Pressotherapy – lymphatic drainage – in brief
| What is being treated | Leg swelling and fluid retention, heavy leg sensation, support for anti-cellulite treatment, swelling after aesthetic procedures |
|---|---|
| Device | BTL Lymphastim |
| Duration of treatment | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Frequency | Once to twice a week during therapy; preventatively once to twice a month |
| Number of treatments | Determined by a doctor before starting therapy |
What is pressotherapy (lymphatic drainage)?
The lymphatic system drains fluid that separates from blood vessels into tissues. This flow can slow down due to prolonged sitting or standing, lack of movement, hormonal changes, or following an aesthetic procedure. When this happens, fluid is retained, the legs become swollen and heavy, and cellulite is more pronounced. Pressotherapy helps return this fluid to the circulation. The pressure moves from the feet upwards, in the direction of the natural flow of lymph, thereby mechanically encouraging drainage. Unlike manual lymphatic drainage, the pressure is uniform throughout the entire treatment, and the intensity and rhythm are adjusted by a practitioner according to the reason for your visit.
Lymphatic drainage is not a weight-loss method. The reduction in size that you notice after the treatment is the result of less fluid retention, rather than the loss of fatty tissue. That is why in anti-cellulite protocols we combine it with Shockwave therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
Who does pressotherapy help
We recommend pressotherapy when fluid retention and sluggish circulation in the legs are the main issues:
- swollen legs and feet, particularly towards the end of the day;
- the sensation of heavy, tired legs in individuals who sit or stand for long periods at work;
- fluid retention, for example in summer, in the heat;
- cellulite, as part of the protocol with Shockwave therapy and muscle electrical stimulation;
- swelling after cosmetic body procedures;
- leg recovery after intense workouts.
Following childbirth, the body retains fluid for a longer period, so pressotherapy is often performed during this time as well. When it is safe to begin, we have explained in the text Pressotherapy after pregnancy and childbirth.
What does a BTL Lymphastim treatment look like?
The treatment lasts 30 to 45 minutes and is performed in a lying position. You put on a suit with air chambers, and the device alternately inflates and deflates them. The pressure starts from the feet and gradually moves upwards. The treatment parameters are determined in advance by a doctor, according to your condition and the reason for your visit.
The sensation is similar to a firm, rhythmic squeeze. The treatment does not hurt and most patients relax during it. Immediately after the treatment you return to your usual activities, and it is good to drink enough water that day.
What you can expect after pressotherapy
- Less swelling and less fluid retention, especially in the legs, feet and abdomen.
- Lighter legs and less feeling of heaviness and tension, which is particularly pronounced in people who stand or sit for long periods.
- Better microcirculation, and better tissue nourishment.
- Anti-cellulite treatment supportpressotherapy does not break down adipose tissue, but it reduces swelling, so the skin appears smoother and firmer.
- Faster reduction of swelling after body cosmetic procedures.
- Relaxation during and after the treatment.
Most patients notice lightness in their legs after just the first treatment. For a more pronounced effect, especially with cellulite, a series of treatments is required.
How often and how many treatments
The number of treatments and the interval between them are determined by a doctor before the start of therapy, depending on the reason for your visit. For swelling, fluid retention and as part of anti-cellulite treatments, pressotherapy is most commonly performed once to twice a week. If you are coming for preventative purposes, for lighter legs and better circulation, once to twice a month is sufficient.
Pressotherapy is also part of body shaping package, where it is combined with Alma PrimeX, Emsculpt and Shockwave treatments.
When is pressotherapy not performed
Before the first treatment, the doctor checks for any contraindications. Pressotherapy is not performed in cases of:
- deep vein thrombosis or phlebitis;
- acute infections or inflammation of the skin in the treatment area;
- open wounds;
- heart failure and uncontrolled high blood pressure;
- active malignant disease;
- pregnancy.
If you have varicose veins, are taking blood thinners or have recently had surgery, tell your doctor at your appointment.
Cost of pressotherapy
The price of a single pressotherapy treatment and a package of ten treatments can be found on the page Price list – body treatments.
Have you got a question?
Answers to frequently asked questions
What is lymph?
Lymph is fluid that separates from blood vessels into tissues and returns to the circulation through lymphatic vessels. On this pathway, it passes through lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system. When lymph flow is slowed down, fluid is retained in the tissues and swelling occurs.
How long does a lymphatic drainage treatment last?
One pressotherapy treatment lasts 30 to 45 minutes. It is performed in a lying position, and after the treatment you immediately return to your usual activities.
Does pressotherapy hurt?
No. The pressure feels like a firm, rhythmic squeeze that moves upwards from the feet. The intensity is adjustable, so if the pressure becomes uncomfortable during the treatment, just say so and it will be reduced.
When are the effects of pressotherapy visible?
Lighter legs and reduced swelling are felt by most patients after just the first treatment. For a more pronounced and long-lasting effect, especially in the case of cellulite, a series of treatments determined by a doctor is required.
Does pressotherapy help with cellulite?
It helps as part of the treatment. Pressotherapy reduces the fluid retention that makes cellulite more prominent, but it does not break down fatty tissue. That is why in anti-cellulite treatment we combine it with Shockwave therapy and muscle electrical stimulation.
Is pressotherapy the same as manual lymphatic drainage?
Both methods stimulate lymphatic drainage. With pressotherapy, the pressure is provided by a machine, evenly along the entire length of the legs and in a rhythm set by a doctor, whereas manual lymphatic drainage is performed by a therapist using their hands. At the Imedic Polyclinic, we perform machine lymphatic drainage using the BTL Lymphastim device.
Can pressotherapy be done after childbirth?
Yes, when the doctor assesses that it is safe. It is not done during pregnancy. Read more about it in the text Pressotherapy after pregnancy and childbirth.
Does pressotherapy remove fatty deposits?
No. Pressotherapy helps with fluid retention and swelling, but it does not break down fatty tissue. For localised fat deposits, a doctor may recommend other methods, such as Alma PrimeX treatment or lipolysis.
When should the treatment be postponed?
Treatment is postponed in cases of acute infection or elevated temperature, suspected thrombosis, recent injuries or wounds in the region, and recent surgery until a doctor gives approval. Swelling in one leg, calf pain or redness are reasons to consult a doctor first, rather than going for pressotherapy.
Book pressotherapy in Belgrade
The Imedic Polyclinic is located at Kneza Miloša 23 street, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments are made by phone: 064 237 0707. If you contact us from abroad, we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
Author: Dr Ivica Jeremić
Doctor of Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), subspecialist in rheumatology, dermatology resident.
Updated:
