My surgeon told me to "really get after it" in massaging my neck scar, so that it would not form scar tissue underneath. He also wanted me to work my neck and massage the skin so that it would regain flexibility and not keep that feeling of being strangled. You should not massage any flap of skin that has been surgically lifted until it has had a chance to re-establish blood supply, which is necessary for healing. You don't want to disturb those tiny connections! But when the surgeon gives you the go-ahead, get some nice cream or lotion and give it a shot. As for lymphatic massage, nobody mentioned that to me, and it did take some time for my facial swelling to dissipate. There are still times when that side of my face seems a bit swollen, but in the big scheme of things, nobody notices but me.