is working, the quicker your body may recover from your body contouring procedure.
The better your lymphatic system is working, the quicker you may be able to recover from your body contouring procedure.
Choose an expert for your post-body contouring massage
When performed correctly, lymphatic drainage massage can be a great complement to body contouring procedures; however, like cosmetic surgery, it’s critical to choose a provider who is both highly experienced and skilled, as too much pressure during lymphatic massage can actually damage tissues and impede your body’s healing abilities. Our providers can discuss post-body contouring lymphatic drainage massage with you during your personal consultation.
Are there any other ways to support the lymphatic system?
Aside from lymphatic massage, adhering to a generally healthy lifestyle can also help you improve your lymphatic system. Here are a few tips:
- Drink more water. Drinking plenty of water will help your lymphatic system discharge toxins and other waste via your urine; just be sure to drink water throughout the day (vs. all at once) so that your body has time to process it. (Most resources suggest aiming for eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day.) Also, be sure to drink plenty of water after having a lymphatic massage, as this will further help to flush out dead cells and fluids.
- Eat nutritious foods. Eating a variety of whole foods, including low-fat proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, will help support your lymphatic system by providing essential nutrients and antioxidants to your kidneys and liver. Also be sure to incorporate fermented foods like nattō, kimchi, and yogurt, as their probiotic effects have been shown to reduce inflammation. Avoid processed foods, refined grains, and excess sugar; these foods can cause toxins to build up in your body and place undue strain on your lymphatic system.
- Exercise regularly. Physical exercise—whether in the form of running, lifting weights, or practicing yoga—helps regulate the lymphatic system by raising your heart rate and increasing blood flow throughout the body. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
Are body contouring results permanent?
Both liposuction and non-surgical body contouring procedures (Evolve, BodyTite, semaglutide weight loss injections) eliminate treated fat cells, meaning that the fat cells you lose can’t return. That said, if you do gain weight, your remaining fat cells can grow, and new fat cells can still form—which is why it’s important to maintain a healthy nutrition and exercise routine following your treatments.
Considering body contouring in Joplin, Missouri?
If you’re considering body contouring in Joplin, Fayetteville, or anywhere else in the four-state area, our licensed aestheticians, under the direction of triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Talon Maningas, can help you trim, tone, and tighten your physique with a variety of surgical and minimally-invasive options. Schedule your consultation with us online or call (417) 437-0303.