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-surgical LDMs are designed to drain even the most tender and bruised bodies.
Pricing and Packages
45 minutes - $130
5 sessions - $575
10 sessions - $1000
Q: What is a lymphatic drainage massage like?
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.
LDM is 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! Only the area being worked on is undraped at any time.
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. 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 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: Performed properly it is not painful but can be uncomfortable. Our goal at AcuSpa is to provide immediate relief by helping our patient flush their excess fluids with or without their Drain. As the treatment progresses, more pressure and movement will be applied to ensure that our patients heal SMOOOOTH. NO lumps and bumps.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: Patients who see the best results tend to receive at least 1-2 LDM treatments before their surgery and 5-10 afterward.
There are many different things that can influence healing. Some patients get 3-5 treatments post-operatively and that is enough, especially if the only area of liposuction was the legs, knees, or flanks.
People getting liposuction to the abdomen often find they require up to 10 sessions. Occasionally a client will need more than 10, especially if they had multiple procedures at the same time (i.e. lipo + BBL or a tummy tuck + lipo.)
Q: How often are LDMs scheduled?
A: The first week it is suggested that sessions be daily or every other day, if possible. 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 MLD, 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
