Plastic surgery: Expectations and Outcomes
Many clients express being surprised at how difficult the recovery is from procedures like tummy tucks and liposuction. To be clear, these procedures should be carefully researched and prepared for before ever going for your procedure. Healthy sources of protein, fruits and veggies, while avoiding salt and processed foods is an important part of preparing for and recovery from surgery of any kind. Staying well hydrated is also of paramount importance, so that the lymph fluid can move through the body and be excreted in the urine. Sleep, resting at home and manual lymphatic drainage are equally important for recovery. For best results, most clients will be treated for at least 6-8 weeks, coming at least twice weekly in the beginning and scaling back as swelling becomes minimal, and depending on how much fibrosis (tissue that has hardened due to stagnant lymph and protein buildup) accumulates. Session length depends on how much of the body has undergone surgery.
Plastic surgery of any kind is traumatic for the body, and disrupts the lymphatic system’s ability to remove fluids and waste from the traumatized areas.
That is where Lehigh Valley Lymphatics comes in.
Lehigh Valley Lymphatics holds an MLD-C certification from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and is trained in the Vodder technique. That’s the same institution that trains lymphatic therapists in hospitals and cancer centers across North America. Specialized training in plastic surgery recovery massage is also part of the credential set, with advanced post-surgical protocols through ACOLS currently in progress.
Your recovery matters.
You have made a big commitment by choosing to have surgery, but your commitment to your new and improved self should not stop there. Omitting recovery treatments can result in less than satisfactory final results, such as lumps and bumps or poor scarring. Remember, it generally takes a year to 18 months to see the final result of your procedure. The success and the length of your recovery depends upon your particular ability to heal and how committed you are to nutrition and appropriate exercise (as prescribed by your surgeon), and wearing your compression garments (also dictated by your surgeon’s prescription).
How to book your service:
Once on MassageBook you can choose either a single session treatment (for those who want to have a treatment and ask the practitioner for guidance before booking further appointments), or you may choose to book a Series of 5 or Series of 8 (press the button, “View Deal” within the category, “Post-Surgical or Injury Recovery - Lymphatic Drainage - Localized Treatments.”
Not sure what to choose when planning your recovery services at Lehigh Valley Lymphatics? You can use this guideline to find the right session length for you. Just use any of the buttons on this website to bring you to my MassageBook site.
Tummy Tuck in the front only (with no Lipo on sides or back) - 45-min sessions (buy a Series of 5 to start)
Tummy Tuck with Lipo of waist - 60-min sessions (buy a Series of 5 or 8); (75-min when myofascial and scar work is added)
Tummy Tuck with Lipo of waist, sides and back OR Tummy Tuck 360 - 60-min sessions (buy a Series of 5 or 8 to start); (75-90 min when myofascial and scar work is added)
Panniculectomy, Fleur-de-Lis (skin removal of abdomen; no Lipo) - 45-min sessions (buy a Series of 5 or 8)
Liposuction of abdominal area and waist (no back) - 45-min sessions (buy a Series of 5); (60-min sessions when myofascial and cupping work is added)
Lipo 360 and BBL- 60-min sessions (buy a Series of 5 or 8 to start) (75-90 min when myofascial and cupping is added)
Lipo or Skin Removal of Arms - 30-min sessions to start (buy a Series of 5); (45-min sessions when myofascial and cupping is added)
Lipo of Thighs - 45-min sessions to start; (60- or 75-min when myofascial and cupping added- depends on fibrosis)
*NOTE: If you have had multiple procedures, add the time required for each of the above procedures together. Text 201-704-0380 for assistance, if needed.