Vaser Liposuction Recovery with MLD and DEEP OSCILLATION®

In 2015, I bought a Deep Oscillation Personal Sports for my practice and I have used it successfully and extensively for the treatment of Lymphoedema and scar tissue post-surgically. Four year later, following referral requests, I added Deep Oscillation to manual lymphatic drainage for my pre and post Vaser liposuction patients. PhysioPod UK Limited kindly provided additional cards for Day 1 – 5 post liposuction and from Day 5 onwards protocols for use in my sports unit to facilitate this.

 

Clinical Perspective

From a clinical perspective, my reasoning for combining manual lymphatic drainage with Deep Oscillation pre-operatively were that DO possesses anti-oedema, lymph drainage, anti-fibrosis and detoxifying properties; it prepares the tissue for liposuction, makes the liposuction more effective and durable, and protects against the adverse effects of the body sculpting procedure.

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DO can be used at a very early post-operative stage, the healing process is accelerated, reduced pain, bruising and swelling, scar quality is improved, and local inflammation is inhibited and stopped over a sustained period.

 

Patient Perspective

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The light touch and reported feelings of relaxation of DO make it a suitable addition to conventional MLD and my new clients are now invited to receive a treatment prior to liposuction, preparing the areas to be treated and providing the client with an understanding of the deep oscillation process and most importantly, how it feels. This double win enables them to feel more relaxed when arriving to be treated on very bruised swollen areas and often feeling vulnerable, they know it doesn't hurt! Post treatment clients have reported feeling comfortable and relaxed, even after sessions in the acute, early stage, post liposuction. The MLD and DO treatments can be shorter whilst still being very effective, making it cost efficient and easier to fit in with the surgeon’s treatment requirements.

It is now my first option when working with new referrals.

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Julia Williams

CertEd, M.Ifl, MLDUK, CNHC reg. M.Ctha

Julia is a natural health therapist, movement specialist and tutor with 20 years experience in health care.

 

Background

What is VASER Liposuction?

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Vaser liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, performed under local anaesthetic. A small probe is used to transmit the ultrasound energy and liquefy fat cells prior to removal through a gentle suction process. Vaser liposuction is a less invasive procedure than traditional Liposuction.

Benefits VASER Liposuction

  • VASER Lipo does not require general anaesthetic
  • No overnight hospital stay
  • Minimally invasive – no damage to other body tissues
  • Minimal risk of bleeding, bruising and discomfort
  • Minimal downtime – a walk-in-walk-out procedure
  • Less scarring, less bruising
  • Stimulates collagen production, resulting in tighter skin for many patients, while conventional Liposuction may occasionally result in sagging skin.

What is the Lymphatic System and what is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

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The lymphatic system helps to protect us from infection and disease and is part of the body’s immune system. Lymph fluid passes through lymph nodes which are connected by a network of lymph vessels. Lymph nodes are found throughout the whole body:

  • The one-way drainage system transports fluid from body tissues into the blood circulation
  • It contains white blood cells called lymphocytes, which fight infection
  • removes waste products produced by cells.

MLD is an advanced therapy form in which the registered practitioner uses a range of specialised and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow.

MLD stimulates the lymphatic vessels carrying substances vital to the defence of the body and removes waste products.

According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, more and more people are making the decision to enhance their appearance through aesthetic surgery. Some of the most popular procedures opted for by men and women include breast augmentation, eyelid, face and neck lifts, liposuction and rhinoplasty.

A downside of aesthetic surgery is the initial after effects, such as swelling and bruising, which are experienced by patients post operatively. The time it takes for the skin to recover can differ from person to person due to many factors such as age, general health, lifestyle etc, however, a course of MLD treatment makes the healing process much faster.

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Described as “One of the best kept secrets on the health and beauty scene” MLD’s intensely relaxing effect masks the strength of the treatment itself. It is a very gentle, light touch massage that improves the efficiency of the lymphatic system – the body’s waste disposal system. Specific and gentle movements of the skin stimulate and increase the rate of removal of waste products, toxins and excess fluid from the body’s tissues.

MLD is regularly prescribed in Europe to improve healing and reduce recovery time after aesthetic surgery. Treatment pre and post surgery is often recommended to get the lymphatic system in peak condition to help reduce the swelling and bruising, keep it operating at optimum levels to accelerate the healing process, encourage better scar formation and ultimately reveal the results in less time. MLD is both preventative and remedial and can enhance wellbeing.

Benefits of MLD

  • Deeply relaxing
  • Promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains and lessens pain.
  • Can improve many chronic conditions: sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, acne and other skin conditions.
  • May strengthen the immune system as part of “detox” treatment.
  • Relieves fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes and swollen legs due to pregnancy.
  • Is an effective component of the treatment and control of lymphoedema (which may occur after cancer treatment) and assists in conditions arising from venous insufficiency?
  • Promotes healing of wounds and burns and improves the appearance of old scars.
  • Minimises or reduces stretch marks.
  • Can be used to speed healing after cosmetic surgery.

What is DEEP OSCILLATION®?

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DEEP OSCILLATION® as opposed to externally applied, mechanical forms of massage therapy (e.g. vibration acting on the surface of the skin) Deep Oscillation works through the entire tissue layers including the connective tissue to a depth of 8cm (Solangel, 2010). Delivered via the vinyl-gloved hands of the Practitioner as a massage, the biologically effective oscillations work in the tissue segment undergoing treatment. DEEP OSCILLATION® is a non-invasive, non-traumatic treatment which is very well received by patients. Because of it’s gentle application it is a unique treatment for acute and chronic injury, and day one post-operative. 

Combining MLD with DEEP OSCILLATION® - reducing the number of treatments required post cosmetic procedure

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Clinically Proven Effects:

  • Significant pain reduction
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-fibrotic
  • Detoxification
  • Oedema reduction
  • Haematoma reduction
  • Support of the wound healing process

N.B. Unlike other treatments, Deep Oscillation can be applied over metal pins and plates.

For more information email info@physiopod.co.uk or visit website

Further Reading:

Fickling M. (2019) Use of Deep Oscillation Therapy Before and After Fat Transfer Procedures in Plastic surgery #AskTheExpert Published on April 23, 2019, LinkedIn Pulse

Fickling M. (2019) Lipoedema Liposuction: Post Operative Recovery With Deep Oscillation LinkedIn Pulse

Fickling M. (2019) Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Deep Oscillation - A Winning Combination in Surgery Aftercare - LinkedIn Pulse

Fickling M. (2018) A Short Patient Review: Liposuction Results and Rehabilitation with Deep Oscillation LinkedIn Pulse

Fickling M. (2018) Lipoedema Patient Feedback: Deep Oscillation enhances procedure and aids healing process LinkedIn Pulse

 

 

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