Advice

Lymphatic drainage for FFS Surgery

Antonio Romero, Physiotherapist at Facialteam

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy is a specialized type of massage given by our certified therapist, Antonio Romero Moreno, in the days following your surgery.

In this article we explain what MLD is, why we strongly believe in it and how you can self-apply MLD from the comfort of your own house.

What is lymphatic drainage for FFS surgery?

Manual lymphatic drainage or MLD is a specialized form of gentle massage that is frequently prescribed to patients recovering from any type of surgery in Europe. Since the technique was developed in the 1930s, many scientific studies have shown that it is beneficial for patients after surgery, athletes with sports injuries, and even the general public for health and beauty purposes.

Some of the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage during recovery include:

Lymphatic drainage massage for FFS surgery involves gentle, specific stimulation of the skin over the lymph nodes and vessels to remove blockages and promote the flow of lymph fluid through the body, stimulating the production of white blood cells to prevent infection and encourage healing, while simultaneously removing toxins, neutralized bacteria and other waste products from the body.

When is lymphatic massage for FFS surgery best?

Approximately 24 – 48 hours after your FFS surgery, facial gender modification or body feminization surgery, a specialist in lymphatic drainage for FFS surgery will conduct the first of two 30-minute massages during the recovery period included in Facialteam services. The number and duration of the treatments will depend on the patient’s unique health and circumstances.  Many patients book extra sessions due to the feeling of well-being it provides.

For your massage session, you may be asked to lie down on a massage table. First making sure you are comfortable, our certified MLD therapist, Antonio, will perform a very gentle massage over the lymph nodes and vessels in the neck and face, as appropriate.

Lymphatic drainage massage doesn’t require any oils, lotions or powders, so it’s suitable for patients with sensitive skin and areas which may still be tender after surgery. Most patients do not experience any pain during their massage, although discomfort is possible early in the healing process.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage back Home

Even though the procedure itself is very gentle and relaxing, you may feel tired after your first session of lymphatic drainage for FFS surgery. That’s because waste is being mobilized out of your body’s tissues into the bloodstream so that it can be eliminated from the body through the kidneys. After several treatments, most patients feel very refreshed, with increased energy and vitality.

There are no special protocols you need to follow before or after your lymphatic drainage massage (for example, it’s okay to eat before and after the treatment). However, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water throughout the day you receive MLD treatment to help your body flush toxins and heal more quickly.

MLD is something you can benefit from with self-massage once you have returned home.  This videotutorial below is a guide on how to continue receiving the beneficial effects of lymphatic drainage on the long term with some simple and easy massage techniques for when you are on the phone, watching TV etc.

Author

  • Author profile picture of Lilia Koss, transgender activist and public relations manager at Facialteam, a surgical clinic specialized in Facial Feminization Surgery

    Hello world! I’m Lilia Koss and I use she, her, and they pronouns. What are yours? With a background in humanities and diverse professional experiences, I have been working with the Facialteam founders and directors since 2008. Involved from the ground up, so I’ve had hands in many pots: patient coordination, orientation events on 3 continents, social media, written and audiovisual content about our gender-affirming healthcare...but now life is more defined. Lately, I focus my energies on Public Relations, community management and live streaming to help raise the visibility of trans health. Life is pretty complete.

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