Healing upgrade: 7 benefits of MLD after Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common face surgeries. People have it due to cosmetic (reshape and enhance the appearance of the nose) or functional reasons (fix nostrils, septum, etc.) in order to breathe better. As it is performed in the middle of the face, most people want to get the best and faster outcomes. To do so, surgeons advise using MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) in your post-op treatment to avoid risks, reduce secondary effects and heal faster. Let’s see what MLD can do for you…
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialised gentle massage technique that helps patients undergoing surgical procedures (like rhinoplasty) to reduce post-surgical risks, heal faster and enhance outcomes. The technique is based on gentle, rhythmic strokes which movilise the lymphatic fluid, blood and other surgical wastes to the nearest lymphatic node. Then, these fluids are expelled through urine.
What are the benefits of MLD during your post-op?
1.Reduce Swelling and edema. Most surgeries result in swelling around the treated area due to the trauma. Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps to reduce edema (fluid retention) and swelling by draining the excess of accumulated fluids from your tissues.
2.Enhance Healing. MLD stimulates the movement of the lymphatic system, which plays a pivotal role in the body’s immune response and healing process. Manual lymphatic drainage improves the lymphatic circulation, improving the efficient removal of wastes and toxins from the surgical site,which makes the healing process faster.
3.Minimizing Bruising. As I mentioned before, most surgeries cause trauma on the treated area and one of the noticeable effects is bruising (accumulated blood due to the rupture of some vessels). MDL helps to remove this stuck blood by improving blood circulation, as a result your skin tone will return to normal soon.
4.Pain relief. MLD helps to alleviate pain and discomfort related to surgical procedures and other types of pain. It is because the gentle pumping moventes used in this type of massage release endorphins which are the natural painkillers of your body.
5.Improves the function of your immune system. Manual lymphatic drainage improves waste removal (toxins, viruses, bacteria, etc); it makes easier the transportation of immune cells throughout your whole body; boosts your immune system. As a result, your body will heal faster and will be stronger when fighting a virus, bacteria or infection during your post-op.
6.Reduce scar tissue. Any cut leads to scar tissue formation, but the problem starts when there is overproduction of tissues (keloids, adhesions, fibrosis, etc.). MLD helps to increase blood and lymphatic flow, besides, it promotes the proper alignment of collagen filters which is key in wound healing. So, Manual lymphatic drainage improves and speeds up the scar healing process.
7.Improves the general well being of the patient. The gentle and rhythmic massage helps to reduce stress and anxiety related to the surgery, pain, the desired outcomes and also daily life. Patients may find it comforting and relaxing, promoting a sense of well-being during the recovery period.
Other benefits of MLD are:
- Reduce swelling, bruising and water retention.
- Avoid or treat seromas and fibrosis.
- Reduce stress and anxiety after surgery.
- Speed up the recovery process.
- Reduce pain.
- Stimulates kidney functions.
- It’s useful for the treatment of blood circulation problems (venous insufficiency).
- Reduce or treat lymphatic problems.
- Stimulates the immune system, increasing the body’s own defenses.
- Helps to protect your body against bacteria and viruses as it works in conjunction with the immune system.
- It has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system.
- Its direct effect on the parasympathetic system generates a relaxing effect.
- Tones the intestine, which helps fight constipation.
- Regulates the body’s water balance.
- Lowers blood pressure.
A final word…
There are a lot of benefits of MLD to know more about them visit my blog. Most of this information is based on the patient’s own experiences and testimonies and also scientific evidence. Last but not least, never forget to ask your surgeon before booking your post-op treatment.
I hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about my treatments, please contact me. You can find me in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. I´m always happy to help!
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532#:~:text=Rhinoplasty%20(RIE%2Dno%2Dplas,cartilage%2C%20skin%20or%20all%20three.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11011-rhinoplasty
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/safety
