Manual Lymphatic Drainage is the ideal pre- and post-operative treatment for those undergoing plastic surgery, including:
- liposuction
- breast augmentation or breast reduction
- breast reconstruction
- facelifts
- forehead lift, brow lift
- blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- fat injections (e.g. Brazilian butt lift)
Most of our MLD clients come to us via referral, because their plastic surgeons do not have MLD specialists on site, or because their surgery was performed outside of our area.
Not having surgery? Please visit our offerings for:
What you’ll like
Undergoing cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is one of the biggest life decisions a woman will make. But little thought goes into readying the body for surgery or post-op treatment and recovery. An MLD treatment 24 to 48 hours before surgery will help prepare your body’s immune system for the surgery, helping to fortify it against the upcoming trauma. As for post-op treatments, Manual Lymphatic Drainage greatly aids in reducing swelling and bruising, and limits the development of unsightly scars that these procedures can leave.
What to expect
We work with women going through this delicate recovery phase, and we help accelerate the healing process using Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). While some of our post-op clients in extreme pain can’t bear the thought of someone applying even the slightest bit of pressure to their wounds, in most cases they are pleasantly surprised by our therapist’s delicate touch, especially when considering the very noticeable results that are achieved. Many times clients end up sleeping through most of the treatment.
Duration
Post-op MLD treatments are offered in 45-, 60- and 90-minute intervals. Clients should strongly consider scheduling 6-10 visits with us following surgery, as often as two to three times per week.
Our MLD Team Leader
Isabel Viveros-Ciampi is a Clinical Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist. She was first educated in MLD in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she also practiced the technique. All of our trained and certified MLD therapists work with Isabel to perfect their craft. Isabel is present at Total Body Skincare and Wellness Spa full-time, participating in setting your treatment program and closely monitoring your recovery progress.
Isabel’s MLD résumé
In the late 1990s, she trained for a year at the Dr. Vodder School of Argentina, in a course supervised by Virginia Cool of France, one of the earliest and longest practitioners of MLD and a student of MLD pioneer and “inventor” Emil Vodder. Isabel perfected her skills with follow-up courses with Cool, as well as with international experts Dr. Didier Tomson of the Foldi Clinic of Germany, Dr. Alberto Leduc of Belgium, Prof. Jean Michel Salétes of France, and Dr. Enrique Castells Garcia of Barcelona. More recently, Isabel has completed intensive Manual Lymphatic Drainage courses in the US as well. In 2005 and 2006, she studied with Linda (Koby) Blanchfield, RMT, CLT-LANA and received certificates from the Dr. Vodder School International, for MLD for the Neck and Face.
She also completed two 88-hour intensive courses for professionals at the Swedish Institute in New York City, overseen and taught by Lymphedema specialist Michael Alatriste, Clinical Director of The Lymphedema Alliance of NY. She completed levels I and II in 2010 and 2011, respectively, covering topics such as preparation for surgery and rehabilitation, common cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, MLD use in the treatment of common orthopedic surgeries, such as knee/hip replacement, and a thorough overview of breast cancer treatment. Also in 2011, she completed a course on Practical Applications of Manual Lymphatic Drainage with esteemed educator Carmen Thompson, whose training program is recognized by the National Lymphedema Network.
In July 2022, she completed a course with the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, gaining certification in Advanced MLD – Management of Post Plastic Surgery Procedures.
Treatment menu
Post-Op Lymphatic Drainage for the Body
This treatment will restore the natural working capacity of the lymphatic system, minimizing your swelling, bruising and soreness, and helping your wounds heal with minimal scarring. 45 or 60 minutes is usually sufficient for smaller areas, while 90 mins is recommended for larger areas. We will base your treatment time on the amount of surgery you’ve had. For package pricing, please inquire.
- 45 mins$110
- 60 mins$140
- 90 mins$195
Post-Op Lymphatic Drainage for the Face
If you’ve recently had a facelift, forehead or eyebrow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or rhinoplasty, this treatment will minimize your swelling, bruising and soreness, and help your wounds heal with minimal scarring. For package pricing, please inquire.
- 30 mins$90
Answers to Your Questions regarding Post-Op Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Why is Post-Operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage important?
As can be imagined, the lymphatic system is naturally compromised following the trauma of surgery, with fluids tending to accumulate, leading to swelling, mobility problems and general discomfort. Our trained and certified therapists use MLD to restore the natural working capacity of the lymphatic system, minimizing your swelling, bruising and soreness, and helping your wounds heal with minimal scarring.
Lymph drainage around the areas of liposuction and other plastic-surgery treatments greatly facilitates healing, helps to smoothen areas and eliminate lumps and indentations, contouring the skin so that your procedure is less noticeable over time.
In Europe and South America, surgeons have been prescribing MLD on a pre- and post-operative basis for decades, and the treatment has been established as standard practice. In the US, the benefits of the treatments are only now being fully appreciated.
How many Post-Op MLD sessions will I need?
Typically, plastic surgeons recommend that their patients receive anywhere from 2 to 5 MLD sessions per week for up to one month following their surgery (10-20 sessions). In South America, it’s not uncommon to receive MLD twice a day during recovery!
I am a plastic surgeon; how do I coordinate treatment options with Total Body?
If you are a plastic surgeon and are not able to provide MLD treatments to your patient due to scheduling conflicts, travel limitations, etc., please contact us.
What if my surgeon hasn’t mentioned Post-Operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
If you have yet to have your surgery, be sure to inquire with your plastic surgeon about post-op Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Ask him or her how many treatments per week are recommended, and how soon following surgery would be the best time to begin. You may ask your plastic surgeon to contact Isabel to plan a treatment regimen.
Can I come for an initial consultation? Prospective post-op MLD clients are encouraged to make their first consultation appointment at the time of their first treatment, at which time they can discuss follow-up visits. Clients can also book just a 30-minute consultation, either on a pre- or post-op basis, in order to learn more about Total Body Skincare and Wellness Spa’s methods, inquire about treatment options and expectations, etc. In all cases, the consultation fee of $50 is refunded after completing one MLD session.
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