Developed in 1999, this specialized therapy bridges the gap between traditional massage and aesthetics. By targeting the lymphatic system and deep fascial bundles, Lypossage™ delivers measurable dimension loss and structural skin health.
About Lypossage™
Lypossage™ is a safe and non-invasive, contouring massage technique which is a specific blend of massage modalities that derive from physical therapy, including lymphatic drainage and deep tissue release. It works to improve muscle tone, lymphatic drainage and circulation.
Charles Wiltsie III, a nationally recognized massage therapy educator and practitioner, created Lypossage™. Mr. Wiltsie conducted a year-long study of 100 female subjects that documented the effectiveness of the technique, which was published in Massage and Bodywork magazine in 1999. In the study, notable results included an average inch loss per thigh of almost 1.5 inches.
The technique decongests tissue and cleanses the stalled lymphatic fluid that can create bumps and bulges as it breaks up adhesions under the skin that contribute to the appearance of cellulite. It is particularly targeted to clients seeking to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce dimension in specific areas like the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. It is best suited for individuals who have already achieved a stable weight but wish to target stubborn, hard-to-tone areas, often acting as a natural, hands-on alternative or complement to liposuction.
Benefits of Lypossage™
Lypossage™ has many benefits. It cleanses the body of stagnant, stalled lymphatic fluid. The deeper strokes break up adhesions under the skin that can contribute to the dimpled, uneven appearance of cellulite. It also tones the muscles, lifting and firming sagging tissue.
Who can benefit?
Individuals targeting cellulite and contouring. Those with cellulite on the hips, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen (zone 1), or those looking to firm the upper arms, back, and stomach (zone 2).
Individuals seeking anti-aging of the face and neck. Individuals targeting sagging skin on the face, neck, and head (zone 3) for a “natural facelift” effect.
Individuals with stagnant lymphatic flow. Those experiencing water retention, bloating, or feeling “sluggish” due to a slow lymphatic system.
Individuals seeking enhanced self-esteem. As clients experience this detoxifying modality and start seeing results, they feel better about themselves and have shown to be more confident about their self-image.
Individuals seeking decreased pain or discomfort. As a latent side effect, some clients experience decreased pain or discomfort. Essentially, this technique is a fascial restructuring that is being cleaned up by lymphatic work.
Individuals seeking non-invasive results. Lypossage™ is a non-invasive, cost-effective option for those seeking measurable results without the downtime, costs, or recovery risks associated with plastic surgery.
Who doesn’t benefit?
Individuals seeking post-operative care. Clients recovering from liposuction, face lifts, tummy tucks, childbirth, or other surgeries who need to reduce swelling and improve tissue health would be better served by using manual lymphatic drainage protocols. After sufficient time for healing has taken place (generally, after six to eight weeks) and with physician approval, Lypossage™ treatments can then become an essential tool.
Individuals seeking weight loss. Lypossage™ is for “dimension loss” (inches) rather than significant weight loss, as it works by stimulating lymphatic flow and breaking down adhesions, not reducing overall body fat percentage.
Another Benefit of Lypossage™
Interestingly, as the treatment combines lymphatic drainage and myofascial release, it is ideal for the care of lipedema, as mentioned in the U.S. Standard of Care.
3.4 Standard manual therapy for lipedema includes soft tissue mobilization to reduce pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal restrictions, and manual lymphatic drainage as part of an individualized comprehensive therapy program to stimulate lymphatic flow and reduce edema.
3.5. Lipedema tissue should be mobilized deeper with myofascial release, other manual techniques, or instrument assisted soft tissue therapy to reduce fibrotic restrictions and improve the interstitial space while considering patient tolerance and tissue integrity. These therapies do not harm the lymphatic system.
— From the Standard of care for lipedema in the United States
“Lypossage™ is a blend of two things: complex physical therapy for lymphedema and myofascial massage.” — Charles Wiltsie III
Through his research, Wiltsie adapted complex physical therapy techniques to develop a body-contouring practice on healthy women, known today as Lypossage™.
It is common knowledge that massage therapy helps with circulation, muscle tone, and lymphatic drainage. It is also known that those with lymphoedema are positively affected with complex physical therapy (CPT) and manual lymphatic drainage.
There is much documentation that indicates massage positively influences lymphedema. One of the therapeutic approaches to this is a “combination of compression, exercise and, if possible, massage.”
— From the study Does deep tissue massage have an impact on dimension in the hips and thighs?
The Science Behind Lypossage™
Lypossage™ decongests the tissues by flushing out stagnant metabolic waste and stalled lymphatic fluid, allowing the body’s natural filtration systems to work at peak efficiency. In a U.S. clinical study, participants undergoing the full 18-session protocol saw an average reduction of 6.45 inches in body circumference. A second study found that by stimulating fibroblasts, Lypossage™ triggers natural collagen production, improving skin elasticity and smoothing the “orange peel” texture of cellulite.
Research from the University of Ghent in Belgium highlighted Lypossage™ as an essential tool as it optimized lymphatic flow before surgery and prevented fibrosis (tissue hardness) and edema (swelling) during advanced recovery (after initial recovery had taken place).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are additional benefits of the treatment?
While Lypossage™ treatments are specifically intended to be used as a manual contouring technique, most clients find that this treatment enhances their focus and energy level as well. This treatment will improve self-image, help to drain fat, improve the texture and tone of skin, improve circulation, release toxins, release deep fascial restrictions, improve posture, increase muscle tone and help to decrease areas of discomfort. This treatment has positive effects on the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic drainage system.
Will this take the place of a weight loss program?
This program in not intended to be a weight loss program. Instead, it works with your body to eliminate toxic stored waste products, allowing for a more toned, contoured effect and a cumulative dimension loss.
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Additional Information
The evolution of Lypossage™ | Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
Lypossage™ | Well Me Right
Lypossage™: A proven modality for cellulite reduction and inch loss | Dermascope
Lypossage™ is the cornerstone of body contouring and cellulite massage treatments | Massage Magazine
Lypossage™ training manual | Lypossage™ Esthetiques International
