Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries have become increasingly common in the UK over the past decade. While these procedures can enhance confidence and improve physical appearance, they also come with postoperative risks—one of the most frequent being seroma formation. Understanding what seromas are, why they occur, and how to prevent and manage them can significantly improve your recovery experience.

What Is a Seroma?

A seroma is a  pocket of fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery or an injury. It happens when tiny lymph vessels are disturbed during the procedure, causing clear fluid (called lymph) to collect in the area instead of draining naturally.

Sometimes the fluid isn’t completely clear, it may be mixed with a little blood or waste from the healing tissues, which can make it look yellow, pink, or even slightly red.

Seromas usually appear a week or two after surgery, often once any drainage tubes have been removed. They can feel like a soft or firm lump under the skin. Small seromas often go away on their own as the body reabsorbs the fluid, but larger ones may need to be checked or drained to prevent infection or slow healing.

Why Do Seromas Occur? 

Seromas typically develop after extensive surgical procedures involving tissue removal, dissection, or disruption of lymphatic channels. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries with a higher risk include:

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
  
• Liposuction or Body Contouring Procedures
  
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
  
• Breast Augmentation or Reduction
  
• Mastectomy or Breast Reconstruction
  

Risk factors include:

• obesity, 
• large surgical areas, 
• inadequate compression,
• early vigorous movement after surgery.
• flights 

How to Prevent Seromas

Preventing seromas begins in the operating room and continues throughout your recovery:

1. Surgical Drains:
   Your surgeon may place small drainage tubes near the incision site to prevent fluid buildup. These are typically kept in place for several days post-surgery.
   
   
2. Compression Garments:
   Wearing a properly fitted compression garment helps minimize space where fluid can accumulate and supports lymphatic return.
   
   
3. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):
   Early initiation of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, performed by a certified therapist who treats you better, can greatly assist in preventing seroma formation. MLD uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate lymph flow, reduce swelling, and support tissue healing.
   
   Recent evidence (2023–2024) supports MLD as an effective adjunct therapy in postoperative recovery, particularly for patients undergoing abdominoplasty and liposuction (Leduc et al., J Clin Med, 2023).
   
   
4. Avoiding Strain:
   Follow your surgeon’s activity recommendations. Overexertion can increase fluid production and delay healing.

Treating Seromas Naturally and Medically

Small seromas often resolve spontaneously within a few weeks as the body reabsorbs the fluid. To aid natural healing:

• Continue MLD sessions as advised by your therapist.
  
• Maintain adequate hydration and nutrition, as both support tissue repair and lymphatic health.
  
• Use compression garments as directed.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to aspirate (drain) the seroma using a sterile needle. Persistent or encapsulated seromas may require minor surgical removal.

Seromas after surgery:When to Seek Medical Help?

While most seromas are benign, medical evaluation is essential if you experience any signs of infection or complications. Contact your surgeon immediately if:

• You develop a fever or feel unwell.
  
• The area becomes red, warm, painful, or tender.
  
• Fluid accumulation increases rather than decreases.
  
• The seroma does not improve after several weeks.
  
• You notice hardening or pressure around the surgical area.
  

If infection occurs, the seroma may evolve into an abscess, requiring medical drainage and antibiotics.

A final word

Seromas are a common but manageable side effect of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. With proper surgical care, early manual lymphatic drainage, and vigilant postoperative management, the risk and impact of seromas can be significantly reduced. Always consult your surgeon and a certified lymphatic drainage therapist to ensure your recovery is safe and effective.

If you have questions or would like to book your post-surgery MLD session, contact us today! We’re always happy to help. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington.  If you found this article useful, please share it with others who may be starting their recovery journey.

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4347361/

Fibrosis After Cosmetic Surgery:Why MLD Isn’t Enough

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD

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Severe damage in your knee cartilage and/or bone produces a non-functional and painful joint. When other treatments fail, Knee replacement is a good choice. This type of orthopaedic surgery replaces the entire knee joint with a prosthesis: man-made artificial joint. After surgery you might notice swelling, pain and other temporary side effects, but don´t worry! Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD can relieve symptoms and speed up the recovery proces. Let’s see the role of MLD in knee replacement post-op…

What is Knee arthroplasty: knee replacement?

It is a type of orthopaedic surgery that replaces your rubbered knee for a new one. In other words, damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint and replaced for man-made pieces (prosthesis).

According to the specific damage, the prosthesis can be placed in:

• Lower end of the thigh bone (femur). The replacement part is usually made of metal.
• Upper end of the shin bone (Tibia:the large bone in the lower leg). The replacement part is usually made from metal and strong plastic.
• Back side of your kneecap (knee cap= patella). The piece is most of the time made from a strong plastic.

Reasons why knee arthroplasty takes place: Causes

There are many different reasons to perform this type of surgery. Your surgeon may recommend it when:

• Osteoarthritis. Gradual breakdown of the meniscus (cartilage that cushions the knee joint). Symptoms: pain and limited movement as bones begin to rub against each other.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune condition that can also damage the knee joint over time. Symptoms: pain, inflammation and stiffness.
• Previous or current injuries. Severe damage from trauma, like a serious fall causing fracture, car accident,  repetitive sports injuries, etc., can lead to irreversible damage that can only be fixed with a prosthesis.
• Osteonecrosis. Lack or reduced blood supply to the femur, causing the bone death and break, which results in a painful joint. 
• Meniscus tears. A torn meniscus, the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee, can lead to pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.
• Ligament injuries that don’t respond to other treatments.
• Deformity due to other conditions like arthritis or genetic factors.
• Overuse that causes severe damage
• No improvement after trying other treatments.

How MLD can help in knee replacement post-op

Lymphatic drainage massage MLD is a gentle manual therapy that boosts the lymphatic system’s ability to clear excess fluid and debris from the surgical site. Your certified and experienced therapist uses rhythmic, light strokes to encourage lymph vessels to contract and move fluid toward lymph nodes (to be expelled through urine), reducing fluid buildup that causes swelling.

Some benefits are:

• Reduced post-op swelling.
• Improved blood and lymph circulation.
• Enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissues.
• Boosts your immune function.
• Reduces pain.
• Improves mobility.
• Increases the removal of toxins and waste.
• Speeds elimination of injected fluids during the procedure.
• Eases pressure on nerves, joint and ligaments.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Improves general wellbeing.
• Reduces bruises that can appear after surgery.
• Reduces fibrosis.
• Avoid or reduce seromas.
• Faster recovery: Studies show lymphatic drainage massage can cut recovery, helping patients return to normal faster.

How MLD can help in knee replacement post-op: A final word

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) after knee replacement helps by gently stimulating lymph flow to reduce post-operative swelling and inflammation. Also,it promotes faster removal of excess fluid and waste products from tissues around the knee. Reducing pain and stiffness and  improving joint mobility and comfort. In addition, MLD supports better wound healing by enhancing local circulation.Overall, it aids recovery, helping patients regain movement and function quickly.

We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like it, please share!

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002974.htm

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

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The benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD are enormous. In recent years, we have seen an increased number of research related to the benefits of this treatment and the number of patients looking for this treatment increased too. The reason why varie from patient to patient.  Some of them just had surgery and they want to get rid of retained fluid and recover faster; pregnant ladies want to reduce excess fluids, patients with autoimmune diseases want to make their systems work better; lipoedema and liphoedemapatients want to reduce inflammation and boost their immune function; other patients just want to eliminate toxins, and so on.  In this article we share with you how MLD can help naming some of the multiple benefits of this treatment.  So, let’s start with the basis. 

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD?

Manual lymphatic Drainage MLD is a massage technique that favors the lymphatic, circulatory and immune system. This gentle form of  rycthmic performance improves lymph flow, a colorless fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels and nodes.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage consists of slow, gentle and circular rythmic movements performed in one direction (flollows the path of through the lymphatic nodes). Your specialised therapists will use her/his fingers or palms throughout your body in the direction of the lymphatic circulation. It is not a painful procedure, on the contrary, it is very relaxing. As it serves to promote the elimination of toxins, it also provides a feeling of well-being during and after the procedure.

What is the lymphatic system?

Your lymphatic system (part of your immune system) is a network of vessels and nodes that moves back a fluid called lymph into your bloodstream. The lymphatic system has many functions, some of them are: 

• Protects your body from invaders like: germs, viruses, infections, etc., which cause illness.
• Maintains body fluid levels.
• Boost immune function.
• Absorbs digestive tract fats. 
• Removes cellular waste and toxins. 

What is the lymph?

The lymph is a clear fluid (similar to blood) that contains nutrients and oxygen. It is deposited around the cells to keep them nourished. The cells are able to discard waste and toxic materials into this fluid. However, it flows slower than blood and is easily saturated by factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. For this reason, MLD is so important because it helps to release any obstruction from the lymphatic system.

What are the benefits of MLD? 

Manual lymphatic drainage has significant benefits for different health areas and purposes; for this reason, nowadays more health practitioners recommend it as part of their treatments. Some of these benefits are:

Therapeutic 

• Reduces inflammation in conditions like lipoedema and lymphoedema.
• Complementary therapy for autoimmune conditions and more.
• Stimulates kidney functions.
• It’s useful for the treatment of blood circulation problems (venous insufficiency).
• Helps to reduce 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.
• Reduces stress.

Sports

• Helps to prepare your muscles for physical effort, this allows greater performance and better recovery.
• Reduces pain and inflammation.

After surgical procedures

• Post Surgical Lymphatic Drainage Massage helps to eliminate fluids accumulated during and after the procedure.
• Help to reduce pain caused by the excess of fluids.
• Reduces bruises that can appear after a liposuction procedure or other surgical procedures.
• Prevents seroma.
• Reduces fibrosis.
• Speeds up the recovery process.
• Reduces swelling.

Aesthetic 

• Reduces cellulite. It reduces fat deposits and stimulates circulation, as a result, it improves the condition of orange peel.
• Improves the condition of tired legs.
• Reduces problems associated with fluid retention,  poor circulation, and localized fat.
• Helps reduce varicose veins.
• Hydrates the skin and helps to revitalize it, considerably reducing wrinkles and stretch marks. .
• Helps with shape definition.

Certainly, these effects can be achieved thanks to the movements and gentle pressure that favor cellular rejuvenation and the elimination of waste.

What to expect after the MLD? 

• First, thanks to the stimulation of kidney function your urine could become darker and smelly for one or two days.
• Second, as MLD removes toxins through the urine it’s normal that your urination frequency increases for a few hours after the massage.
• Third, swelling and inflammation will decrease.
• In addition,  you will experience an amazing body relaxation and a feeling of general well-being. However, you could feel very tired and heavy after the drainage as your body is trying to get rid of the toxins.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324518

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21199-lymphatic-system

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-lymph-drainage-massage

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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

The post Rhinoplasty upgrade: 7 benefits of MLD during your post-op appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Those who have gone through a surgery, know that water retention, swollen, hematoma, lumpiness, etc., are the most common sequels after this kind of procedures. This is completely normal right after surgery. But don´t worry, Manual Lymphatic Drainage has come to the rescue! In this blog, I want to share with you the benefits of MLD in your post-op treatment.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Massage helps to move the fluid by gently pumping it back into the lymph vessels, reducing the swelling, retention of fluids and pain after the surgery. Without Lymph Massage (MLD) the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of serum). For these and many more reasons, many  Surgeons prescribe MLD as part of your post-op treatment.

What are the Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

MLD is a extremely light treatment although it may feels uncomfortable during the first week or not (according to the type surgery) after the procedure as the area might be very sensitive to touch. It is based on scientific knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the Lymphatic System.  The Vodder Method (MLD) is used in many hospitals, clinics and is prescribed as a post-op treatment all over the world because it helps to:

• 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.
• And the list continues, know more benefits click here

How many treatments will I need?

Most surgeons recommend MLD after the surgery. However, it makes a significant difference before the surgery, as it helps to filter waste and toxins, excess of fluid, viruses and bacteria preventing any infection before the surgery. Also increase the production of lymphocyte production (white blood cells) that help heal cuts and damage tissue. In short, it helps your body to be ready for the surgery.

We normally recommend between 5 to 12 sessions depending on the area, procedure and the recovering process which is deferent in each person.

Also, patients who get multiple procedures at the same time (like in plastic surgery cases: lipo and a tummy tuck, or liposuction  and a buttock enhancement; Brazilian Butt Lift, etc.) may need more sessions than someone who only gets one procedure.

How often should I get MLD?

The first week we suggest one sessions daily (according to your needs), as it helps significantly with the inflammation and the elimination of fluids.  The second week, every other day, follow by maintenance one per month for the next 5 months for better results.

When should I have my first Manual lymphatic drainage?

The sooner you start your drainage the better. We normally recommend having the first drainage 24hours after the surgery as MLD is gentle enough and drastically reduces the appearance of bruises, swelling, stiffness, burn shooting pain, scars, lumps, bums and soreness that often occurs after the surgery.

What happens if I don´t get MLD after surgery?

Your recovery process is going to be slower and the risk of having post-op complications will increase.

What is a MLD treatment like?

Firstly, you complete your medical form follow by the initial consultation, were your therapist will assess the type of surgery and stage of the surgery, any open drainages, bruises, inflammation to determinate the best way to perform the drainage. It is probably that you will be weak in the first week, your therapist will help you to undress and to get in the couch and you will be fully cover with a towel. During a MLD session you will feel: gentle, rotating, pumping motions.

Usually the entire session is performed with you lying in the face-up position because all of the areas of lymph nodes that need to be decongested are located on the front of the body, although some surgeries do require the patient to turn side to side, sit up or face down for a short time if tolerated.

After the session, your therapist will help you to wear you garment (when needed), get ready and will give your home after care treatment.

Do I always need a referral for MLD?

No. Although most surgeons recommend MLD, it is also perfectly fine to self-refer, remember that you can start your MLD session before surgery to get ready for it..

We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help.

 If you like it, please share! 

The post Surgery?: Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) appeared first on Perea Clinic.