Lymphatic Massage

Conveniently located to serve Columbus, Lancaster, Pickerington, and Canal Winchester

Lymphatic massage, also called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), assists lymphatic flow by gently and lightly stretching the skin. It encourages more fluid to move through the lymphatic vessels and reduce swelling. Getting a lymphatic massage promotes proper blood circulation, immune-system functionality, and body fluid balance. This service is performed in our Lancaster office only.

What Is a Lymphatic Massage?

Edema is a condition that typically occurs following an acute injury, inflammation, or surgical procedure. This condition causes the affected tissues to swell.

A lymphatic massage helps stimulate the natural movement of lymph fluid by lightly stretching the skin. This process increases the volume of flow of the lymph fluid through the filtering system of the body. When done correctly, this modality helps clear the congested area and allows the fluid to move to other parts of the body.

Ideal Candidates for Lymphatic Massage

A lymphatic massage is often recommended for the management of edema caused by many different conditions. At Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, we provide lymphatic massage treatments for post-cosmetic surgery patients who need assistance managing edema in the immediate post-operative period.

If you have certain health conditions, such as a previous cancer diagnosis, unmanaged congestive heart failure, recent DVT (deep vein thrombosis), or cellulitis; a lymphatic massage may not be for you. It’s best to get a consultation with Dr. Lichten or our aesthetician and Licensed Massage Therapist, Krista, to find out whether you’re an ideal candidate for MLD. As always if you are experiencing any life threatening symptoms (chest pain, difficulty breathing) or any other advanced complications related to surgery, please seek emergent medical care.

Your Lymphatic Massage Consultation

Setting up an initial consultation prior to getting a lymphatic massage is crucial. This can help identify problems in your lymphatic drainage system early and make the edema much easier to manage.

The team at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery is committed to education. We’ll provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision before getting a lymphatic massage.

The Procedure

Lymphatic massages in our office are performed in 30 minute sessions.

There are two major steps when performing a lymphatic massage:

1. Clearing – Releases lymphatic fluid from the affected tissues
2. Reabsorption – Moves lymphatic fluid to the lymph nodes

There are four main types of lymphatic massage:

• Leduc – Uses hand motions to gather lymph fluid and redirect it for reabsorption into the larger lymphatic system
• Casley-Smith – Involves circular hand motions using the sides and palms of the hands
• Vodder – Uses several sweeping motions around the affected area
• Foldi – Features a combination of circular hand motions and periods of relaxation (an expansion of the Vodder method)

All types of lymphatic massage are performed using light pressure and gentle movements. These movements always pull the skin in the direction of lymphatic flow. In our Lancaster office, lymphatic massage is performed by Krista, our Licensed Massage Therapist, who utilizes a variety of techniques to provide the most effective treatment. With over 10 years of experience in managing post-operative edema, you can rest assured that you can recover more comfortably in her capable hands.

After Your Lymphatic Massage

There is no downtime or recovery time needed following your lymphatic massage. Only a few people experience negative reactions to a lymphatic massage; these may include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. If any of these occur, you should get in touch with Dr. Lichten or Krista right away to find out how to manage your side effects.

How Much Does a Lymphatic Massage Cost?

The cost of a lymphatic massage varies based on several factors. It’s best to discuss the price details with Dr. Lichten or Krista during your consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

A lymphatic massage is a safe treatment for relief edema. To achieve ideal results, you’ll want to get your lymphatic massage in Lancaster from the trusted professionals at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery. Get in touch with us today for your consultation.