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
Manual Lymphatic Drainage After Cosmetic Surgery
A 2026 systematic review published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open examined seven studies on manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) following cosmetic procedures, including liposuction and abdominoplasty. The review found that MLD may help reduce postoperative swelling, while results for pain relief and fibrosis improvement were less consistent. The authors emphasized the need for larger, high-quality studies to clarify treatment protocols and long-term benefits.
Read the Full Study here: Manual Lymphatic Drainage After Cosmetic Surgery: https://www.ovid.com/jnls/prsgo/fulltext/10.1097/gox.0000000000008139~efficacy-of-manual-lymphatic-drainage-in-reducing
Near-Infrared Light After Eyelid Surgery
A randomized study of 145 patients published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery evaluated postoperative care incorporating 830 nm near-infrared LED therapy after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Patients receiving this care experienced better swelling, pain, and wound-healing scores than those receiving traditional care. These findings suggest that photobiomodulation may support early recovery when used with an appropriate treatment protocol.
Red Light After Rhinoplasty
A randomized study of 60 patients published in Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences examined 660 nm red LED therapy following rhinoplasty. Patients receiving treatment experienced less swelling and bruising during the first two weeks and improved wound-healing outcomes. The study used frequent treatments over 14 days, highlighting that benefits depend on the specific device, dose, and treatment schedule.