Your body, uniquely beautiful.

Lymphatic drainage massage in NYC

Lymphatic drainage massage

Facial massage, lymphatic drainage, and lymphatic massage have enjoyed increasing levels of popularity despite being traditional techniques performed with minimal to no tools. Lymphatic massage is the practice of massaging the skin manually to stimulate the circulation of the immune system, which in turn helps to remove waste and toxins from the body. The goal is to use light touch with slow and rhythmic motions to first stimulate the lymph nodes, following the lymphatic pathway to drive excess fluid into the vessels and then to the appropriate lymph nodes for clearance from the body.

The science of lymphatic drainage

The lymphatic system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, ducts, and vessels that plays an essential role in our immune system. Lymph, or lymphatic fluid, is a whitish liquid that carries toxins in the body to the lymph nodes for filtration. Lymphatic vessels make up a fine network that runs in parallel to our veins and carry lymph from tissues to the lymph nodes.

The lymphatic system helps to rid the body of the lymph-obligatory load, which consists of proteins, long-chain fatty acids, cells and cell debris, and water. This system also helps to remove viruses and bacteria. Once this load has been processed and cleansed, the lymphatic fluid is transported back into the venous system.

Our bodies possess both primary and secondary lymphoid organs. The primary lymphoid organs include the bone marrow and the thymus. Both produce lymphocytes, or white blood cells, which help to mount an immune response to exogenous invaders. The spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes are considered to be secondary lymphoid organs. Lymphocytes travel to these organs to help defend the body against foreign invaders. Lymph nodes are located in specific regions of the body, such as the axillary nodes (armpits), cervical nodes (neck), and preauricular nodes (in front of the ear). Each nodal region drains a specific part of the body by filtering out the waste carried to it.

The benefits of lymphatic drainage

While there are a number of claims about the benefits of lymphatic massage and drainage, there’s not a tremendous amount of data to support all of them:

Reduces swelling: Lymphatic massage and drainage have repeatedly been shown in medical settings to reduce both acute and chronic swelling following disease or surgery. It is a standard part of post-procedure care for many plastic surgery procedures of both the face and body.
Improves radiance of facial skin: data is limited, but regular lymphatic drainage of the face seems to help promote blood flow, providing radiance from increased circulation.
Reduces skin aging: while this claim may also be debatable, a recent study conducted by Shiseido linked poor lymphatic drainage to sagging skin associated with skin aging.
Purifies the skin: the data is somewhat lacking here as well, but regular lymphatic massage of the face appears to help reduce acne breakouts.

Post-surgical lymphatic drainage massage

Lymphatic drainage is now a standard part of our post-surgical care regimens for patients undergoing breast reduction, liposuction, and abdominoplasty surgeries. Breast reduction patients typically receive two treatments beginning the day after surgery to help reduce swelling. Liposuction and abdominoplasty patients receive up to six treatments, with the first treatment ideally beginning one week prior to surgery to stimulate the lymphatic system. We’ve found faster resolution of post-operative swelling and superficial irregularities with regular use of lymphatic drainage in our practice. For patients undergoing facelift surgery, lymphatic drainage can also be very helpful in speeding the resolution of swelling and bruising.

NYC Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage uses gentle suction to direct lymph away from areas of stagnation into the lymph node drainage basins for each region of the body.

Lymphatic drainage can decrease local swelling, improve the drainage of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by delivering them to the lymph nodes, thereby assisting in detoxification and reduction of inflammation.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage FAQs

What is lymphatic massage?

Lymphatic massage is a drainage procedure in which the lymph nodes to a specific part of the body are stimulated, followed by massage of the swollen area to help drainage of excess fluid into the nodes. The goal is to decrease swelling and speed healing following surgery.

Are lymphatic drainage massages a routine part of recovery following plastic surgery procedures?

Lymphatic drainage is routinely performed in many parts of the world following plastic surgery procedures but is just beginning to be used in the United States following face, breast, and body surgical procedures.

I had a liposuction procedure; which should I have Endermologie or lymphatic massage?

Endermologie is the trade name of a device which was developed to reduce the appearance of cellulite, while lymphatic massage reduces swelling after surgery and is a better option after liposuction.

How soon after a liposuction procedure should lymphatic massage begin?

Lymphatic massage should begin one week prior to your surgery, and then continue with weekly sessions for one month following surgery.

My therapist used a hand-held suction pump to perform my lymphatic massage; is this the way these massages are always done?

Lymphatic massage can be performed with a variety of techniques, some of which include massage only, while others use a suction cup or gua sha tool to help drain the tissues.

Are lymphatic massages supposed to be performed with soft pressure or firm pressure?

There are various techniques of lymphatic massage, but most involve only soft pressure.

How long do I have to wait after my tummy tuck (aka abdominoplasty) to begin lymphatic massage?

Ideally you should have one lymphatic massage the week prior to surgery, and then again weekly for 4 weeks following tummy tuck surgery.

Could targeted lymphatic drainage massage be helpful in promoting healing following a lower facelift?

Lymphatic drainage massage can help to reduce swelling of the face and neck following facelift surgery.

After having liposuction and starting the lymphatic massages, I am experiencing a burning sensation and the massages are very painful; what happens if I do not keep having the massages?

If you do not continue lymphatic massage after surgery, you may notice that you have prolonged swelling of the treated region. Burning and discomfort are common as the treated area is often still tender after surgery, but let your therapist know so that the treatments can be adjusted.

I am two and a half years post op for a tummy tuck; is it too late for me to have lymphatic massage?

The best results from lymphatic massage as generally seen when they are performed shortly after surgery.

Your body, uniquely beautiful.

Lymphatic drainage massage in NYC