Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) For Post-op Myths & Misconceptions

It has come to my attention, that many clients who get lipo or BBL from Miami are expecting a different type of massage that involves a more deeper and painful approach to “lymph drainage massage” and is dangerous and illegal. I am writing this to educate millions out there who are seeking to get cosmetic surgery such as lipo, a tummy tuck, a mommy makeover, or BBL and will need post-surgical lymph drainage. There is so much misinformation on lymph drainage or manual lymph drainage on social media. I want to address it so that you have the information to make decisions that is safe and effective for your recovery. I will address what Manual Lymph Drainage is based on the Vodder Method, what it isn’t, and some misconceptions. I am trained under the Vodder Method for 80 hours and have been practicing manual lymph drainage for post-surgical treatments for 8 years now.

What is Manual Lymph Drainage?

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a specialized manual technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid within the lymphatic system. It is a gentle, rhythmic manual technique that targets the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels to encourage the removal of toxins, waste products, and excess fluid from the body.

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the body's immune system and plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, filtering waste materials, and fighting infections. It consists of a network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and various lymphoid tissues and organs throughout the body.

The primary components of the lymphatic system are as follows:

1. Lymphatic Vessels: Lymphatic vessels are thin-walled, one-way channels that transport lymphatic fluid (lymph) throughout the body. They resemble blood vessels but have thinner walls and valves that help maintain the flow of lymph in the right direction.

2. Lymph: Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid that circulates within the lymphatic system. It is derived from interstitial fluid, which is the fluid that surrounds the body's cells. Lymph contains nutrients, oxygen, immune cells, and waste products.

3. Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs located along the lymphatic vessels. They act as filters, removing impurities, pathogens, and cellular waste from the lymph before it returns to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes also contain immune cells that help fight infections and diseases.

4. Lymphoid Tissues and Organs: Apart from lymph nodes, the lymphatic system includes other lymphoid tissues and organs. These include the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, thymus, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), which is found in various mucous membranes throughout the body.

The lymphatic system works by collecting excess interstitial fluid, along with waste products and foreign substances, through the lymphatic vessels. The fluid is then filtered through the lymph nodes, where harmful microorganisms and cellular debris are removed. The cleansed lymphatic fluid eventually rejoins the bloodstream, contributing to the body's overall fluid balance.

Manual Lymph Drainage aims to enhance this natural process by manually stimulating the lymphatic vessels and promoting the movement of lymphatic fluid. It is commonly used in the management of lymphedema (a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid) and can also be beneficial for promoting relaxation, reducing swelling, helping and supporting the healing process of post-op surgeries and injuries, and supporting the immune system.

What Manual Lymph Drainage isn’t

Manual Lymph Drainage is not deep tissue, it’s not massage or uses deep pressure. Its intent is to move excess lymph out of the tissues to reduce swelling and inflammation, fibrosis, scar tissue, and seromas. Anyone performing deep tissue and calling it lymph drainage is entirely wrong and can cause more damage, especially in the early stages of post-surgery. The reason why lymph drainage is light and gentle is because the lymph vessels are thin and fragile, any more pressure than light will flatten it and stop the lymph flow from happening and cause more swelling.

There are some lymph drainage therapists who use wood rollers to do “lymph drainage” early on. This in fact can damage healing tissues and cause more swelling and lead to fibrotic tissue. It can also interrupt wound healing. Wood therapy is recommended 6 months after post-op.

Deep tissue is a therapeutic massage that helps to alleviate muscle tension and increase blood flow and relieve pain from sore and tight muscles. Deep tissue massage is generally contraindicated for postoperative surgery patients, especially in the immediate postoperative period. After surgery, the body undergoes a healing process, and tissues need time to recover and repair. Deep tissue massage involves applying significant pressure and targeting the deeper layers of muscles and tissues, which can potentially disrupt the healing process and cause harm.

Postoperative contraindications for deep tissue massage include:

1. Wound Healing: Deep tissue massage may interfere with the healing of surgical incisions. Applying deep pressure and manipulation to the area can disrupt the delicate healing tissues, increase the risk of infection, and lead to wound complications.

2. Bruising and Swelling: Postoperative patients often experience bruising and swelling around the surgical site. Deep tissue massage can exacerbate these symptoms and potentially cause further tissue damage or delay the resolution of swelling.

3. Pain Management: While massage therapy can be beneficial for pain management, deep tissue massage may be too intense for postoperative patients who may have heightened sensitivity and discomfort. Other gentle techniques, such as light touch or lymphatic drainage, may be more appropriate during the initial recovery phase.

It is crucial for postoperative patients to follow the guidance and recommendations of their healthcare providers regarding appropriate postoperative care and therapies. Depending on the surgical procedure, the healthcare team may advise specific modalities, such as gentle mobilization, range of motion exercises, or specialized therapies like Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), that are better suited for the postoperative recovery process.

Always consult with your healthcare provider or a licensed massage therapist with experience in postoperative care to determine the most appropriate and safe treatment options for your specific condition and stage of recovery.

Manual Lymph Drainage is not Incision Drainage

From what I heard from clients going to Miami for surgery and having “lymph drainage” done. They are actually getting incisional drainage from the therapist because their wounds are still open and they apply deep pressure squeezing the blood and other bodily fluids out. This is not necessary and most healthcare professionals (mostly the doctor or specialized nurses) choose not to do this. In most cases it is illegal. It can cause more harm than good. There is a risk of infection and it causes more trauma, swelling, and fibrotic tissue you are trying to get rid of. If you are therapist insists upon this, leave their facility asap. Massage therapists are not licensed to do this and it is out of our scope of practice. They can get their license revoked.

In conclusion, before you seek lymph drainage services, make sure the massage therapist is certified and properly trained with more than 80 hrs of training in either Vodder (preferred), Chikly, Klose or Acols and have experience and specialize in this for your health and safety.