menu_book Postoperative Care • 7 min read

Lymphatic Drainage After Facelift: Benefits and Protocol

Guide on lymphatic drainage in facelift postoperative: when to start, how many sessions, benefits and care for optimized recovery.

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Dr. Roberio Brandao

Creator of Modern Face

Updated December 17, 2024

Why Lymphatic Drainage?

After any surgery, the body responds with inflammation — natural part of healing. In the face, this inflammation manifests as edema (swelling) that can be uncomfortable and delay final aesthetic result. Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to drain excess fluid accumulated in tissues. Result: less swelling, less discomfort, faster recovery.

Proven Benefits

✓ Edema Reduction

Accelerates accumulated interstitial fluid reabsorption.

✓ Discomfort Relief

Less tissue tension = less feeling of weight and pressure.

✓ Circulation Improvement

Stimulates blood and lymphatic flow, oxygenating tissues.

✓ Faster Result

Less time until seeing “real” procedure result.

Typical Drainage Protocol

Period Frequency Notes

Days 3-7 Daily or alternate days Maximum edema phase. Greatest benefit.

Week 2 2-3x per week Edema decreasing. Reduced frequency.

Week 3-4 1-2x per week Maintenance. As needed.

After week 4 As indicated Some patients benefit from extra sessions.

Note: Protocol varies per surgeon’s guidance and individual response. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Care and Precautions

Correct Timing

Don’t start before 48-72h post-surgery (bleeding risk). Wait for surgeon clearance.

Gentle Pressure

Post-surgery facial drainage should be extremely delicate. Never strong pressure.

Qualified Professional

Seek physiotherapist with facial postoperative experience, not just body.

Surgeon Communication

Report any abnormality during sessions. Keep surgeon informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Recovery Timeline

A comprehensive guide on what to expect during healing.

Swelling & Edema

Specific tips to manage inflammation after surgery.

Post-Op Skincare

Complementary treatments for maintaining your results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is lymphatic drainage mandatory after facelift?

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Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Drainage accelerates edema resolution, reduces discomfort and can improve final result. Many surgeons include it in postoperative protocol.

When to start drainage after facelift?

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Generally after 48-72 hours, when bleeding risk decreases. Exact timing varies per surgeon's guidance. Starting too early may be contraindicated; too late loses part of benefit.

How many drainage sessions are necessary?

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Typically 5-10 sessions in first 2-3 weeks, with decreasing frequency. Some patients benefit from additional sessions. Exact number depends on procedure extent and individual response.

Does drainage hurt after facial surgery?

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It shouldn't. Post-facelift drainage should be very gentle, respecting the operated area sensitivity. Aggressive techniques are contraindicated. If it hurts, communicate to therapist.

Can I do drainage with any physiotherapist?

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Ideally, with professional experienced in facial surgery postoperative care. Face technique differs from body. Many surgeons have specialized partner physiotherapists.

Can drainage harm facelift result?

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If done correctly, no. If done aggressively or too early, theoretically could cause problems. Hence the importance of qualified professional and surgeon's guidance.

What else helps reduce edema besides drainage?

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Sleep with head elevated (30-45°), cold compresses in first days, avoid excess salt, don't lower head, don't do physical effort. Drainage complements these measures.

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