Massages after Abdominoplasty

After an aesthetic surgery such as Liposculpture or Abdominoplasty, it is recommended to perform post-operative massages. These massages are very beneficial for the patient’s recovery and for the final result of the surgery.

How many massages are necessary?

Generally, the recommended is 10 sessions, however, according to the patient’s recovery, it is possible that some additional sessions may be necessary.

What are the benefits of post-operative massages?

Massages have many benefits among which are:

• Retained liquids are eliminated
• It avoids and eliminates fibrosis
• Healing is generated more quickly.
• Hematomas are eliminated quickly
• Reduces pain
• Helps the circulatory system
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves the immune system

What do post-operative massages consist of?

Post-operative massages are performed to improve the patient’s recovery process and different techniques are used to guarantee this process. Among the recommended post-operative massages we have:

⇒ Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a massage therapy technique that consists of applying gentle massages on different areas of the body with the aim of improving the circulation of lymph and the lymphatic system. The function of this technique is to improve the automatic contraction of the lymphatic vessels, helping to eliminate edemas and other alterations derived from poor lymph circulation.

The massage applied in lymphatic drainage must follow a series of specific guidelines that allow it to fulfill its function:

• It has to be a very soft and painless massage, so it usually has a pleasant and relaxing effect.
• The hands must make a slow and repetitive movement that must follow, to a certain extent, the direction of the lymphatic ducts.
• Lymphatic drainage does not usually last less than one hour.

⇒ Ultrasound

The mechanism of action of ultrasound is based on its ability to transmit energy. This energy will cause a thermal effect as well as a stirring effect.

There is an increase in blood circulation in the treated area, due in part to the thermal effect and the release of vasodilator substances. As a consequence, the activation of the local metabolism is favored.

⇒ Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency consists of the application of high-frequency electromagnetic waves on the skin that causes controlled heating of the different layers of the dermis, which favors:

• The formation of new collagen.
• Lymphatic drainage.
• Circulation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
• Fibroblast migration.

Depending on the frequency used, different layers of the dermis can be heated. It is a painless procedure and is used for the treatment of cellulite and sagging skin anywhere on the body.

These are the main recommended massages, you can also use Carboxitherapy, and Thermal Blanket, among other procedures to ensure the best result for each patient.

It is always recommended that post-operative massages are performed by professional estheticians with experience in post-operative massages, since they are a fundamental part of the recovery process of the surgery, and a bad massage process can trigger fibrosis, fluid retention, among other problems in patients who are in the process of recovery.

It is also recommended that the place where the massages are going to be performed be totally hygienic and have all the necessary equipment.