Manual Lymph Drainage

Service Performed by certified advanced lymph drainage specialist for decrease swelling, detox and improve immune system

This is video from annualreviews.org, you can see the lymph fluid moving through the lymphatic vessels (white) 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (CPT 97140)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle technique-which is used to stimulate the lymphatic system to promote the flow of lymph fluid around the body. The massage encourages the natural drainage of the lymph out of the affected area, helping to eliminate your body's waste, reducing swelling as well as boosting the body's immune system.


Lymphatic detox can help in so many ways, and if you suffer or struggle with:

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage​


Your lymphatic system is key to healing, regenerating tissues, and removing toxins from the body. When the body has experienced stress, such as fighting off illness, healing from an infection, or experiencing emotional stress, the lymphatic system can slow down. Manual lymphatic massage helps “re-start” the system of moving lymph through the body and can provide a variety of benefits, including:



Contraindications

Although lymphatic massage is a generally safe treatment, it may not be suitable for you if you have a heart condition, acute kidney failure, active infection, or acute inflammation.

After lymphatic massage (Possible Reactions)


Signs You Need Lymphatic Drainage Massage

The following conditions may seem innocuous, but if you experience some or many of them altogether chronically, it could be a sign that your body is suffering from toxin overload and you may therefore need a lymphatic drainage massage.


Aftercare advice for Manual Lymphatic Drainage


ADD-ONS

Dry Brushing (Free)

Dry brushing is thought to help the body release toxins through sweat. The course bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up. This makes it easier for the body to sweat, which in turns reduces the amount of toxins flowing through the lymphatic system. 

Elastic Tape

Applied in a fan-like pattern over the area of swelling or bruising. This lifts the skin over the lymphatic channels in the area, assisting them in removing excess fluids. Allowing lymphatic drainage to be stimulated 24 hours a day, drainage up to 3 days, helping decrease swelling. 

Cavitation

Lymphatic massage, along with cavitation, is an effective adjuvant therapy that can improve healing time, reduce scarring and bruising, and smooth out lumpiness to help you recover from your surgical procedure. After any surgery, the body is stimulated to begin the healing process.  

Benefits of Lymphatic Massage after Cosmetic Surgery 

After you have plastic surgery, particularly a body procedure like a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a mommy makeover, you want to heal as quickly as possible. You want to feel better so you can get back to your daily routine, but you also are excited to see the results of your procedure more quickly. While rest, gentle activity, and following your post-op instructions are key, lymphatic drainage massage can accelerate your recovery period.

Why Is Lymphatic Massage Important After Cosmetic Surgery 

One of the side effects of cosmetic surgery is swelling. This is a normal inflammatory response and a part of the healing process as fluid rushes to the area to nourish it with white blood cells. Body procedures, particularly tummy tucks and liposuction, often cause additional swelling as excess fluid and fat cells will harden within a few weeks of surgery. Lymphatic massage helps to move the fluid that’s built up and allows it to move back into the lymphatic passages where excess waste and fluid can be flushed from the body. This prevents fibrosis, which is the development of thick, fibrous scar tissue under the skin as well as reduces swelling and bruising. Many doctors, including Dr. Ortiz, highly recommend lymphatic drainage after surgery for both their patients’ comfort as well as to help them get the best possible results after their procedure. 

Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Liposuction 

Why do I need lymphatic drainage therapy or lymphatic massage after my liposuction? If you have ever had liposuction then you know that hardness or lumpiness can result in the areas where fat was removed. These post-surgical changes are caused by inflammation and trauma from the cannula (an instrument that sucks out the fat) moving under the skin. Channels are formed by the cannula that can fill up with fluid and the tissue also becomes swollen. Manual lymphatic massage helps to move the fluid by gently moving it back into the lymph vessels. Reducing swelling can reduce discomfort. Without lymphatic massage, the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of blood) can form. 

How soon after my procedure can the massage begin

It is possible to begin within 24 hours. It has been over a month since i had my procedure. Is it too late to begin? No. The healing process after these types of procedure is several months. If it has been over a month since your procedure you can still get the soothing benefits of lymphatic massage. 

Manual lymphatic drainage and proper garment wear is key for reducing fibrosis after cosmetic surgery​ ​ 

One of the most common secondary effects of surgery is fibrosis. Many people notice it some weeks after the surgery or during the post-op. At first, you may feel some lumps on the scar tissue, then you will notice that they get thick and hard, and you may feel pain in the area. To avoid fibrosis development, it’s very important to start your post-op manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) as soon as possible, to wear your garment 24/7 and to have the right compression to prevent the accumulation of fluid in order to heal properly and faster. 

What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage and Massage 

People with health conditions are not the only ones who can benefit from lymphatic drainage and massage. Let’s go through the multiple benefits of going to a lymphatic specialist.

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Have you felt bloated somewhere in your face and limbs? Lymphatic fluids can build up in these areas, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles on your face. When they build up on your limbs, your complexion can become unevenly colored.

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Did you know that the lymphatic system has natural white blood cells that help fight infection? It works together with the immune system to keep our immunity strong. When our lymphatic system isn’t working well, our body’s natural soldiers could slow down. 

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Most of us tend to eat a lot of fat and sweets in our diet. Also, many of us experience stress from work. With a sedentary and stressful lifestyle, your circulation gets slower, and your blood pressure increases.

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Pregnant women produce more blood and fluids for the health of the developing baby. Because of the extra fluids in their bodies, they may feel more bloated and uncomfortable in their legs and feet.

A similar problem occurs after pregnancy, just when they’re starting to breastfeed. Women use up more fluids in their bodies to make breast milk. 

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Swelling is a natural and healthy response that occurs to protect our injuries and wounds from further damage. But sometimes, our immune system overdoes its job and produces too many white blood cells that block our blood vessels.

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If you experience regular headaches, lymphatic drainage and massage might help. It reduces the pain and discomfort by decongesting your tissues. The massage improves blood flow and reduces blocked fluids. It can even help with sinusitis.

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When we are in a sedentary position, fluids start to build up in the legs and feet. Air travel or long periods of immobility can also cause edema. Lymphatic drainage and massage usually help people experiencing this condition.