Post-surgery Lymphatic Drainage Massages are a form of bodywork that moves fluid build-up through the body to improve your immune system, reduce painful swelling, and provide healing relief to post-surgery patients. Post-Op LDMs use gentle, pulsing lymphatic massage techniques to soothe inflammation, bruising, and hard bumps caused by post-surgical inflammation. Many patients will come within the first 1-2 weeks of their operation, so AcuSpa's massage therapists are familiar with even the most tender and bruised post-op bodies.
Pricing and Packages
45 minutes - $130
5 sessions - $575
10 sessions - $1000
Q: What is a lymphatic drainage massage like?
Post-surgery lymphatic massages are completely different from massages like Deep Tissue and Swedish massage. Stimulation of the Lymphatic System activates the parasympathetic nervous system, producing an automatic physiological relaxation response. Many clients fall asleep!
After an initial consultation, you will undress, and lie down on a massage table in the face-up position, covered modestly with a sheet. The atmosphere is the same as a massage treatment room with dim lighting and soft music. Although you are in a massage setting, it is important to understand that LDM is a specific form of bodywork designed to efficiently move lymph fluid in your body.
Gentle, rotating, pumping motions with the therapist's hands and fingertips begin at the collarbone area, then focus on areas where there is a concentration of lymph nodes: the underarms, abdomen, groin, and back of the knees. Only the area being worked on is undraped at any time. Usually, the entire session is performed with you lying in the face-up position because all of the areas of lymph nodes that need to be decongested are located on the front of the body. All massage therapists at Acuspa are certified to perform lymphatic drainage massages.
Q: Why do I need an LDM after my cosmetic procedure?
More and more cosmetic surgeons are prescribing post-surgery lymphatic drainage massages for their clients. LDMs reduce swelling, bruising, and hard bumps caused by post-surgical inflammation. Body sculpting procedures (like lipo, tummy tuck, BBL, etc.) involve surgically injecting and/or removing fat.
Here you can see how surgical instruments like a cannula can leave space between the skin and muscle.
Channels formed by the cannula is where fluid can build up, causing inflammation. Post-op inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of serum) can form.
That is why the first few weeks after your operation are the most crucial for smooth healing. But don’t sweat, that’s where we come in! Our massage therapists are specifically certified to perform lymphatic drainage massages with a specialty in post-surgical care.
Q: Are Lymphatic Drainage Massages Painful?
A: Not at all! Our therapists are familiar with sensitive, tender bodies. You may feel uncomfortable at the beginning of your post-surgery massage, but by the end, you'll experience immediate relief. As your incisions and bruises heal, your therapists will begin gradually applying more pressure during your massages.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: Patients who see the best results tend to receive at least 1-2 LDMs before their surgery and 5-10 post-surgery massages after their operation.
Healing can be influenced by various factors. For some patients, 5 lymphatic drainage massages (LDMs) may be sufficient, especially if the liposuction was limited to areas like the legs, knees, or flanks. After that, they can transition to LDM II: Skin Tightening.
Patients who undergo liposuction on the abdomen often require up to 10 sessions. In certain cases, especially for those who had multiple procedures (e.g. liposuction + BBL or tummy tuck + lipo), more than 10 sessions may be needed for optimal results. In these instances, patients will often purchase one 10-pack, and then upgrade to LDM II: Skin. Tightening.
Q: How often are LDMs scheduled?
A: Again, for the smoothest results, 3x a week for the first 2 weeks is the best protocol. The second week, every other day, reducing in frequency after that. It is not possible to get too much MLD and the sessions can be scheduled at your convenience. This might look like:
3 sessions in the 1st week
2x in the 2nd week
2x in week 3
1x/ week
1x/ week
1x/ week
Q: How soon after my procedure can we begin LDMs?
A: It is possible to begin within 24 hours. Most people wait until they can comfortably drive themselves to appointments. A good rule of thumb is to get your first LDM within 2 weeks to ensure the smoothest results!
Q: It has been over a month since I had my procedure! Is it too late to begin?
A: Nope, come on in! The healing process after these types of procedure is several months. If it has been over a month since your procedure you can still get the smoothing benefits of an LDM. If it has been over 6 months since your procedure and you are still feeling lumps and hardness you should contact your doctor to make sure you have not developed fibrosis or a seroma.
Q: Do LDMs help with healing and bruising?
A: Yes. That is one of the best applications of MLD. Bruises are an accumulation of cellular debris and old red blood cells in the tissue. Lymph Drainage Therapy greatly reduces healing time for bruises by cleansing the extracellular spaces where these substances are trapped.
If you're interested in out other bruise-healing services, try out our Celluma Infrared Light Therapy! These results are after just 30 minutes!
Q: Do I need a prescription for MLD?
A: No. Although many doctors recommend post-surgery massages, it is also perfectly fine to self-refer.
Q: What Do I wear to an LDM?
A: If you're able to, we'll have you remove your faja (compression garments.) Most patients will prefer to wear a bandeau top and some loose basketball shorts. Some patients are quite confident and don't mind doing the session in their birthday suits. Either way, we'll have warm modesty towels to ensure your comfort throughout the duration of the massage.
MASSAGE ENHANCING ADD-ONS
Shea Butter/Sea Salt Foot Treatment- scrub, mask and a hot towel wrap.
$20
Scalp & Hair Treatment- invigorate and nourish. Includes massage.
$30
Essential Oils- perfect to enhance any treatment.
$15
Sombra Neck Wrap- muscle relaxer with hot towel wrap.
$20
Healing Hot Stones - warm stones massaged along the muscles.
$20
SERVICE ADD-ONS
Celluma Red Light Therapy - read more on our Celluma page.
$30 for 30 minutes
Infrared Sauna- detox your body by breaking a sweat, read more here!
$30 for 40 minutes
Deep Tissue 30 min - schedule an additional 30 minutes of a targeted deep tissue massage.
$58 for 30 minutes
