Cosmetic surgeries have become increasingly common, with procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts, and breast augmentations helping people achieve their desired aesthetic goals. However, while the surgical aspect gets most of the attention, what often goes under-discussed is the importance of post-operative care, especially Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in promoting faster, smoother recovery and reducing the risk of ending with fibrosis tissue build up underneath the skin.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
MLD is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage the natural drainage of lymph fluid. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immune function and fluid balance. After cosmetic surgery, lymphatic flow can become disrupted due to inflammation, surgical trauma, or temporary damage to lymph vessels. While the first few days post-surgery are dedicated to acute recovery and the taking of Antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection post-surgery, as soon as this risk is passed, that’s when you want to start your MLD journey.
Why Is MLD Important After Cosmetic Procedures?
Cosmetic surgeries often cause swelling, bruising, and fluid accumulation (known as seroma or edema). This is due to the body reacting to an invasive procedure and removing tissue beneath the skin.
MLD helps:
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✅ Reduce post-surgical swelling
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✅ Accelerate the removal of metabolic waste and excess fluid
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✅ Improve skin texture and reduce fibrosis (hardened tissue)
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✅ Speed up visible results by enhancing contour definition
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✅ Decrease discomfort by reducing pressure from trapped fluids
As with any surgery, when lymphatic drainage massage is applied, no pain is to be experienced. While I treat someone with MLD I always pass this information up front, to ensure that if they experience any type of pain, I get told about it, so that I can go lighter with pressure.
Which Procedures Benefit Most from Lymphatic Drainage?
MLD is commonly recommended after:
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Liposuction (including 360 lipo or Brazilian Butt Lift – BBL)
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Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty)
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Facial surgeries (rhinoplasty, facelifts, blepharoplasty)
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Breast augmentation or reduction
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Body contouring procedures
As a Lymphoedema therapist, I do get surgeons referring me patients to assist them with post-op management, especially when swelling or fibrosis is a concern.
When Should You Start Lymphatic Drainage?
As briefly explained above, the ideal time to begin MLD is as soon as you stop your antibiotic cycle, and is your surgeon or GP call to when you are safe to do so. On the other hand:
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Typically, MLD is started 3 to 5 days post-surgery, once acute inflammation has settled and the incision sites are closed or protected.
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A full course may include 6–10 sessions spaced out over a few weeks for optimal results.
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Always follow the advise of the surgeon about post surgery, but, when you safe to do, the more movement we add to Lymphatic Draiange, the better the recovery would go.
Is MLD Safe post-cosmetic surgery?
When performed by a qualified lymphatic therapist, lymphatic drainage is non-invasive, safe, and effective. It’s gentle enough for delicate post-op tissue and can significantly improve comfort and healing time. My qualification in Lymphatic Drainage was done with the Vodder Academy whicg holds the gold standards for MLD practice, and is worldwide well known for the quality of their practice. On the other hand, I also hold a qualification in Clinical Myotherapy, which allows me to help people recover from injury and stick to their fitness goals via training and exercises.
When Can I Book My Appointment for Post-Cosmetic Surgery Recovery?
My studio, Melbourne Massage and Treatment, is located in Fitzroy North, on the corner of St George Rd and Holden St. I work Monday to Saturday, and to book an appointment, you can just head online to the booking page and choose the best time/days that work for you.
Given the number of session needed for this type of work, I always suggest to book a series of session in a raw, from to 3 session per week for the first 2 weeks. Session by session we do evaluate together the progress, and chose together what’s the next step.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
FAQs – Cosmetic Surgery & Lymphatic Drainage
Giovanni La Rocca
Giovanni moved to Melbourne, Australia, from Italy in 2008 and became a citizen in 2017. He started studying massage therapy in 2016, then completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy in August 2024. During those years, he also specialised in Thai Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage for presentations like Lipoedema and Lymphoedema. Nowadays, he runs his clinic in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, where he integrates movement therapy into his practice to enhance overall well-being. He also values meditation, having completed several Vipassana courses. Committed to continuous learning, he aims to share his expertise in integrated therapies to help others achieve balance and resilience.