When a post cosmetic surgery client came to Karie-Ann de Gannes with painful swelling and disappointed hopes, the certified lymphedema massage therapist felt as if she were experiencing deja vu. As a local practitioner in the field and a board certified massage therapist, De Gannes often works with clients recovering from cosmetic surgery procedures. This was not the first time she was hearing a story of patients struggling with complications and disillusionment. Clients have been coming to her more and more seeking advice because they have been receiving the wrong treatments to help with their recovery.
'The numbers have increased over the years,' De Gannes said.
She has observed that more people have been seeking out cosmetic surgery for various reasons. She said preparing for these types of surgery is helpful, and after the procedure, aftercare is essential. One of the recommended treatments for such patients is lymphedema massage therapy. The lymphatic system involves organs, vessels and tissues which work together to maintain fluid levels in the body. The lymph in this system transports waste out of the body. If the system does not work properly, it can induce oedema which is uncomfortable swelling caused by lymph build-up. A lymphatic massage is meant to push lymph through the body and reduce swelling and excess fluid.
'This is the preferred treatment for cosmetic surgery clients,' De Gannes explained.
A proper lymphatic massage before the procedure helps to prepare the body for a good healing outcome and decrease post operation swelling, stimulate internal and external wound healing and reduce and prevent scar tissue formation.
'Overall it reduces healing time.'
The massage helps get rid of excess anaesthesia post-operation and greatly improves blood and lymphatic circulation. Patients report that it reduces discomfort as well. It is particularly beneficial to patients recovering from post vaser lipo and any type of liposuction.
Many medical professionals encourage their post surgery patients to visit trained and licensed lymphatic massage therapists, but De Gannes has started meeting clients who are being directed to the wrong types of treatments.
'They seek out people who are not trained in lymphatic massage,' she observed.
'And they are sometimes treated with a procedure called incisional massage. This is not recommended for patients recovering from cosmetic surgery, and it is not necessary for healing.'
Patients who receive this treatment often report terrible and distressing pain during the process. There are also issues with other methods being used such as cavitation, radio frequency, wood therapy and vacuum, all of which should not be used post-op until a set period of time has passed.
De Gannes also recommends caution when using compression garments. These are specially constructed accessories which provide support for patients post-op and help reduce swelling and pain. These must be worn properly. Usually a
