Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Post-Operative MLD

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Benefits of MLD for Pre & Post Surgery

• Helps to reduce swelling (oedema) and fluid retention
• Supports faster healing and tissue repair
• Can help reduce pain and discomfort
• Minimises scar formation and helps soften healed scar tissue (can be combined with Myofascial scar work
• Enhances relaxation and overall well-being
• Can help with Fibrosis / hard areas after liposuction

Common Surgeries Supported by MLD:

Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Liposuction

Liposuction can be carried out using several different techniques, including traditional liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, laser-assisted lipolysis, ultrasound-assisted or VASER liposuction, and water-assisted liposuction. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be adapted to support recovery following these different procedures.
Liposuction may be performed on the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, back, knees, chin or neck—and sometimes across several areas during the same operation. Afterwards, the treated areas can feel sore, bruised, swollen, tender or unusually firm. MLD uses very light, rhythmic movements and does not place heavy pressure on these sensitive tissues. Treatment is tailored to the areas affected and your stage of recovery.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage After a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and may include tightening separated or weakened abdominal muscles. The operation usually leaves a long scar across the lower abdomen and, with a full tummy tuck, a scar around the belly button.
During the early stages of recovery, the abdomen can feel sore, swollen, bruised, numb and very tight. Some people describe a pulling sensation and may initially find it difficult to stand upright or lie completely flat. During treatment, the legs and knees can be supported with pillows to reduce tension through the abdomen and help you rest more comfortably.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses gentle, carefully directed movements to encourage excess fluid away from the swollen abdomen towards areas where it can drain more easily. This can help relieve fluid congestion and reduce the development of persistent hard or firm areas associated with post-operative fibrosis.
Once the wound has completely closed and your surgeon is happy with its progress, silicone scar tape may be used to help the scar become flatter, softer and less noticeable. At the appropriate stage of healing, MLD can also be combined with gentle myofascial scar work to address tightness and restricted movement around the scar.

Lymphatic Drainage After Breast Surgery

Breast surgery includes augmentation with implants, breast reduction, breast uplift, reconstruction and mastectomy. Each procedure affects the tissues differently, but afterwards the breast or chest may feel swollen, tender, tight, bruised or numb. Swelling may also extend towards the side of the chest or under the arm, and movement through the shoulder and upper body can initially feel restricted.
A mastectomy involves removing the breast tissue and may be combined with a sentinel lymph-node biopsy or the removal of several lymph nodes from the armpit. When lymph nodes have been removed or affected by radiotherapy, the usual drainage routes may be altered, increasing the risk of lymph fluid collecting in the breast, chest, arm or hand.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses slow, light and carefully directed movements to encourage fluid away from congested areas towards lymph nodes and pathways that are still functioning. Treatment is adapted to the type of surgery, the position of the scars and whether lymph nodes have been removed.
Following cancer-related breast surgery or lymph-node removal, MLD should only begin with the agreement of your breast-care, surgical or lymphoedema team.

• Thighplasty
• Facelift & Cosmetic Procedures
• Orthopaedic Surgeries (knee, hip, shoulder)
• General Surgeries where swelling and recovery support are needed
• Mummy makeover
• Caesarean section (C-section)

Contraindications – When MLD May Not Be Suitable

While MLD is safe and beneficial for many people, it is not suitable in the following situations:

• In the presence of surgical drains (can be done after the drains have been removed)
• Acute infections or fever
• Fractures
• Thrombosis or blood clots
• Heart conditions (please consult your doctor)
• If taking certain slow-release medications (such as some antibiotics)

Book Your Pre or Post-Operative MLD in Plymouth

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Important clarification about fat loss and body sculpting

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) does not remove fat deposits or reshape the body through fat reduction. This is a common myth that has developed over time. MLD works by supporting the lymphatic system to reduce fluid congestion, swelling, and inflammation, helping the body function more efficiently, not by breaking down fat tissue.
If your primary goal is body sculpting or fat reduction, you may be thinking of other approaches such as wood maderotherapy or Brazilian-style body sculpting techniques, which are designed specifically for that purpose and use very different methods. MLD is a gentle, treatment focused on health, recovery, and lymphatic support and recovery after surgery rather than cosmetic fat loss.