Manual lymphatic drainage: an incredible aesthetic and postsurgical treatment

Manual lymphatic drainage is not only an extremely effective therapy to treat pathologies such as stress, digestive problems or acute pain, but it can also be incorporated as a great beauty treatment, an excellent aesthetically and an action indicated within a postsurgical process.

“Indeed, manual lymphatic drainage is an incredible beauty treatment, as well as being a great companion for holistic health care. By reducing inflammation and oedema, the skin looks elastic and young“, says Rachel Rose, Mind & Body expert at SHA Wellness Clinic.

Thus, manual lymphatic drainage of the face eliminates bags under the eyes and chin. And applied to the legs, it helps the swollen knees and ankles. It can also be handy in the appearance of varicose veins.

Because manual lymphatic drainage works in the deeper layers of the skin, it helps keep the skin healthy and robust. “Skin cells live and die quickly, so any inflammatory condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea-can quickly get out of hand. Manual lymphatic drainage also decreases redness and makes the skin look better and feel much more comfortable,” notes Rachel Rose.

A technique that improves skin tone naturally

The manual lymphatic drainage technique itself consists of gently stretching and releasing the skin. This can help keep collagen and elastic fibres healthy, improving skin tone naturally. Of course, this is not a technique applied only to the body, but can also be administered to the neck or even décolleté. And with excellent results.

What the specialist does is activate the lymphatic system with circular movements, turns and other localized movements, taking the accumulated lymph to the nodes located in the area where we want to act.
As a result of this action, oedema on the face is reduced, or the bags under the eyes or various redness or inflammations that we wish to suppress are eliminated. In addition, our tissues are nourished due to the more significant contribution of nutrients and oxygen.

Why does it also help in postsurgical processes?

Manual lymphatic drainage helps all types of postsurgical recovery. Not only does it reduce swelling and bruising to a minimum, but it also promotes the development of healthy scar tissue.

“During recovery, and with scars of any kind, the lymphatic system may have to establish new lymphatic pathways around the scar, but not through it. Several studies have shown that manual lymphatic drainage applied immediately after surgery helps restore normal lymphatic pathways, preventing later complications such as hardened scars or swelling around scars,” recalls Rachel Rose. Obviously, in cosmetic surgery, the aesthetic element is paramount, so any and all measures that help give a better result should be used.

Along with the pain intrinsic to any surgical procedure, one of the worst sensations a patient can have is the discomfort and tension produced by excess fluid or swelling. This swelling is known as oedema. An excellent, non-invasive and relaxing way to do this is through manual lymphatic drainage. And another of its significant advantages is that it can be performed a few days after the surgery.

Because lymphatic fluid carries the white blood cells (immune cells) and helps remove wastes from the body, by moving the lymphatic fluid to the proper drainage areas we are helping to transport the immune cells and ensure that residues are removed from the operated area.

According to numerous studies, manual lymphatic drainage applied after a surgical procedure helps reduce oedema (swelling), tension and pain, improve scar tissue, helps remove waste materials from the surgical area, stimulates circulation of white blood cells to enhance the healing process and general well-being, and promotes relaxation.