Post Op Lymphatic Drainage Info
What happens to the body post-surgery;
After surgery the body enters a healing phase. Whether the procedure was cosmetic or reconstructive, the trauma of surgery triggers an inflammatory response. This is the body’s way of protecting the area and starting repair.
In the days following surgery you’ll see:
• Swelling caused by fluid and inflammatory cells
• Bruising as blood from damaged vessels seeps into surrounding tissue
• Discomfort and stiffness from inflammation and tightness
While some swelling is normal and even necessary for healing, excessive or prolonged swelling can lead to complications like fibrosis or seroma formation. That’s where lymphatic drainage comes in.
The role of the lymphatic system post-surgery;
Lymphatic vessels are responsible for carrying away excess fluid, cellular waste and proteins from the tissue.
When these vessels are sluggish or overwhelmed, swelling builds up. Post-operative lymphatic drainage helps support this natural system by guiding fluid towards healthy lymph nodes and encouraging movement through the vessels.
Your treatments will:
• Reduce swelling and pressure
• Improve circulation and oxygen delivery to the tissues
• Minimise the risk of fibrosis and seromas
• Speed up the visible and functional results of surgery
Understanding inflammation;
Inflammation has two phases – acute and chronic. In the acute phase (first few days), the body needs time to clean up and rebuild. Gentle support here is key. In the chronic phase (2–6 weeks), unaddressed swelling can harden into fibrosis – a dense, ropey tissue that can be difficult to break down. Our role is not to rush this process, but to support it intelligently. By respecting the stages of healing we can avoid overworking the body or causing unnecessary pain.
Fibrosis and why it matters;
Fibrosis is a common concern in post-op care. It’s the formation of hard lumps or cords of tissue under theskin – often in areas where fluid has pooled or where compression wasn’t applied evenly. While not dangerous, fibrosis can affect the look and feel of results and be distressing for clients. You’ll learn how to prevent fibrosis from forming – and how to work with it if it does.
Seromas and how to spot them;
A seroma is a pocket of fluid that collects in the tissue post-surgery. They usually feel squishy or balloon-like and may shift under the skin. Most are harmless and reabsorbed naturally, but some may require draining by a medical professional. It’s essential that you know when to continue and when to pause treatment if a seroma
is suspected.
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