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About the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system contains a network of vessels and tissues responsible for flushing out waste, toxins, and unwanted substances so your immune system can better fight off bacteria and infections. The lymphatic vessels hold the lymph fluid containing white blood cells, which kill bacteria and viruses in the tissues and blood. The destroyed bacteria and waste products are carried in the lymph fluid to be removed from the blood through the spleen, kidneys, or liver.

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What is Lymphatic Drainage?

When the lymphatic flow becomes blocked, proteins and toxins accumulate, obstructing the circulation of lymph fluid, decreasing cellular oxygenation, and slowing the cell regeneration process. Lymphatic blockage can be caused by chronic inflammation, lack of exercise, fatigue, stress, age, and emotional distress. Because the lymphatic flow lies close to the skin’s surface, lymphatic drainage at Sykes Facial Plastic Surgery requires a light, subtle touch following the direction and rate of the flow. Using light massage techniques, the process addresses sluggishness in the lymphatic system. It redirects an unhealthy flow pattern to decrease water retention and inflammation and improve the body’s ability to fight disease.

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage 

  • Increases circulation
  • Aids in the detoxification process
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Improves tissue regeneration for wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars
  • Helps treat bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, arthritis, autoimmune disease, eczema, acne, and chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Minimizes stress, depression, and disordered sleep

Am I a Candidate?

Lymphatic drainage can benefit individuals in Beverly Hills who show signs of lymphatic blockage. Some of the telltale signs include the following:

  • Slow post-surgical recovery
  • Chronic stress, fatigue, depression, or difficulty sleeping

If you have an active infection, blood clots, kidney failure, or a heart condition, lymphatic drainage may not be the ideal treatment. Dr. Sykes will perform a thorough diagnostic examination to ensure the treatment is right for you.

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What is the Procedure Like?

During a lymphatic drainage massage, patients usually lie down and focus on diaphragmatic breathing to relax the nervous system and open the lymphatic pathways. Also called manual lymphatic drainage, the light, skin-stretching massage focuses on unaffected lymph nodes at first to open the flow for the lymphatic fluid to decongest the affected areas. 

The massage lasts 60 minutes and uses gentle pressure and slow, repetitive motions. This technique helps flush out the lymphatic system and reduce post-surgical bruising and swelling while preventing complications and speeding up your recovery. Most patients recovering from surgery may benefit from multiple sessions determined during your consultation.

The Recovery Process

After your lymphatic drainage massage, you may experience increased thirst and urination since the procedure speeds up the lymphatic system’s processes by 100 times. Dr. Sykes recommends staying hydrated for the first 48 hours. This will help the lymphatic flow. Your urine may smell or look different than usual because lymphatic drainage helps your body get rid of unwanted toxins and waste through your urine. Some patients experience flu-like symptoms for up to 24 hours as the body rids itself of any lingering bacteria or viruses. You will likely feel relaxed afterward, but soon you will experience a boost in your energy and vitality, a reduction in swelling or edema, and increased immune system function.

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Why Choose Dr. Jonathan Sykes?

Lymphatic drainage is a supportive treatment that aids the body’s natural healing processes. When prescribed by an expert facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Jonathan Sykes and performed by a qualified medical professional, lymphatic drainage massage can ensure that your body is recovering at its optimal capacity so that your outer results radiate the vitality you feel inside. As a highly respected and accomplished physician with over three decades in the medical field, Dr. Sykes tailors his aesthetic services with the well-being of his patients at the forefront. Call our office today or use our online form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jonathan Sykes for lymphatic drainage in Beverly Hills.

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