After cosmetic surgery, a "massage" can mean very different things. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and a regular body massage use different pressure, different movements and have different goals, so it is worth knowing which one you are booking.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
- Pressure: Very light, close to the skin.
- Movement: Slow, rhythmic strokes in set directions toward lymph nodes.
- Purpose: Support the movement of excess fluid and ease swelling and tightness.
- Feel: Gentle and relaxing, not painful.
Regular massage (Swedish, deep tissue)
- Pressure: Light to firm, sometimes deep.
- Movement: Kneading, pressing and working into muscle.
- Purpose: Relax muscles and reduce general tension.
- After surgery: Usually not suitable on healing surgical areas unless your surgeon says so.
Why this matters after surgery
Surgical areas are tender and healing. Deep or aggressive pressure can cause discomfort and is generally not advised unless your surgeon has approved it. MLD is designed to be gentle, but it still needs your surgeon's clearance, especially if you have drains, a recent fat transfer or specific positioning limits.
Questions to ask any therapist
- Do you perform manual lymphatic drainage specifically for post-surgical clients?
- What training or certification do you have?
- Will you work around my surgeon's instructions and garments?
- What pressure do you use, and what happens if something hurts?
- Do you use clean, disposable materials?
When to start
Many surgeons suggest starting between days 3 and 5, but this depends on your procedure and healing. Get your surgeon's go-ahead first. Our in-home post-op lymphatic service is planned around exactly that.
Warning signs: call your surgeon
Contact your surgeon straight away, or go to the nearest hospital in an emergency, if you have fever, spreading redness or heat, pus or foul-smelling discharge, severe or worsening pain, a calf that is suddenly swollen or painful, or shortness of breath.
Recovering in Lekki, Ikoyi or Victoria Island?
Talk to us about gentle in-home lymphatic drainage, planned around your surgeon's instructions.
Consult via WhatsAppThis guide is general information and not medical advice. Follow your surgeon's instructions and contact them with any concerns.