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How to Improve Circulation and Reduce Swelling After Body Contouring

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Improving your circulation after a body contouring procedure is an essential component of the healing process. By improving circulation, you can reduce swelling and optimize your results.

The team at Advanced Body Sculpting Institute offers the Ballancer®Pro for lymphatic drainage post-body-contouring. This device is a medical-grade compression therapy system that delivers a full-body lymphatic drainage massage to enhance blood flow, encourage fluid movement, and minimize swelling. If you are looking to enhance your recovery after treatment or want to discover how the Ballancer®Pro can fit into your treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at (303) 708-8770 to receive more information on how to properly reduce your post-surgical swelling.

About Improving Circulation and Reducing Swelling

Swelling is a normal reaction after a procedure. It mainly occurs as the body absorbs the infiltrated fluids and broken down fat, and as the immune system floods the areas with healing factors. (1) Improving circulation and reducing swelling after a body contouring procedure is essential for accelerating healing, minimizing discomfort, and preventing complications like blood clots. Effective healing also ensures smooth and aesthetic results by minimizing fibrosis (the thickening and scarring of connective tissue). Furthermore, reducing swelling also helps your skin adhere properly to your new contours, which reduces the risk of bumps and sagging skin. Although patients can and should engage in light movement, utilize cold compresses, and stay hydrated to promote proper circulation, utilizing advanced technologies like the Ballancer®Pro better supports the body throughout the process and can shorten recovery.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage has several beneficial effects on the arteriovenous system, which regulates fluid movement and accumulation. With repetitive, gentle yet powerful, intentional movements, lymphatic drainage pushes fluids to points where the body can effectively eliminate them. This is particularly beneficial after body contouring procedures, especially liposuction, where prolonged swelling can increase discomfort and obstruct ideal results. (2) Although a manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage has historically been used for this process, the Ballancer®Pro device improves on conventional methods with advanced compression chamber technology. Not only does the Ballancer®Pro optimize lymphatic circulation, but it can also tone the body, reduce cellulite, accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, decrease muscle soreness, enhance immune function, and more. The Ballancer®Pro offers customization to the unique concerns of the patient, from post-body-contouring to athletic recovery, all in a non-invasive, relaxing, and efficient treatment. (3)

Improving Circulation and Reducing Swelling Beyond Lymphatic Drainage

While lymphatic drainage is one of the most effective ways to manage swelling, enhance circulation, and improve recovery, there are several other methods that you can employ in between sessions.

Light Movement

Light, gentle movements also help to improve circulation, reduce swelling, prevent stiffness, and minimize the risk of blood clot formation. The ABS experts recommend lightly moving your body two to three days after your procedure through walking, light stretches, or gentle yoga. This allows your body to regain mobility and prevent the rapid return of fat cells without over-exertion during a crucial recovery period. These light movements help maintain a stable metabolism and release endorphins, which can improve mood and help you feel motivated in your healing process.

Cold Therapy and Compresses

Cold therapy and compresses help alleviate swelling, minimize bruising, and reduce discomfort. Applying cold compresses to the areas of recovery constricts blood vessels, which limits fluid buildup. You can utilize reusable gel packs, ice packs, or motorized cold therapy units for these benefits. We recommend using cold therapies and compresses during the first 48 hours after surgery. You should apply cold compresses intermittently (15-20 minute intervals) and always wrap cold packs in a thin towel or cloth to prevent skin damage or frostbite.

Elevation

While resting after a body contouring procedure, patients should elevate their treated areas. For example, if you receive liposuction to the abdomen, you should prop yourself up with a few pillows behind your back. Elevating treatment areas allows gravity to drain fluid from the swollen area, and then the heart will naturally recirculate it throughout the body.

Benefits

Not only will optimizing circulation reduce swelling, but it also promotes a smoother recovery. With the Ballancer®Pro and with careful recommendations, patients benefit by:

  • Healing faster
  • Retracting the skin to improve contouring
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Alleviating discomfort
  • Minimizing bruising
  • Stimulating lymph flow
  • Detoxifying
  • Reducing water retention
  • Boosting immune function

Candidates and Personal Consultation

If you want to enhance your recovery and reduce water retention, swelling, and cellulite, then you can benefit greatly from a Ballancer®Pro lymphatic drainage session. You can explore this treatment either before your body contouring procedure or after. At a consultation, one of our patient coordinators will evaluate your medical history and examine your post-surgical body results. They will identify target areas, specifically those that will swell post-procedure or the areas that are currently swollen. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, arms, hips, thighs, or buttocks. With this information, your patient coordinator will create a treatment plan that enhances your recovery and your comfort. To enhance your results and your overall well-being, contact us online or call us directly at (303) 708-8770 to schedule your personal consultation.

Preparation

As a non-surgical, relaxing recovery treatment, the Ballancer®Pro does not require extensive preparation. However, you can make treatment more effective with a few key guidelines. We advise you to:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake 24 hours before and after your appointment.
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing
  • Avoid consuming heavy or salty meals before your appointment
  • Arrive with clean and dry skin free of lotions
  • Avoid strenuous exercise

Ballancer®Pro Treatment

During your consultation, your patient coordinator will outline an effective, multi-session treatment schedule. At these lymphatic drainage sessions, you will wear the Ballancer®Pro device. This is a specialized suit that contains several air chambers. These chambers will inflate and deflate in sequence. (3) This action pushes fluid away from swollen areas and into lymph nodes, where your body will then naturally clear them away. (2) Each session will last about 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients see the best results through 6-12 sessions over the course of three to four weeks.

When to Reduce Swelling and Improve Circulation

We generally recommend starting your lymphatic drainage treatments within one to three days after your procedure. Immediately after your procedure, you can begin to intermittently apply cold compresses, and you should rest with the proper elevation techniques. You can incorporate light movement after one to two days to prevent blood clotting, as long as you feel able to do so.

Results

With proper post-surgical healing techniques, patients can typically begin seeing their body contouring results within two to four weeks as initial swelling dissipates. However, it can take up to three to six months for the final, refined results to manifest. To make these swelling reduction and circulation improvement practices most effective, patients should stay hydrated, maintain a healthy and nutritious diet, and follow safety protocols. By following all guidelines, patients facilitate a faster recovery and see their slimmer, more contoured physique sooner.

Cost of Lymphatic Drainage in Denver, CO

The cost of your lymphatic drainage will vary depending on the number of sessions you require, the degree of present swelling, and more. During your personal consultation, our patient coordinator will outline the total cost of your lymphatic drainage treatments. If you are exploring lymphatic drainage before a body contouring procedure, our patient coordinators can include this in your total procedure cost.

If you are ready to explore your lymphatic drainage options, please contact us online or call our office at (303) 708-8770 to book your personal consultation.

FAQ

What can help improve circulation and reduce swelling after a body contouring procedure?

After a body contouring procedure, lymphatic drainage sessions with the Ballancer®Pro, cold compression, elevation, and light movement promote proper circulation and reduce swelling. This will also help to shorten the recovery period.

How do lymphatic drainage sessions work?

Lymphatic drainage sessions work by using light pressure and rhythmic movements to stimulate lymphatic movements, relieve congestion, boost immunity response, and drain leftover fluids from surgery.

What is the Ballancer®Pro?

The Ballancer®Pro is a therapy device that provides lymphatic drainage by using 24 overlapping air chambers to apply gentle, rhythmic, and sequential pressures. It covers the legs, hips, glutes, and abdomen, and it can also cover the arms, shoulders, and back to massage the entire body.

How much does a lymphatic drainage session with the Ballancer®Pro cost?

The cost of your lymphatic drainage session using the Ballancer®Pro device depends on the total number of treatment sessions you require. Your patient coordinator will outline the total cost of your treatment during your personal consultation.

Does the Ballancer®Pro device deliver better results than a manual lymphatic drainage massaging technique?

The Ballancer®Pro is generally more efficient and consistent than other lymphatic drainage massage techniques because of its sophisticated controls and airflow technology.

References

  1. Dixit VV, Wagh MS. Unfavourable outcomes of liposuction and their management. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2013;46(2):377-392. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0358.118617
  2. Marxen T, Orr Shauly, Goel P, Tsan T, Faria R, Gould DJ. The Utility of Lymphatic Massage in Cosmetic Procedures. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2023;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad023
  3. Aesthetics – Ballancer®Pro. Ballancer®Pro USA. Published June 21, 2017. Accessed April 27, 2026. https://ballancerpro.com/aesthetics/