Updated for 2018
If you’ve just had a tummy tuck, chances are you’ve become well acquainted with the discomfort that comes with post-operative healing. Redness, swelling and pain are all normal symptoms that feel challenging to manage. While the road to recovery is a long process that must be given the proper amount of time, there’s much debate over whether lymphatic massage could help speed the process along.
More resources: What to Expect at Your Tummy Tuck Consultation [Infographic]
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage involves a gentle pressure applied to the area around your abdomen that’s intended to reduce lymphatic fluid buildup from the site and reduce swelling more quickly.
While lymphatic massage won’t necessarily reduce your overall healing time, it can definitely be useful in providing relief from the swelling around your midsection. Lymphatic massage can also help determine whether additional procedures may be needed to achieve the results you want, as excess swelling may be masking your final outcome.
More resources:
How Liposuction or CoolSculpting® Could Improve Your Tummy Tuck
General Recovery Tips
As with any surgery, there are several steps you can take to ensure your tummy tuck recovery goes as well as possible, with or without lymphatic massage:
- Staying adequately hydrated and maintaining good nutrition are always important for the functioning of your body, particularly with damaged tissue trying to heal.
- Your surgeon may recommend that you wear a compression garment for several weeks after surgery to minimize fluid buildup and reduce swelling.
- Lymphatic massage as mentioned above may be performed by a qualified practitioner to reduce fluid buildup as well.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on any additional recommendations for your post-surgery care. Proper recovery from cosmetic surgery can feel like a slow process, but by taking the proper steps, you can do your part to achieve the tummy tuck results that you want.
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