π§ 1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Water supports tissue repair, reduces swelling, flushes toxins, and keeps your skin supple. Sip throughout the day and consider ginger or peppermint herbal teas to help with digestion and bloating.
π 2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD activates your parasympathetic system and helps reduce post-op swelling. Regular sessions, along with deep belly breathing and gentle movement, can keep lymph flowing.
π 3. Compression Matters
Wearing the right compression garments helps reduce swelling and contour the body. The best compression garment is one that is custom fit for you. If you need help measuring or fitting a high-quality custom faja, I offer this as a service. If a custom faja is not within your budget, here are two relatively effective, non-custom options available on Amazon.
π Sonryse Faja Option 1
π Sonryse Faja Option 2
Itβs important to wear a smooth, fitted tank top or a compression tank directly against your skin to help prevent or minimize unsightly wrinkles, ridges, and bumps. Two options include:
π Shapermint Tank Top | Euyzou Budget Option
π₯ 4. Watch your diet
Minimize sugar, salt, processed foods, and alcohol. These slow healing and increase inflammation.
π‘ Hereβs a great article from Harvard on anti-inflammatory foods:
π Foods That Fight Inflammation
π Bonus: Download my 30-Day Anti-Inflammatory Recipe eBook (click on the button below for the PDF) for meal ideas, Jamu juice and other anti-inflammatory meal and beverage recipes, and more.
π 5. Sleep & Stress
Poor sleep and chronic stress raise cortisol and slow healing. Aim for 7β8 hours of rest and incorporate calming practices like breathwork or meditation.
π My Blog on Mindfulness + Breathing Techniques
π₯ 6. How-To Videos
π 7. Stay Regular
Eliminating waste helps your lymphatic system function properly. Try Jamu juice (see recipe in the e-book) or increase fiber intake if needed.
β οΈ 8. Monitor Your Healing
If you experience severe swelling, pain, or abnormal symptoms, contact your surgeon immediately.
π§ββοΈ 9. Reduce Stress
Deep breathing, mindfulness apps, or gentle yoga can support both your nervous and lymphatic systems.
Chronic stress raises inflammation. Practice breathwork, mindfulness, or simply do more of what brings you peace.
π My Blog: Simple Breathwork & Mindfulness Tips
π©Ή 10. Treat Surgical Scars
Once your surgeon gives the green light, use silicone tape to improve scar healing and appearance. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can also help soften scars and promote better results. Many clients have seen faster scar improvement by combining MLD with silicone tape.
π Recommended Silicone Tape on Amazon
π 11. Avoid Cigarettes, Caffeine, and Alcohol
These substances slow your lymphatic system, impair healing, and increase the risk of complications. Ideally, avoid them completely during recoveryβor at least avoid cigarettes and alcohol at minimum.
