Cosmetic Surgery Preparation & Recovery

Support your body’s recovery process during cosmetic surgery with Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Many plastic surgeons recommend Vodder Lymphatic Drainage pre- and post-surgery to aid in recovery and enhance results.

Cosmetic Surgery Pre & Post-Op Care

Surgery: Preparation

We recommend three treatments spaced around 12 hours apart within the 48 hours directly prior to your surgery.

Pre-surgical treatment is the best option to support post-operative lymphatic recovery and care.

Post-Surgery: Drainage

Around 7-10 days after surgery, and when you have your surgeon’s clearance, we can typically start post-surgical manual lymphatic drainage.

This treatment helps to move excess fluid, relieve discomfort, and speed recovery.

Post-Surgery: Scar Care

Once the scabs have healed, scar work can be done as a part of your manual lymphatic drainage sessions to help promote optimal scar formation and mobility.

Silicone tape may also be used to address raised scars and hyper-pigmentation.

Cosmetic Surgeries We Treat

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Breast Augmentation

Breast Lift

Liposuction

Facial Procedures & Dermatology

Benefits

Swelling

MLD can help the body manage excess fluid post-operatively.
Recovery

MLD may speed up recovery in cosmetic surgery patients.
Comfort

MLD is typically relaxing and may decrease post-surgical discomfort.
Bruising

MLD promotes healthy lymphatic pathways and can help clear bodily waste.
Scars

Timely treatment can promote wound repair and mobilize scar tissue.

FAQs

Yes, when performed by a Vodder-trained professional, manual lymphatic drainage is recommended to help improve post-surgical recovery. Please consult your surgeon prior to MLD treatment.
Before surgery: at least 3 treatments done closely together right before the procedure date is best.
After surgery: For most cases we typically recommend 2-3x per week with usually around 10 to 20 total treatments. (Call or email for treatment plan consultation)
People with active cancer that have not been treated surgically or with radiation or chemotherapy, local or systemic infection, heart failure or cardiac insufficiency, acute allergic reactions, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and liver or kidney failure. We at this clinic also cannot use MLD to treat lymphedema.
Vodder MLD uses light, rhythmic strokes with no oils or lotion. It’s deeply relaxing and usually includes treatment to the neck as the foundation of every treatment.
The Vodder method is highly esteemed worldwide. It has roots in France and Austria dating back to the 1930s. Many physiotherapists in Europe are trained in Vodder MLD for its evidence-based methods and effectiveness.