Post-Op Massage
Post-operative massage is a manual therapy technique that involves the manipulation of the tissues to promote healing and reduce swelling and discomfort following surgery. At PostOpCare, we utilise post-op massage from day one post-op in liposuction cases and at 1-2 weeks post-op (or when otherwise cleared by your surgeon) in tummy tucks/body lifts.
Why Post-Op Massages?
Post-op massages are used to speed up the recovery process, increase your mobility by reducing inflammation and stiffness and improve the aesthetic results of the procedure. Post-operative massage may involve various techniques, such as lymphatic drainage massage or a deeper fibrosis/scar tissue massage, depending on the individual's needs and recovery goals.
What does it do to your body?
This massage modality helps increase blood circulation, reduce swelling, and promote healing and tissue regeneration. It can also help break up any areas of fibrosis or scar tissue, resulting in smoother contours.
What is Recommended?
3 times per week or
Week 1 & 2 Post-op - Alternate days
Week 3 to 6 - 2 times per week
Week 7 to 12 - Once per week
Add-on Options for Post-Op Massage
Ultrasound Therapy
Add-on for Weeks 1 to 2
Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses ultrasound waves to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.
At PostOpCare, we use it post-liposuction or tummy tuck procedure as a pain-free way to expedite recovery and reduce the risk of complications. The treatment works by applying the ultrasound probe to the areas of liposuction, which can help to break up forming fibrosis and scar tissue.
Therapeutic ultrasound increases blood flow, reducing inflammation and pain and promoting faster healing. By reducing swelling and improving circulation, ultrasound therapy can also help improve the treated areas' appearance, leading to a smoother, more contoured look.
LED Therapy
Add-on for Weeks 2 to 4
What is LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light energy to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity.
This technology has been used in various medical and cosmetic applications to address skin concerns, including acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. And it is highly beneficial for liposuction recovery.
How does LED light therapy aid in the recovery of liposuction?
After liposuction, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. LED light therapy can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing by stimulating cellular activity. The treatment can also help improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, further aiding recovery.
What are the benefits of using LED light therapy in liposuction recovery?
- Reduced inflammation and swelling can be beneficial in the first few days following surgery.
- Improved circulation. It can help improve blood flow and oxygenation to the treated area, promoting healing.
- Reduced pain and discomfort in the treated area can help patients feel more comfortable during recovery.
- Improves skin quality. It can help enhance skin quality by promoting collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How many LED light therapy treatments are needed for liposuction recovery?
The number of LED light therapy treatments needed for liposuction recovery may vary depending on individual factors, such as the extent of the procedure and the patient's overall health.
Typically, a series of 6-10 treatments at a frequency of 2 to 3 times per week is recommended for the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. Maintenance treatments may also be necessary to maintain the results achieved.
Wood Therapy
Add-on for Weeks 4 to 6
Wood therapy is a non-invasive massage technique that uses specialised wooden tools to sculpt and contour the body. Where indicated, we use wood therapy post liposuction to improve the appearance of the treated area by manually breaking down forming fibrosis/scar tissue.
The wooden tools target specific body areas and manipulate the tissues, increasing blood circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage. As a result, this improves skin tone and texture to create smoother, more defined contours.
The technique is more aggressive/deeper than PostOp massage and is not utilised until +4-6 weeks post-op. Wood therapy is typically used with other post-operative modalities, like ultrasound and radiofrequency, to optimise results.
Radiofrequency and Fat Cavitation
Add-on for Weeks 6 to 8
At PostOpCare, we offer radiofrequency and fat cavitation as an adjunctive modality usually utilised after the 6 -8 week mark.
Radiofrequency technology uses energy waves to heat the deeper layers of the skin, which can help to stimulate collagen production, tighten the skin, and improve the appearance of scars or stretch marks. The pronged heads on the hand pieces also aid in breaking up fibrosis, adhesions and scar tissue.
Fat cavitation uses high-frequency sound waves to disrupt the walls of fat cells, causing them to break down into triglycerides and other fatty acids. The sound waves penetrate the skin and create pressure waves in the underlying tissues, causing the fat cells to vibrate and eventually rupture. Once the fat cells are broken down, the body's lymphatic system flushes out the excess fatty acids and other waste products. Over time, this process can help reduce cellulite's appearance, contour the treated area, and improve the skin's overall appearance.
RF and fat cavitation are typically used with other post-operative modalities to optimise results.