The post-op treatment should start when your surgeon allows you to. Normally 24 to a week after surgery. It is important to drain the excess fluid, as soon as possible, to allow the skin to adhere to the muscle, reducing saggy skin, seromas and excessive fibrosis. The post-surgery treatment starts with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). Its main purpose is to:

• Activate the lymphatic system.
• Drain toxins and accumulated fluids.
• Help in the reconstruction processes of injured tissues (scar tissue).

How is the post-op treatment performed? The post- op treatment is tailored according to your needs and type of surgery.  Everybody heals differently, do not compare yourself with others. Phase 1: After surgery your body starts the healing process by creating inflammation, followed by fluid retention and bruises.  At this stage, MLD is recommended to help with the excess of fluid which causes pain and inflammation. Usually, the inflammation is localized. However, the fluid could be present in the area of the surgery and in other parts of your body such as hands and feet. At this stage, MLD is important to help you deal with the fluid and the inflammation. MLD uses gentle movements in one direction, and it shouldn’t cause any pain. During the first phase of the recovery the aim is to drain the excess fluid to the nearest lymph node for absorption and to prevent the formation of seromas and excessive formation of fibrosis. Phase 2: Your body produces less fluid and inflammation.  As a result, your body creates a new connective tissue (fibroblast). It connects the different fibers that had been damaged during the surgery. When the body generates excess fibroblast, and your body feels hard and lumpy, and this is what you know as fibrosis. The aim of the sessions, in phase 2, is to treat acute fibrosis before it becomes chronic and to help the skin to attach to the muscle nice and smooth. Phase 3: Your body continues with fibrosis formation, the fluid is less visible, and the tissue is less inflamed.  The sessions are focused to release fibrosis and to help with body contouring. At this point your therapist starts combining MLD; machines such as:  ultrasound, radiofrequency; and massage to treat the scar tissue, reduce fibrosis and to help with body definition. Keep in mind that each body is different and not machines work in the same ways for everybody. Therefore, it is important to take in consideration your skin type and the way your body heals to determine which machine and technique to use for best results. MLD or machines should not produce neither pain nor discomfort, even when working on tissues with edema. You will feel relief instead. If you feel pain, you need to let your therapist know to adjust the settings or the techniques for you. In addition to the benefits of MLD, the devices can help with:

• Reducing inflammation of the tissue (fibrosis).
• Accelerating the healing process.
• Reducing pain and edema.
• Facilitating and improve metabolism in the treated areas.
• Preventing capsular contracture in the case of implants.
• Improving seroma absorption.
• Reducing scar tissue.

A final word Remember that, although in some cases the post-op period has some specifications, each case (how your body responds) and needs are different. For that reason, your post-op treatment is tailored session by session. You need to be patient and allow your body to heal. Remember there is a long process between the before and after picture you saw on Instagram or at your doctor office. The after care is your responsibility, and you need to put money on the side for it.  You will need a minimum of 5 sessions of post-op to get good results. We hope this information is useful for you. If you have any questions about our treatments, please contact us 508-488-8839. If you like this blog, please share! We are always happy to help.