Lymphatic drainage: When it makes sense and what icoone® does in this context

Heavy legs, swelling around the ankles, a feeling of tension after a long day: the lymphatic system plays an underestimated role in daily wellbeing. When is lymphatic drainage actually useful, when is it not the right choice, and what does icoone® microstimulation offer in an aesthetic and functional context?

What the lymphatic system does

The lymphatic system is the body’s “second circulatory system”. Every day it transports several litres of tissue fluid back into the bloodstream and filters out:

• Protein located between cells
• Cell debris and metabolic waste
• Fat (from the intestine)
• Immune cells that fight pathogens

When the system is overloaded or damaged, fluid remains stagnant in the tissue. The result: swelling, heaviness, sometimes visible oedema.

When lymphatic drainage really helps

Medically indicated

• Lymphoedema: chronic swelling due to damage to the lymphatic system, e.g. after surgeries with lymph node removal
• Post-op swelling: after surgery to accelerate healing
• Chronic venous insufficiency with secondary swelling
• Lipoedema: as part of complex decongestive physical therapy

Functionally helpful

• Pregnancy-related water retention (especially in the 3rd trimester)
• Heavy, tired legs after long periods of standing or sitting
• Pre- and post-care for aesthetic procedures
• General heavy feeling in the tissue

When lymphatic drainage is not the right choice

Contraindications:

• Acute thrombosis or suspected thrombosis
• Acute bacterial infections with fever
• Decompensated heart failure
• Malignant tumours in active phase (consult oncological specialist)
• Acute kidney failure

If uncertain, discuss with the GP beforehand. For diagnosed lymphoedema, treatment belongs in the hands of a medically trained specialist with a medical prescription; icoone® microstimulation in an aesthetic practice does not replace that therapy.

Apparatus-based lymphatic drainage with icoone®

Principle: Vacuum microstimulation activates lymphatic vessels simultaneously with microcirculation and connective tissue. According to the manufacturer, Roboderm® technology generates several thousand microimpulses per minute. Details in the icoone® pillar article.

Typical use cases in the practice:

• Functional heavy legs and water retention
• Cellulite with congestion component (combines lymphatic activation with connective tissue stimulation)
• Accompaniment to aesthetic concerns

Limits: Not reimbursed by basic insurance, aesthetic service. For pregnancy-related complaints, depending on the situation a pregnancy massage can be appropriate; see also icoone® during pregnancy.

What supports lymphatic drainage in everyday life

• Movement, especially calf muscle activation (walking, cycling)
• Adequate hydration: 2 to 3 litres of water daily
• Compression stockings for chronic complaints (medically fitted)
• Elevating legs: short breaks several times a day, especially in summer
• Cold calf douches in the evening

No lymphatic drainage in the world can replace a foundation of movement, hydration, and possibly compression.

icoone® lymphatic drainage in Opfikon

At Praxis Anzhelika Wyss, icoone® microstimulation is used for functional lymphatic drainage and as accompaniment to aesthetic treatments. Each session begins with a full-body base programme that systematically activates lymph pathways from the extremities to the body centre, followed by the focus programme on the target zone.

For diagnosed lymphoedema, a medically trained specialist with a medical prescription is the right point of contact. icoone® in an aesthetic practice does not replace that therapy.

Pricing

Single icoone® session 60 min.: CHF 195 Recommended course (10 sessions): CHF 175.50 per session · original suit included

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Also of interest: Acupressure as metabolic support

Sources

• Földi M, Földi E (eds.): Földi’s Textbook of Lymphology. 3rd edition, Elsevier, 2012.
• icoone® scientific background: icoone.com/en/science

Individual results may vary. This content does not replace medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Who is icoone® lymphatic drainage suitable for?

For functional complaints such as heavy legs, water retention, and cellulite with a congestion component, as well as accompaniment to aesthetic concerns. For diagnosed lymphoedema, a medically trained specialist with a medical prescription is responsible.

Is lymphatic drainage covered by health insurance?

For medically prescribed lymphatic drainage (indications such as lymphoedema), basic insurance can cover the costs. This requires prescription and treatment by an appropriately qualified specialist. Lymphatic drainage in an aesthetic context at Praxis Anzhelika Wyss is a self-pay service.

How often should one do lymphatic drainage?

For medical indication, as prescribed. For functional complaints (heavy legs, water retention), usually a course of 10 sessions, then as needed. For maintenance, often one session every 2 to 4 weeks.

### Read more Cellulite: Why sport alone isn’t enough → · Scars after caesarean → · Body contouring →

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