When diet and exercise are insufficient to achieve the body shape someone seeks, body contouring may be where they turn. These procedures, from radiofrequency to cryolipolysis to liposuction, are often the pièce de résistance of the weight loss and body re-contouring process.
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When diet and exercise are insufficient to achieve the body shape someone seeks, body contouring may be where they turn. These procedures, from radiofrequency to cryolipolysis to liposuction, are often the pièce de résistance of the weight loss and body re-contouring process.
However, these modalities can often lead to swelling or edema, causing discomfort and hiding the client’s positive body contouring results. Lymphatic drainage treatments can help those susceptible to swelling following body contouring see better results while relieving the pain and discomfort that comes with swelling.
The Lymphatic System
As part of the body’s immune system, the lymphatic system transports and removes waste products from the body, operating as a natural drainage system. It consists of a network of vessels and nodes that collect fluid from all over the body.
This fluid collects in one place and then travels through lymph nodes that filter out bacteria, viruses and other pathogens before returning it to circulation. The lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining our immune response and preventing swelling after many types of surgery.
When the lymphatic system works appropriately, waste is moved to the liver and kidneys and eventually expelled from the body through the waste elimination process. When the lymphatic system is not working as intended, inflammation, infection and edema can occur.
Following a body contouring procedure, the lymphatic system must step up its game, so to speak, as there is extra work involved in eliminating the fluid buildup brought on by the procedure. Symptoms of fluid retention can run the gamut, including stiff joints, pain at affected areas, the appearance of rapid weight gain or pitting edema, which is when the skin holds an indent when pressed. Guests may also experience fatigue as their body works overtime to expel toxins and waste.
Related: [How To] Performing Lymphatic Drainage on Yourself
Expediting Procedure Recovery
As mentioned, the lymphatic system is the waste bin of the body. Housed within it are fluid-filled waste products forced out from the tissues. This fluid creates buildup that leads to edema. After a body contouring treatment, this can slow the healing process and make it harder to see results.
Fluid buildup and swelling can lead to more dangerous outcomes as well, such as blood clots, hematomas or infections, making it critical to move the body following a procedure in order to avoid fluid collection. Any and all movement of the limbs can stimulate the lymphatic system to flush itself, though the movements a patient performs may depend on the type of procedure they have had.
The extra work can be aided by introducing lymphatic drainage massage, which activates the body’s natural drainage system. Lymphatic drainage massage is not only beneficial for those who have had body contouring procedures, but also guests who regularly suffer from edema or other issues resulting in fluid retention.
There are numerous causes for fluid retention beyond contouring procedures, including heat and sunburn, pregnancy, certain medications and more. Nearly everyone experiences swelling at one time or another, making lymphatic drainage massage beneficial for most people who walk through your doors.
Types of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
One of my gold standard approaches to lymphatic drainage is visceral mobilization (manipulation) massage, or the massage of abdominal organs. This gentle technique helps the patient’s abdominal organs move waste through the body, aiding in the elimination cycle. Not only does this approach aid with lymphatic swelling following a body contouring procedure, it can also help with other issues such as constipation, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps or IBS symptoms.
Within a healthy system, the connective tissue that holds abdominal organs in place allows organs to slide with one another as the body moves. These connective tissues should enable the stomach to expand when eating, and let the intestinal system constrict and expand to move waste. When this connective tissue is inflamed or not working as intended, a visceral mobilization massage can help move things along.
Vibration therapy can also be beneficial for aiding the lymphatic system and healing. This method involves a shake plate that gently jostles the body, activating the motions necessary for toxin release and eventual elimination through the lymphatic drainage process. It is an age-old technique initially introduced in the 1860s by physician and inventor Gustav Zander; vibration therapy is even utilized by NASA today to help prevent bone loss in astronauts.¹
Sweating is also a good way to release waste and stimulate healing following a body procedure or swelling for other reasons. Infrared sauna treatments can detoxify the body by emulsifying fat deposits, freeing up the overworked lymphatic system through sweat elimination. Guests often see the results of this type of lymphatic drainage on their scales after just one treatment.
Lymphatic drainage is best performed by a professional, but some techniques can be applied at home to expedite recovery or help with ongoing concerns. Remind guests that regularly moving the body through exercise is the best way to get the lymphatic system moving and operating efficiently. They can also take hot showers, eat foods that encourage healthy lymph flow (such as leafy greens) or try dry brushing, which uses a natural bristle brush in a circular motion on the skin. All of these methods can be done in the comfort of home and help the lymphatic system’s efficiency.
For many, body contouring procedures are a great way to achieve the shape they have always dreamed of, especially after a rapid weight loss or gain. When swelling persists after a body contouring procedure, it can lead to complications with healing and affect final results. By applying lymphatic drainage techniques, practitioners can help their patients look great, feel incredible and heal more completely.
Crystal Bethea is an army veteran, licensed medical massage therapist and experienced cosmetologist. She is the owner of C3 Wellness Spa, a holistic wellness center in Kissimmee, Florida, that specializes in helping veterans with physical ailments, as well as empowering all guests to live healthy, active lives.
