The purpose of the lymphatic system is to filter substances that cannot be drained or reabsorbed by the blood system. The lymphatic system contains numerous lymphocytes that filter lymph fluid and remove fluids, bacteria, cancer cells, etc..
Lymph is filtered by lymph nodes and blood is filtered by the liver and kidneys. Lymphatic vessels surround the body. The largest percentage of lymphatic vessels are on the superficial layers of the skin. This is why lymphatic massage is done with light 2 milimeter or less of pressure.
What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is the application of light, pumping strokes to alleviating lymph edema. It is done with very light pressure due to the need to stimulate the lymphatic vessels on the superficial portion of the skin. IT IS NOT DEEP TISSUE or SWEDISH MASSAGE.
Pressure exceeding the weight of a quarter flattens the capillaries and prevents the fluid from moving. If you can imagine the effect on water flow through a garden hose if you step on the hose, this is exactly what happens if too much pressure—even moderate pressure—is used to.
Do massage therapists perform Fluid Evacuation?
NOOOOOO!
In cosmetic surgery recovery homes and med-spas across the country, massage therapists are using extreme measures to relieve fluid pressure in the body by forcing it out—literally out—through incision sites, in some cases opening up closed incisions to do so. THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR A MASSAGE THERAPIST TO PERFORM!.
The only one that should be doing anything to your incisions is your surgeon. I understand the appeal of this technique, I really do. When you’re swollen and can barely move, you tend to prefer dramatic action in order to feel normal again as quickly as possible, and Lymphatic Evacuation is as dramatic as it gets. The excess fluid bypasses the lymphatic capillaries, lymph nodes, and kidneys altogether and escapes through a hole. But there is one big, glaring problem with this method, especially when done outside of a medical facility by those who are not licensed nurses or medical professionals: risk of infection.
Lymphatic Drainage, a.k.a. Lymphatic Massage is a very gentle technique, using a light touch. It most definitely does not involve opening an incision to squeeze fluid out, or squeezing so hard that it pops open an incision. Run away from anyone suggesting that!
*Dr. T Fiala, Fiala Aesthetics
Not recommended.
*Dr. V. Erella, Aspira Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
I can't imagine that anyone would do this but you are correct in assuming infection a big risk. Incisions must be left to heal.
*Dr. G. Commons, MD
... It is below the standard of care for a non licensed MD to reopen [the incisions] to continue this type of drainage.
*Dr. J. Blinski, Blinski Plastic Surgery
Lymphatic Evacuation may indeed have a place in post-op recovery, especially if performed by licensed nurses… just don’t call it Lymphatic Massage.
Lymphatic Massage Is Not An Ultrasound Treatment
Search “lymphatic drainage massage after lipo” on YouTube and among the top ten results, you’ll find at least two videos showing the above procedure. However, this is not Lymphatic Massage, it’s Ultrasonic Cavitation—a treatment that employs a surgical device using low-frequency sound waves to vibrate fat cells, liquefy them, and flush them out through the circulatory system.
While some physicians encourage the use of Ultrasonic Cavitation after surgery, others find it ineffective at best. According to a summary of doctor’s responses to the effectiveness of this treatment posted on RealSelf.com:
Yes the machines work, but the results are nothing like liposuction. …With a machine the fat removal is the same in all areas so it is a more of a general reduction of fat and not a specific removal. If you have 3-5 inches of waist that you want to reduce, your best option is more traditional fat removal, such as liposuction. Non invasive machines, even the FDA approved ones, are pretty subtle when it comes to results in the mirror.
RealSelf.com
Thus, while Ultrasonic Cavitation may be what you’re looking for, it is still not Lymphatic Massage.
With all the misinformation out there, it’s important to know the difference between these different treatments and the risks involved with each. If you’re not sure which of these procedures your chosen massage clinic if offering under the guise of “Lymphatic Massage”, please be sure to ask what you can expect—are there machines involved? Do they use a light or heavy touch? Will fluid be pushed out through your incisions? Make sure you know the answer to these questions, and if you don’t like the answer you receive, keep shopping until you find someone offering true Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy.
If you're looking for the real deal book a lymphatic drainage massage with me:) I am a certified MLD Therapist with MLD Institute International.
Sources: Milan Baudelaire, LMT, CLDP
https://www.bostonbestmassage.com/blog/2019/7/3/what-is-and-isnt-lymphatic-drainage-massage