A vital step in healing, comfort, and optimal cosmetic results.
Post-operative lymphatic drainage, often referred to as “lymphatic massage,” is a medically specialized technique designed to reduce swelling, prevent fibrosis, enhance circulation, and support optimal healing after cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, reduction as well as reconstruction. These symptoms are often due to lymphatic system overload, which occurs when your body accumulates excess fluid, cellular waste, and inflammatory byproducts—commonly known as post-surgical edema.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), also commonly referred as Lymphatic Massage, is a gentle, medically recognized technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and speed up recovery after surgery.
However, true lymphatic drainage is not a spa massage. To be safe, effective, and clinically appropriate—especially on healing surgical tissue—it must be performed by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) with advanced knowledge of post-surgical anatomy, lymphatic physiology, tissue mechanics, fibrosis prevention, and healing timelines.
When to Begin?
Most patients benefit from starting lymphatic drainage within 1–2 weeks post-surgery, depending on physician clearance. Some may begin even earlier if approved by their surgeon, while others continue treatments for several weeks or months to optimize long-term results.
Why It Matters Who Performs Your Treatment?
Why Choose a CLT + Physical Therapist? How It Impacts Your Recovery?
Precision lymphatic mapping and drainage sequencing Faster swelling reduction and better fluid movement
Skilled fibrosis and scar tissue management Prevents hardening, lumps, and contour irregularities
Clinical knowledge of tissue healing and post-op precautions Protects incisions, implants, and surgical integrity
Ability to detect complications early Helps prevent seroma, infection, or delayed healing
Guided progression to mobility and recovery exercises Enhances results, comfort, and long-term function
Protect Your Investment. Protect Your Results
When performed by a trained CLT and Physical Therapist, lymphatic drainage becomes a therapeutic medical intervention—not just a massage.
It supports tissue recovery, reduces postoperative risks, improves comfort, accelerates healing, and enhances final cosmetic appearance.
- Safe
- Medically guided
- Results-focused
What to Expect During Treatment?
Your first visit begins with a personalized assessment by our Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) and Physical Therapist. We will review your surgical procedure, date of surgery, areas treated, current swelling and bruising, incision and drain status, compression garments, and any specific instructions or precautions provided by your surgeon.
- Gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Treatment uses light, rhythmic, specialized movements to encourage lymphatic fluid movement and help manage post-surgical swelling. This is not a deep-tissue massage and should not feel aggressive or painful.
- Individualized Lymphatic Drainage: Treatment is carefully directed according to your surgery, areas of swelling, stage of healing, and the pathways available for lymphatic drainage
- Protection of Healing Tissues: Incisions, drains, open wounds, and surgically restricted areas are carefully respected. Treatment is modified according to your surgeon’s precautions and your stage of recovery.
- Swelling and Tissue Management: As healing progresses, treatment may also address areas of tissue firmness, tightness, or developing fibrosis when clinically appropriate.
- Compression Guidance: Your therapist may assess the fit and effectiveness of your post-surgical compression garment and provide education regarding proper use based on your surgeon’s recommendations.
- Recovery Education: You may receive guidance regarding positioning, gentle movement, breathing techniques, activity progression, and strategies to help manage swelling between visits.
Schedule your Post-Plastic Surgery Lymphatic Massage today and experience the difference that expert, clinically guided care can make in your healing journey.
Treatment Is Always Customized to Your Recovery
Every surgical procedure and every patient’s recovery are different. The frequency and duration of treatment will depend on the type of surgery performed, the amount and location of swelling, tissue healing, your surgeon’s recommendations, and how your body responds to treatment.
Our goal is to provide gentle, medically informed care that supports your body’s natural healing process while keeping your surgical precautions and safety at the center of treatment.
If we identify signs or symptoms that may indicate a post-surgical complication, treatment may be postponed and you may be referred back to your surgeon or appropriate medical provider for further evaluation.