Why I Don't Drain Through Incisions
You've seen the videos. A woman fresh out of surgery is on the table, someone presses hard on her belly, and fluid pours out of her incisions into a bucket. Maybe that's what happened to you at a recovery house in Miami. Or maybe that's what you expect when you book your first post-op massage.
Hey, mamas, I get it. But I don't do that, and here's why.
Why I don't drain through incisions: the quick answer
I don't drain through incisions because it isn't lymphatic drainage, it isn't safe, and it isn't legal for me to do. In California, a massage therapist is not allowed to open an incision or a drain site and push fluid out of it. Even many nurses can't do it without a doctor's order.
Real lymphatic drainage moves fluid inside your body, toward your lymph nodes, so your body can clear it on its own.
What incisional drainage actually is
You might hear it called "lymphatic massage," "drain massage," or "milking." It usually means:
Pressing hard with hands, forearms, or tools like rolling pins to force fluid out
Reopening drain sites or incisions that are starting to close, sometimes with toothpicks, Q-tips, or needles
Doing it every day for the first week or more
¡Qué barbaridad! How awful! That's not therapy. That's force on tissue that's trying to heal.
Not every provider is the same
I've seen a huge range of situations, both online and in the stories women have shared with me in my treatment room. The people offering this are all different. Some have years of experience and certifications. Some have a weekend course. Some have no training at all.
Their styles are different, too:
Some are soft, and use oil to gently coax fluid out of your incisions.
Some reopen your incisions with toothpicks, Q-tips, or needles.
Some are aggressive, and treat your body like clay they can mold.
And their hearts are different. Some truly want to help you feel better and have a heart for healing. Others take pride in causing pain, like it proves how hard they're working.
But here's the thing: gentle or rough, kind or not, pushing fluid out through an incision is still the same risky practice. A soft touch doesn't make an open wound safe.
Draining on its own vs. being forced
There's a big difference here. Some surgeons leave incisions open on purpose so fluid can leak out on its own in the first days. That's normal, and it's your body doing its job.
What I won't do is push fluid out, squeeze it out, or reopen a site that's closing.
Why it's a bad idea
Forcing fluid out through incisions can:
Let bacteria into deep tissue and cause a serious infection
Tear healing tissue and reopen wounds
Crush the tiny lymph vessels that are trying to reconnect
Cause more bruising, more swelling, and more scar tissue later
Hurt. A lot.
"But I look flatter right after!"
You might, for a few hours. But your body keeps making fluid while you heal, so it fills right back up. Then you're back on the table the next day, and the cycle starts again, with more damage each time.
Gentle lymphatic drainage works with your body. The fluid moves to your lymph nodes, into your bloodstream, and out when you pee. It's slower, but it lasts.
What I do instead
Gentle lymphatic drainage, feather-light and never painful
Help with your faja, foam, and boards, so the pressure is smooth and even
Scar tissue release once you're at least three weeks out
Send you to your surgeon for anything that belongs in a medical office, like a seroma or a drain problem
What I tell my clients: some women come in upset because they want fluid pushed out like they got in Miami. I understand. But I won't put your health at risk. If that means you're frustrated with me, ni modo, oh well. I'd rather protect you.
Here's your chisme for today: if a therapist offers to "drain" you, ask one question: where does the fluid go? If the answer is "out of your incisions," that's not lymphatic drainage.
Already had it done?
No shame, amiga. A lot of women were told this was normal aftercare. Let your incisions close, keep them clean, and switch to gentle care, con calma, nice and easy. Your body can still heal well.
When to call your surgeon
Ojo, watch out: call your surgeon right away if an incision is red, hot, swollen, or painful, if drainage smells bad or turns cloudy or green, if an incision opens back up, or if you have a fever or chills. If it feels like an emergency, call 911.
Want the full game plan?
My book has a whole chapter on recovery culture, including the treatments to run from and the green flags to look for in a recovery therapist.
If you're in Sacramento and want gentle, safe recovery care, I'd love to help.
Not local? Reach out to me for a private consult over Zoom (small fee).
I'm a Certified Massage Therapist (CAMTC No. 39170), not a doctor. This post is for education, not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's instructions for incision and drain care.
Comments