Manual Lymphatic Drainage After Lipo / Brazilian Butt Lift

by Virginia Murphy

Here is a quick follow-up to my original blog post on Post Surgery MLD, which can be found here

I wanted to share with you my thoughts about lymphatic drainage after liposuction/BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift).  I have had so many calls about it since September and I have worked on a few patients that had these surgeries and most of them told me that my work was not similar to what they received in Florida. My only answer is, they didn’t receive MLD.

I am certified Lymphedema Therapist, trained in the Vodder Method. Because I am also an oncology massage therapist, I am able to treat lymphedema - and manual lymphatic drainage is the only recommended treatment for that. Manual lymphatic drainage can also be considered for post operative surgical swelling due to liposuction.

Many of these surgeries seem to be happening in Florida. Some clients who have called have indicated that the MLD treatments they received there were painful.  Done properly, MLD is very gentle and it doesn't hurt.  However, there is little to no clinical evidence that it will speed up the healing process or decrease scar tissue/fibrosis. What it can do is move the swelling/edema and help you relax.  The healing process is natural and normal and your body knows what it needs to do. Helping you through it, is where MLD is useful.

I love my work and I’m dedicated to positive outcomes. I am also very transparent with my patients and want to create realistic expectations. There is much misunderstanding surrounding this topic, like many massage related topics.  Your body, having been subjected to surgical trauma, needs to heal. Inflammation is a natural part of that process, as is pain, sorry to say.  In my opinion, it is not a good idea to try and circumvent the bodies natural healing process, but rather, what I prefer to do is assist it and you by helping move accumulated fluids and help your body relax, which will in turn make the healing process less painful. Massage is incredibly useful and beneficial but it has limitations.   If you have had experiences with post surgical MLD or thoughts, please add them to the comment below. In the meantime, if you are contemplating an elective procedure or have just gone through surgery and would like to book an appointment or request a consultation, please email me here.