Post-operative massages accelerate the reabsorption of edema, reduce fibrosis and relieve pain after aesthetic or reconstructive surgeries. By combining gentle lymphatic drainage with de-inflammatory maneuvers and, when appropriate, LPG Endermologie® technology, they help the skin to adhere evenly and the tissues to heal with less scarring.
In this article
After liposuction, abdominoplasty or breast augmentation, it is not uncommon to feel swelling, pain and hard “lumps” under the skin. That’s where I, your therapist at Sakura Advanced Aesthetics, come in: post-operative massages are a fundamental part of the medical protocol because they guide the lymph to the lymph nodes, break early adhesions and restore mobility to the tissues without jeopardizing your surgical result.
What exactly are post-operative massages?
These are manual lymphatic drainage sessions-or assisted with advanced-stage LPG heads-designed for patients who have just undergone a surgical procedure. The objective is:
- Drain fluids that the body accumulates as an inflammatory response.
- Prevent fibrosis (irregular hardening of fat) by breaking up microscopic clots.
- Improve circulation to bring nutrients and oxygen to the operated area.
- Decrease pain and bruises, shortening recovery time.
Phases of treatment
- Acute phase (first 48-72 h): almost imperceptible pressures that “push” the lymph without displacing tissues.
- Intermediate phase (days 4-14): more active lymphatic drainage; circular movements and gentle sweeping are initiated.
- Reshaping phase (week 3 onwards): if the surgeon allows it, I integrate LPG Endermologie® LPG heads. Endermologie® LPG heads to break up early fibrosis and improve skin adhesion.
Benefits supported by evidence
- –52% of edema after 14 days when 3 sessions per week are applied.
- Less pain: patients report a 2-point drop on the VAS scale after the second appointment.
- Flatter scars thanks to oxygenation and collagen stimulation.
- Up to 30% faster return to activity compared to rest and girdle alone.
(Data obtained from studies published in the Journal of Plastic Surgery and guidelines of the Mexican Society of Plastic Surgery).
Who are they ideal for?
- People who have undergone liposuction, abdominoplasty, HD liposculpture, BBL or breast augmentation.
- Patients with reconstructive surgeries (e.g., mastectomy with expander placement).
- Those who present seroma, fibrosis or prolonged inflammation.
Therapist’s Tip: before undergoing a post-operative massage with LPG Endermolgie consult your doctor, as his or her final approval will be necessary.
How many sessions do I need?
Typically there are 10 to 15 sessions: three per week for the first two weeks and then two per week until the cycle is completed. The skin shows visible improvements after the fourth visit and the final result is consolidated at the end of the protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
No. We work with painless pressure; the objective is to drain, not to crush the tissue.
Can I combine girdle and massage?
Yes. Remove the girdle during the session and replace it to maintain even compression.
What if I have drains?
We wait for the surgeon to remove them or perform maneuvers around them without risk.
Easy-to-remember conclusions
- Post-operative massages are just as important as surgery to achieve an even result.
- The sooner you start (following medical advice), the faster the body will deflate.
- A certified therapist will adapt the pressure and technique to your recovery phase.
Ready for a comfortable recovery with no surprises?
Write me by WhatsApp and schedule your free assessment. Together we will design the post-operative massage schedule that your new body deserves.
References
- Journal of Plastic Surgery, vol. 27, no. 4 (2024).
- LPG Systems “Post-Operative Protocols” Clinical Guide, 2023.
- Mexican Society of Plastic Surgery, “Recomendaciones de manejo postquirúrgico”, 2022.
