Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specific clinical technique. It uses very light, directional pressure to move lymph fluid toward lymph nodes that are still working. It looks gentle because it has to be: press too hard and you collapse the very vessels you are trying to move fluid through.
This is the part most people get wrong when they book a “lymphatic massage” somewhere. A deep relaxation massage does not move lymph. For post-surgical swelling it can make things worse.
Who this is for
- Post-surgical recovery after liposuction, tummy tuck, BBL and other cosmetic surgery
- Swelling after orthopaedic surgery
- Lymphedema, primary or secondary, including after cancer treatment
- Lipedema
- Chronic fluid retention and heaviness in the limbs
- Post-injury swelling that is not settling
What a session involves
An assessment first, including limb measurement where there is swelling, so there is a number to compare against later. Then the treatment itself, typically 45 to 60 minutes. Where it helps, we add compression bandaging or fit you for a garment, and show you a short home routine.
After surgery, timing matters
Your surgeon sets the timeline and we work inside it. Many patients are cleared to start within the first week or two after cosmetic surgery. Bring your post-operative instructions to the first appointment.