You have probably heard a lot that post operative massages are a key therapy to follow during recovery time. But do you know how much impact the application of these massages has on your body?
A study commissioned by AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) and published by the scientific journal Pain Medicine in September 2016, indicated that: “post-surgical massage can effectively reduce the intensity of pain and anxiety in those who have undergone surgery” [1].
In addition, “some research shows that massage therapy can help with inflammation and scar tissue, helping postoperative patients regain full range of motion without discomfort” [1].
Therefore, massages are an effective treatment to obtain a smooth recovery from plastic surgeries, especially for popular procedures such as laser liposuction, abdominoplasty and fat transfer.
This is why we would like to solve some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic, so that you know what to expect from this type of procedure.
WHAT IS POST OPERATIVE MASSAGE?
Postoperative massages are therapeutic sessions used to stimulate blood flow and the lymphatic system’s proper functioning, to reduce swelling and improve the healing process after a surgical procedure.
This treatment is highly recommended by plastic surgeons, and there are several known techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage or the use of radiofrequency technologies, such as Indiba, that make a faster recovery process possible.
THE IMPORTANCE OF POST OPERATIVE MASSAGES
Postoperative massages allow a quick recovery for plastic surgery patients. The sooner the swelling disappears, the faster the skin will begin its process of adhering to the muscle, and the results of the intervention will be better appreciated.
There are three main aspects in which post-surgical massages are important for the recovery process:
Improve scarring
By removing excess residues and fluids, massage helps prevent fibrosis. The body tends to accumulate collagen fibers as part of the recovery process. Because these fibers are less elastic than muscle fibers and natural tissues, it may lead to thick scars if left unattended. Fortunately, post-operative massages can improve the healing process.
Release tension
When your daily activities are diminished due to a recovery period, it’s important to release tension from our body after plastic surgery, to help improve its blood flow and mobility of the area. [1]
Decrease pain
After undergoing plastic surgery, it is very common to experience swelling and bruising on the operated areas. However, when applying postoperative massages, the pain will be reduced, contusions will decrease, and the body will recover its usual function and mobility faster.
WHEN CAN YOU BEGIN POST OPERATIVE MASSAGES?
Plastic surgeons usually suggest starting the day after surgery, since the recovery process is crucial to obtain desired results. However, the exact day to start will depend on each patient’s case and the recommended instruction from the treating surgeon.
In BetterMe, we include a postoperative massage therapy for our patients with our all-inclusive, custom-made packages. Contact us for more information and start planning the plastic surgery in Colombia that will make your dream body a reality.
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[1] Helping Patients After Surgery | Massage Therapy Journal. (s. f.). American Massage Therapy Association. Recuperado 16 de enero de 2022, de https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/helping-patients-after-surgery/
[2] Vyne Health. (s. f.). Post-Operative Massage and Lymphatic Drainage Massage. https://www.vynehealth.com.au/pages/vyne-health-post-operative-massage#:%7E:text=Post%2Doperative%20massage%20is%20a,processes%20waste%20and%20absorbs%20fluids.
[3] Post Surgery – When Can Massage Help – Massage – Treatments – Physio.co.uk. (s. f.). Physio.Co.Uk. https://www.physio.co.uk/treatments/massage/when-can-massage-help/post-surgery.php
[4] A. (2021, 25 octubre). Masajes Post Operatorios. Ciruplastica. https://ciruplastica.com.co/masajes-post-operatorios/
[5] Institute of Medicine. Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research. Washington: National Academies Press; 2011.
