Lymphatic Drainage Massage in El Paso, TX
Lymphatic drainage massage is included with every liposuction, Brazilian Butt Lift, tummy tuck, and Mommy Makeover that Dr. Agullo performs. It is never an afterthought; it’s always an integral part of the surgical plan from the first consultation. The quote patients receive includes postoperative sessions. The treatment also offers multiple benefits to patients recovering from other plastic surgeries, such as breast augmentation and a facelift.
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What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is a key part of the recovery process. Any surgery leaves fluid behind. This light massage technique moves that fluid toward the lymph nodes so the body can clear it. Less fluid means less swelling, softer tissue, drains that come out sooner, and a smoother final contour.Lymphatic drainage massage also serves an important role after liposuction. The small cannulas used for liposuction create tunnels under the skin that trap fluid, which can lead to early scar tissue (fibrosis). Fibrosis can produce a lumpy liposuction result, but the massages work out the scar tissue to help create a smoother contour.
Dr. Agullo believes lymphatic drainage massage may be the most important step in a patient’s recovery process. He begins massages two to three days after surgery and continues treatment two or three times a week for about one month, at least eight sessions in the first month. “Dr. Agullo strongly, strongly recommends lymphatic draining massages. The lymphatic massages help break the scar tissue that the liposuction creates, the fluid retention, and for the drains to come out faster. He wants you to get at least two a week, a total of eight the first month.” (Our pre-op nurse) “The massages usually start on day two or three. It is good to do it soon so we get that fluid up, and you will feel a lot better and be moving more after the massage.” (Dr. Agullo)
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Reducing fluid buildup after an invasive cosmetic procedure can make recovery more comfortable and relaxing. Lymphatic drainage massage offers the following advantages:- Less swelling, bruising, and tightness in the first weeks
- Faster removal of drains
- Softer tissue, smoother contour, and fewer lumps after liposuction
- Reduced risk of seroma and fibrosis
- Lower risk of capsular contracture after breast augmentation
- Easier movement and more comfortable recovery after treatment
Am I a Candidate for Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Dr. Agullo includes lymphatic drainage massage for patients undergoing the following procedures:- Liposuction
- Brazilian Buttock Lift
- Tummy tuck
- Mommy Makeover
Rib repositioning patients receive it too, where it limits fibrosis under the corset. Liposuction patients receive massage whether or not they have a skin tightening treatment like Renuvion™ J-Plasma® or BodyTite® included in their procedure. It is also available as a standalone treatment for patients who have had other types of surgery and experienced swelling, lumpiness, or tissue hardening during recovery. Facelift patients can particularly benefit from the massage sessions, as swelling in the face has nowhere to drain but through the soft tissue. Breast augmentation patients may also receive it to lower their risk of complications like capsular contracture.
How Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Performed?
A licensed massage therapist trained specifically in post-surgical lymphatic drainage performs massage treatments in our office. The technique matches the procedure. For example, a BBL patient is positioned to keep pressure off the buttocks, while massage on a tummy tuck patient is worked around the drain and the incision.
Lymphatic drainage massage is not a deep tissue massage. It is gentle, rhythmic, and directional. The therapist works from the treated area toward the nearest lymph node basin (groin, armpit, neck) using light pressure to move fluid toward the lymph node, where it can drain naturally out of the body.
What Can I Expect After My Lymphatic Drainage Massage Treatment?
Patients experience few, if any, side effects after a lymphatic drainage massage treatment. Some have reported mild symptoms, such as:- Increased thirst
- More frequent urination
- Deep calm or even fatigue
- Improvement in visible swelling or fluid retention
To ease these side effects, patients are encouraged to drink plenty of water and move gently to keep the lymphatic system working after treatment. Giving your body time to rest and adjust can also help if you feel unusually fatigued or drained.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapies in El Paso, TX
Liposuction
Following a liposuction procedure, the treated areas are massaged using a combination of techniques. The therapist uses light, directional pressure so the trapped fluid moves toward the lymph nodes and the early scar tissue in the liposuction tunnels is worked out.
Breast Augmentation
Some of the biggest concerns after breast augmentation is capsular contracture. Early lymphatic drainage massage in the first weeks after surgery is one of the ways Dr. Agullo lowers that risk.
Tummy Tuck
It is recommended for patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery to only perform light lymphatic drainage massage during the first week of recovery (beginning two or three days after surgery). Following the first week, deeper pressure can be applied to the treated areas, as comfort allows.
Brazilian Butt Lift
Lymphatic drainage massage is performed over the areas of liposuction in the same fashion. Cupping is also used over the buttocks to help the tissues expand and increase blood flow to the areas of fat grafting.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage FAQs
Yes. The two work together. We put the garment on at your first massage, rather than immediately after surgery, because circulation needs a day or two to recover before we apply compression. Once it’s applied, patients should leave it on 24/7 for four weeks, removing it only to shower.
Pressure is the differentiating factor. Lymphatic drainage is light and directional and should never hurt. Deep pressure in the first weeks after liposuction can bruise tissue and worsen swelling.
Patients who do not undergo massage treatments are likely to experience greater, more persistent swelling and drains that remain in the incisions longer. Patients also increase their risk for hard, lumpy areas that may take many additional months to address. Although the result is still there, it won’t be as visible, and the contour may not be as smooth as you would achieve with the lymphatic massage treatments.
Those firm spots are usually fibrosis and edema, which are a normal part of the healing process. Regular massage treatments should help these areas soften over the next few months. New, painful, red, or rapidly growing lumps are not normal, and you should contact our office right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Every breast implant forms a capsule of scar tissue around it. In capsular contracture, that capsule thickens and squeezes the implant, so the breast feels firm or looks misshapen. Early lymphatic massage after augmentation is one of the most effective ways to lower a patient’s risk for this complication.
Lymphatic drainage massage is $150 per session. Surgical patients receive significant discounts, and we also offer discounted packages for other patients. The price quoted at your initial consultation includes massages. Since plans can vary by the number and frequency of sessions needed, the price can also fluctuate. Your patient coordinator will set your plan before your surgery so you know what to expect. If you had surgery elsewhere, you may also schedule massage sessions at the $150 per session rate or purchase a discounted package. Call our office for current package pricing.
Many of Dr. Agullo’s surgical patients, about 70 percent, travel in from out of town. Out-of-town patients may have the person they are traveling with watch the first sessions so they can continue the therapy at home. You may also book a manual lymphatic drainage therapist in your city before you fly. We can often recommend a therapist in your area. Plan on staying in El Paso about seven days after major surgery, and two to three days after a less extensive procedure. This allows us to do the first sessions in our office so you can coach your therapist if needed.
Learn More About Lymphatic Drainage Massage in El Paso, TX
Are you ready to find out if lymphatic drainage massage is the right treatment for you after your plastic surgery? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Agullo today by calling (915) 590-7900, texting 1-866-814-0038 or completing the online contact form.
