Body
Lymphatic Drainage
Is the natural function of the lymphatic system, which is an essential part of immunity. If this function isn’t working properly, it can cause a build-up of fluid in tissues as well as more serious medical problems like lymphagitis and lymphoma. Though most of the conditions caused by poor lymphatic drainage are treatable, some require prompt hospitalization and immediate medical care, since they can easily spread throughout the body. There is also a type of therapeutic massage called Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) to help this system work and to treat some of the conditions associated with the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is made up of a network of thin tubes that run throughout the body called lymph vessels and oval‘shaped organs called lymph nodes, which collect and filter lymph. As blood flows throughout the body, a thin, yellow fluid called plasma leaks out from blood vessels and and mixes with interstitial fluid and water to surround the cells in different tissues. This mixture contains food for the cells, blood cells that are important for immunity, and also waste put out by the cells. It drains into the lymph vessels, after which it is called lymph, and is then transported, to lymph nodes, which contain immune cells. Since the lymphatic system doesn’t have any way to move the fluid on its own, it relies on the movement from muscles in the body to push the fluid along, and valves to keep the fluid going in the right direction.
Once in the lymph nodes, the fluid is filtered, any disease-causing organisms are killed. Other organs that work with this system include the spleen, which takes out dead or damaged red blood cells and contains white blood cells to fight disease, and the thymus, which produces more white blood cells.
The tonsils and adenoids also work with this system and protect the digestive system and respiratory system specifically.
Problems with Lymphatic Drainage
Since the lymphatic system plays such an important part in immunity, problems with lymphatic drainage can cause very serious health conditions. When lymph vessels or nodes are damaged or missing, the fluid cannot move quickly away from an area of the body. This causes it to pool up in the surrounding body tissue, causing it to swell. This is called lymphedema. If the fluid remains in the tissue for a long period of time, it can prevent the transportation of oxygen from the bloodstream to the tissue’s cells and interfere with wound healing.
If the swelling is not treated, it can lead to the hardening of muscle tissue, skin deterioration, a loss of movement in the area, and in some cases, a bacterial infection called lymphagitis. This condition causes the lymph vessels to become swollen, inflamed, and painful, and red lines may appear along the skin above the vessels. It requires immediate medical attention to keep it from spreading throughout the body, and is generally treated with painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. People with severely compromised lymphatic drainage may also have lymphoma, a type of cancer. There are about 40 different types of this cancer, which are generally divided into Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. People with this condition are typically more prone to infections than others, since their immune system is compromised, and may also have headaches, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. It’s important to treat this condition quickly, since it can easily spread throughout the system and become fatal. Treatment generally consists of chemotherapy or radiation.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
LDT consists of specific movements that are used to lightly push lymph through the system, helping it to drain out of the tissues and move throughout the body. This treatment is commonly used to help with lymphedema, which can be caused by heart problems, wearing tight~fitting clothing, and injuries like sprains and fractures. It also sometimes happens a side effect of chemotherapy treatments and surgeries done to remove breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. During an LDT session, a massage therapist gently presses and moves his or her hands along the body in specified directions. For instance, if a person‘s arms and legs are swollen, then the massage therapist may rub both sides of his or her neck with a downward motion.
Though this treatment can be very helpful, it’s generally not suitable for people with certain types of cancer, since it could encourage the cancer to spread throughout the body; as well as those with serious heart disease or circulatory problems, serious infections, or internal bleeding. Some massage therapists still do lymphatic drainage with people with these conditions, but may only work with one part of the body instead of all of it. This treatment is generally used together with other treatments, like exercising to promote circulation, compression therapy, anti~inflammatory drugs, and ice packs. People can also learn to do it at home, but should only be trained by a medical massage therapist and should only do it after speaking to a health-care provider to prevent any complications.
Cellulite
Its name makes it sound like a medical condition. But cellulite is nothing more than normal fat beneath the skin. The fat appears bumpy because it pushes against connective tissue, causing the skin above it to pucker. Cellulite isn’t harmful. Many people, though, would like to get rid of it because of the way it looks.
What Causes Cellulite
Having cellulite doesn’t mean you are overweight. Even thin people can have it. If you are overweight, however, losing weight may reduce cellulite. Cellulite is more common among women than men. If other women in your family have cellulite, there’s a good chance you will too.
Other factors that influence how much cellulite you have and how visible it is include:
- Poor diet
- Fad dieting
- Slow metabolism
- Lack of physical activity
- Hormone changes
- Dehydration
- Total body fat
- Thickness and color of your skin
Cellulite tends to be less noticeable on darker skin. If you have light skin and plan to be out in a bathing suit or short shorts, applying a self‘tanner may make the bumps and dimples on your thighs less noticeable.
Cellulite Treatments
There are many products and treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite on thighs and buttocks. But there is little evidence that shows that many of them work well or for long. Here is what you should know about some of the options:
Cellulite creams:
These creams are said to dissolve fat and smooth the skin. But many cellulite creams contain aminophylline, a prescription drug approved for treating asthma. There is no scientific evidence that these creams are effective against cellulite, and for some people, they can be harmful. Their apparent effect on cellulite may be due to narrowing blood vessels and forcing water from the skin, which could be dangerous for people with circulatory problems. Aminophylline can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Liposuction:
This is a surgical procedure to remove fat deposits from the body. Liposuction, though, removes deep fat, not cellulite, which is just beneath the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that liposuction may actually worsen the appearance of cellulite by creating more depressions in the skin.
Mesotherapy:
Mesotherapy is a therapy originally developed in Europe to relieve pain of inflammatory skin conditions. It involves injecting substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes into the tissue just beneath the skin. Mesotherapy may break down fat and bring a slight improvement in the appearance of cellulite. But it also carries risks, which include swelling, infection, and irregular contours.
Massage and spa treatments:
Massage and other spa treatments may have a temporary effect on the dimpling appearance of skin. But they do not remove cellulite. Any effect is short-lived and probably due to the removal of excess fluid.
Laser treatment:
The FDA has cleared the use of a device that uses laser energy to treat cellulite. According to the manufacturer, the device can melt fat under the skin, break up the fibrous bands under the skin, and stimulate collagen production.
What Lies Ahead in the Treatment of Cellulite
Although reviews of current therapies are mixed, doctors are always looking at new treatments for cellulite. One procedure involves using red and infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit certain wavelengths known to disrupt fat tissue, causing it to shrink. This procedure is combined with rollers and suctions to soften the fibrous bands of connective tissue that cause the dimpled appearance.
Although such procedures may hold promise for the future, for now, the best option is exercise, and, if needed, weight loss. Experts agree that the most effective exercise routine for cellulite is one that incorporates aerobic exercise and strength training along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Buttock Augmentation
Non Surgical Buttock Shaping, Buttock Augmentation is a procedure aimed to improve the fullness, contour and enhance the appearance of the buttocks, using injectable Macrolane. Many patients express concerns about anesthesia, implants, and the risks of surgery.
Macrolane, produced by the makers of Restylane, is a non-animal gel which provides long lasting volume reshaping of the buttocks. Macrolane is specifically formulated for the body and breast ensuring that the product does not migrate and feels soft and natural.
The maximum volume of Macrolane recommended is about 250cc in each buttock. The size you are able to achieve will depend on your tissues and desire.
How is the treatment performed?
Initial consultation will determine the goals of treatment and make note of any associated abnormalities or asymmetry and plan the optimum treatment to achieve the ideal result in each patient. Treatment is carried out in the outpatient setting and takes 30 — 40 minutes. A local anaesthetic injection is used to ensure that the treatment is as comfortable as possible. A small incision (2»3mm} is made in the cleft of the buttocks; the Macrolane is injected using a thin cannula above the muscle. Approximately 200cc — 250cc can be injected into each side to reshape the buttocks to the desired result. A short course of antibiotics will be prescribed.
Will the treatment be painful?
Minimal discomfort is expected during the treatment and no bruising should occur with the careful techniques used. Any mild bruising will usually resolve after 1 week. Your buttocks may feel tender-moderate discomfort for the first 3-5
days. Mild discomfort is expected for 2 weeks.When will results be seen?
Improvement in buttock shape and fullness will be seen immediately following treatment. Any swelling will resolve in 2 weeks, but return to normal feeling from 4-6 weeks.
Breast Augmentation
We have always believed non‘invasive aesthetic medicine to be the future of plastic surgery, and with the recent introduction of Macrolane, that future has already moved closer to the present. With Macrolane we can provide a non-surgical alternative to the ever popular surgical breast enlargement and other body shaping such as that of calves and buttocks.
What is Macrolane?
It is the first inject-able hyaluronic acid treatment used to shape the body and breast, and it differs from the well known facial fillers only by the fact that it is a much thicker gel, designed to provide longer lasting and effective results.
What can Macrolane treat in the breast section?
breast enlargement and breast shaping especially in women who have size A‘C breasts.
Women who have lost volume in their breasts as a result of weight loss, breast feeding or hormonal changes.
breast asymmetry.
How are the Macrolane procedures performed?
The Macrolane gel is injected through a 1.5mm canula. In the case of breast enlargement, the canula is inserted just under the breast, and the gel is injected under the breast tissue. While the gel is beinginjected, we are able to mould it into the shape desired by the patient. The procedure usually lasts 30-40 minutes only, and 100ml-150ml of Macrolane can be injected into each breast. Ongoing research is looking at injecting much larger volumes.
