5 Tips for Reviving Lymph Flow after a BBL
5 Tips for Reviving Lymph Flow after a BBL
1) Move : gentle light exercise such as walking and stretching is very beneficial to get Lymph moving. Lymph doesn’t have a central pump in the same way the blood circulation system has the heart. Lymph circulates via muscular contractions. So get out and move about as soon as you’re able.
2) Hot Foot Baths : a researcher found that a 2hr hot foot bath (water mid-way up the calves – so use a high sided tub) at or above 104F/40C improved lymph flow by up to 117%
*Olszewski, W (1991) Lymph Stasis Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
3) Lymphatic Drainage Massages : These are done by professionally accredited masseurs, with the aim to restart lymph flow and help reduce the accumulate lymph fluid from around your lipo and fat injection sites. Some patients report it feels uncomfortable, other enjoy it – but regardless, it is pretty much necessary and recommended by many surgeons .
4) Self Massage : The more skin stimulation you can create for reviving lymph flow, the better. Self massage is a great way to achieve regular lymph movement. It can be done on dry skin or using oils, creams or liniments (a good time to spread anti-bruising creams or the like). Just beware your operations sites – don’t rub oily materials on your incisions as it may increase the risk of infection. Self massage includes such methods as Dry skin Brushing where you use a stiff bristled brush to brush your skin in particular motions to stimulate lymph flow. There are many Youtube tutorials to help you self massage.
UHN Patient education provides a detailed series of videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0ayXBAXWqI
5) Supplements and herbal extracts : this includes teas, juices and skin creams, as well as pills, potions and powders. These have various effects but overall can help to reduce inflammation and swelling
https://www.progressivehealth.com/7-herbs-for-fluid-retention.htm
Pineapple juice or tea
Bromelain (extract from pineapple) https://www.healthline.com/health/bromelain#forms-and-doses
Arnica https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-arnica-89542
Goldenrod https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/goldenrod#inflammation
Calendula https://thegrownetwork.com/calendula/
Horesechestnut https://www.progressivehealth.com/edema-horse-chestnut.htm
Comfrey https://www.healthguideinfo.com/holistic-nutrition/p18243/
Diosmin https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-diosmin-89605
**Important – thoroughly investigate any herb you intend to use, to determine it’s suitability or side effects for your situation and personal allergies or known reactions.
6 Bonus – Old School methods
Poultices : A poultice is a mixture of compounds or herbs often held onto an area on the body using wraps or bandages to aid healing, reduce swelling or extract toxins or similar. Poultices have been used for centuries while often are reported to have anecdotal success, some are being found to be effective with modern scientific investigation
Onion & Salt Poultice for swelling
https://americanbowen.academy/wpcontent/uploads/2016/05/Mod3_Onion_Salt_Pouldice_Knee_Swelling.pdf
Ginger Poultice for Inflammation
https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-use-ginger-as-an-anti-inflammatory/
Acupuncture and Acupressure
These methods can relieve stress and anxiety, and help relax you both before and after surgery. There are also pressure points which have been long known, that when stimulated, help to relieve swelling and fluid retention.
https://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-to-cure-water-retention-in-body/