After surgery, swelling is normal. However, many patients ask me: What exactly is lymphatic massage? And how does it help?
At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I spend a lot of time teaching patients about recovery. Healing does not stop when surgery ends. Instead, your body begins a new phase of repair. Understanding how your lymphatic system works can help you feel more confident during that process.
Let’s walk through it together.
What Is the Lymphatic System?
Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It acts like a drainage network throughout your body.
It includes:
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Thin lymphatic vessels (like tiny tubes)
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Lymph nodes (small filtering stations)
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Lymph fluid (a clear fluid that carries proteins, waste, and immune cells)
What Is Lymph Fluid?
Lymph fluid is clear to light yellow. It forms from fluid that naturally leaks out of tiny vessels into your tissues.
Normally, your lymphatic system collect this fluid and move it back into circulation. This keeps swelling under control and helps your body fight infection.
However, surgery temporarily disrupts this system in the surgical site.
What Happens to Lymphatics During Surgery?
During procedures like:
I carefully lift skin and fat away from the underlying tissue. In this process, some small lymphatic channels are divided.
As a result:
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Fluid collects in the surgical area
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Swelling increases
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The tissue may feel firm or tight
This is expected. It is part of healing.
Does the Lymphatic System Re-Establish Itself?
Yes — and this is important.
Over time, your body regenerates and reconnects lymphatic channels in the surgical site. This process happens gradually over weeks to months.
However, early after surgery, drainage is slower. Therefore, swelling can persist.
This is where lymphatic massage can help.
What Is Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage, also called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), uses very gentle but steady movement to encourage lymph fluid to move through its natural pathways.
It is not a deep tissue massage. In fact, it should feel controlled.
In this massage:
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Apply gentle but steady pressure
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Move fluid toward functioning lymph nodes (often the armpits for chest/breast surgery or toward the lower chest in tummy tuck surgery)
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Stimulates superficial lymphatic channels
This improves circulation and encourages drainage.
How Does Lymphatic Massage Help After Surgery?
When performed appropriately, lymphatic massage can:
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Reduce swelling
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Decrease firmness
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Improve comfort
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Support tissue mobility
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Help smooth contour irregularities
Meanwhile, it may also help your body clear inflammatory fluid more efficiently.
However, timing matters.
When Do I Recommend Starting?
At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I generally recommend starting lymphatic massage around 3 weeks after surgery.
Why wait?
During the first few weeks:
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Your tissues are still sealing
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Internal sutures are stabilizing
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Early inflammation is active
Starting too early can disrupt healing.
By three weeks, your tissues are more stable. At that point, gentle drainage can safely assist recovery.
How Long Is It Helpful?
Most patients benefit from massage for up to 4–6 months after surgery.
Here’s why:
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Swelling can persist for months
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Scar tissue continues to remodel
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Lymphatic pathways continue to mature
Therefore, even when you feel “mostly healed,” subtle swelling may still be present. Continued gentle massage can help during this phase.
Will Massage Replace Drains or Quilting Sutures?
No. These serve different purposes.
For example, when I perform drainless techniques using progressive tension or quilting sutures, I close down empty space to reduce fluid buildup. However, some normal swelling still occurs.
Lymphatic massage helps manage that residual fluid during recovery.
What Does It Feel Like?
Many patients are surprised by how gentle it feels.
It should:
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Never be painful
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Never bruise
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Never feel aggressive
If massage feels deep or forceful, it is not true lymphatic drainage.
Final Thoughts From Dr. Jenq
Recovery is an active process. Your body works every day to rebuild and reconnect. Meanwhile, small supportive steps — like properly timed lymphatic massage — can improve comfort and confidence.
At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I guide patients through each stage of healing. If you are preparing for surgery or are currently recovering, I’m happy to discuss whether lymphatic massage fits your plan.
