Posted on: April 1, 2022
Performing a cosmetic surgery is not only related to the achievement of highly satisfactory results in the body modeling of patients who come to the operating room with the purpose of improving their figure and experiencing a full transformation in their body; In addition, the success of a plastic surgery intervention depends mainly on the full recovery of the intervened tissues through a complete postoperative therapy whose purpose is based on the progressive improvement of the patient’s health.
Lymphatic drainage is undoubtedly the most important postoperative recovery technique of healthcare, aimed at mobilizing the superficial lymphatic system. Its therapeutic action is reflected in the elimination of edema and alterations related to blood circulation, improving the irrigation of the intervened tissues, accelerating their healing. The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting waste substances in the blood to the organs responsible for their elimination, which will be responsible for filtering and oxygenating it to be taken back to the body.
In cosmetic surgery we recognize two modalities of lymphatic drainage that together reflect a significant postoperative improvement of the intervened areas: on the one hand, manual drainage performed by a specialist that is based on the application of smooth and precise hand movements on the regions of the body to treat and on the other hand the assisted drainage that requires the application of specialized equipment for the functional recovery of the body.
On some occasions I recommend the alternation of both modalities in order to achieve an accelerated recovery of the organism in patients, derived from the improvement in the elimination of waste substances and toxins to strengthen the immune system and prevent the appearance of postoperative complications. A combination of specialized techniques is almost always used in order to guarantee complete postoperative recovery process, with manual drainage being the quintessential alternative that ensures incomparable results in the recovery of surgically treated tissues and enhanced recovery after surgery.
I know some surgeons who unfortunately do not consider it necessary to refer their patients to postoperative therapy, triggering a slower recovery and a very high risk of developing cases of fibrosis and residual pigmentation. When scheduling a lymphatic drainage, I recommend going to professionals fully trained in postoperative treatments who have a long history in this field, in order to guarantee satisfactory results that speed up the patient’s recovery and avoid the appearance of complications related to a inappropriate rehabilitation.
To know if the lymphatic drainage is effective, we must pay attention to two organic signs in particular: the first is related to the reduction of bruises, becoming visible after the third or fourth massage session and the second has to do with the reduction of inflammation, being unequivocal indicators of the effectiveness of the technique used by the specialist, guaranteeing the proper functioning of the lymphatic system.
On the other hand, and with the intention of exploring some of the most common therapeutic alternatives in postoperative recovery, in addition to lymphatic drainage, we find:
– Ultrasound: Ultrasound waves exert a rehabilitating effect on the skin since they considerably reduce postoperative inflammation. This wave frequency induces tissue vasodilation, improving cell metabolism, restoring blood microcirculation and favoring the performance of lymphatic drainage programmed by the specialist.
– Indiba: This modern device is based on the administration of radiofrequency waves with the purpose of generating a localized diathermy effect thanks to the induction of a high-frequency current that causes an increase in temperature from inside the cells in the cells. intervened areas. This effect causes a considerable increase in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, encouraging skin regeneration.
– Regeneration therapy: This mechanism takes advantage of radiofrequency in postoperative cell regeneration, significantly reducing the inflammation of the intervened tissues. Due to its healing properties, this device stimulates the vascularization of the body to the point of complementing the recovery of the areas intervened in surgery.
– Red light: The advantages of LED light translate into an increase in the formation of collagen and elastin by stimulating the fibroblasts present in the subcutaneous tissues. A highly effective treatment that does not trigger any side effects and contributes to the improvement of localized inflammation.
– Carboxytherapy: This procedure is recommended as an ideal complement for postoperative treatment after liposuction, especially when there are cases of skin fibrosis. Through a series of localized injections of carbon dioxide, we stimulate cell circulation, favoring the oxygenation of tissues and the formation of new collagen fibers (carbohydrate the skin).
– Radiofrequency: Electromagnetic radiation triggers the heating of the skin layers, a fundamental factor in the formation of scar tissue. It is usually used from the 20th postoperative day once the tissues have recovered their natural vascularization.
As a personal recommendation, I suggest my patients avoid resorting to devices that cause skin traction once they have undergone liposuction, such as the Vellashape and the Endermologie, mainly aimed at generating a retraction effect on the skin.
As an additional measure, I recommend my patients complement these techniques with a rigorous diet rich in fruits, vegetables and meat, encouraging the healing of the intervened tissues and the progressive detoxification of the organism. Adjustable compression garments should be worn at all times, stimulating the skin to contract until it fully adapts to the new contours of your figure. Between the second and third week it is essential to start stretching the treated areas directed by your therapist so that the body adapts more quickly to the changes resulting from the surgical intervention.
Exercise routines should be simplified as much as possible during the first two weeks after the intervention, I recommend a daily walk of low physical intensity to stimulate blood circulation and keep the body oxygenated. Postoperative controls are essential to redirect recovery and determine if any extension of lymphatic therapy is required until the desired recovery is achieved.
Remember to share with your surgeon any concerns regarding the implemented postoperative protocol, following to the letter the special recommendations related to lymphatic therapy and strict compliance with the pharmacological prescription in order to guarantee full organic recovery after surgery.
