It is normal right after liposuction, Smart-lipo and tummy tuck to notice a hardness or lumpiness in the areas treated with liposuction, Smart-lipo and tummy tuck, especially in the abdominal area and even more so if combined with other body contouring procedures. This post-surgical lymphedema is caused by inflammation and trauma from the cannula (instrument that sucks out the fat) moving under the skin. Channels are formed by the cannula that can fill up with fluid and the tissue also becomes swollen. Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps to move the fluid by gently pumping it back into the lymph vessels and can reduce the discomfort that comes from swelling. Without Lymphatic Drainage the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of serum) can form. Many doctors prescribe Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, after liposuction to make sure their patients get the best possible results from their procedure. 

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy greatly reduces healing time for bruises by cleansing the extracellular spaces where these substances are trapped. Performed properly it is not painful. It is NOT traditional massage. It is a specialized bodywork modality that uses a gentle, rotating, pumping motion that moves the lymph fluid without increasing the blood circulation.