Medical Research & Educational Resources
Research on hands-on care after cosmetic surgery is still developing. The studies below include direct research in plastic-surgery patients and supporting research from related postoperative populations. We use this evidence alongside the surgeon’s instructions, the client’s stage of healing, and ongoing clinical assessment. No single study establishes a universal treatment schedule, and findings from related surgical populations may not apply directly to every cosmetic procedure.
Soft Tissue Mobilization May Help Reduce Adhesion-Related Pain
Abdominal adhesions can develop after surgery or injury and may contribute to pain, restricted movement, digestive symptoms, and other functional limitations. This systematic review examined nine studies evaluating soft tissue mobilization (STM), including myofascial and manual therapy techniques, for adhesion-related symptoms.
Researchers found evidence that soft tissue mobilization may help reduce pain, improve function and quality of life, increase scar mobility, and support recovery from both surgical and non-surgical adhesions. Several studies also reported improvements in posture, pressure tolerance, and reduced need for pain medication.
While additional research is needed, this review suggests that skilled manual therapy may be a valuable, non-invasive option for managing adhesion-related discomfort and improving function after abdominal surgery.
Read the full study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31103106/
Understanding Fibrosis After Surgery
Fibrosis is the body's natural response to injury and healing. After surgery, specialized cells called fibroblasts produce collagen and connective tissue to repair the area. While this process is essential for healing, sometimes the body produces excessive or disorganized scar tissue beneath the skin, resulting in fibrosis.
Fibrosis may feel like hard lumps, thickened tissue, tightness, tenderness, or uneven texture in the treatment area. It is especially common after procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, body contouring, and other surgeries that create significant tissue trauma. Left untreated, fibrosis can affect comfort, mobility, and the final aesthetic outcome.
Early post-surgical care can help support healthy healing and minimize the development of fibrosis. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), specialized fibrosis massage, scar tissue mobilization, and appropriate compression techniques may help improve circulation, reduce swelling, soften tissue restrictions, and encourage more organized healing. Research shows that fibroblasts play a central role in scar tissue formation and fibrosis, making early intervention an important part of the recovery process.
At Healwell Lymphatics & Massage, treatment plans are customized to your stage of recovery with the goal of reducing discomfort, improving tissue mobility, and supporting the best possible healing outcome.
Read the full study here: https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2020/06000/fibroblast_heterogeneity_in_and_its_implications.48.aspx
