Manual lymphatic drainage treatment on a patient’s back, Cheltenham post-operative recovery specialist

Post-op MLD & recovery care in Cheltenham

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Advanced Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and tailored aftercare for surgical recovery

MLDUK-registered | Dr. Vodder Trained | Aftercare Academy Certified

Why choose specialist post-op therapy

Rachel Fincham, post-op MLD specialist and founder of Lymphara Clinic Cheltenham

The first weeks after cosmetic surgery, such as a tummy tuck, breast procedure, liposuction or facelift can feel overwhelming.

Swelling, bruising and tightness affect not just your body, they impact your confidence and wellbeing.

I’ve been through it myself, and I’m here to help you heal with calm and clarity.

At Lymphara Clinic I provide advanced post-op therapies; MLD, compression guidance and lymphatic K-taping, precisely adapted to your procedure and stage of healing.

Aftercare Academy specialist certification in post-operative MLD and recovery care

Certified Dr. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist

"Having cosmetic surgery myself showed me how vital expert, compassionate care is. You deserve to heal well and feel supported every step of the way."

- Rachel, Founder, Lymphara Clinic

PHILOSOPHY

Reduces swelling and discomfort

Lowers your risk of post-operative complications

Supports faster healing and better results

Helps prevent scar tissue and fibrosis

The benefits of specialist post-op therapy

How I support your recovery

Targeted therapies to ease swelling, discomfort and promote faster healing after surgery.

Advanced post-operative MLD treatment for cosmetic surgery recovery in Cheltenham

Advanced Post-op MLD

Gentle, precise lymphatic drainage to clear excess fluid and reduce swelling.

Compression garment fitting and aftercare support for post-surgery recovery

Compression Garment Guidance

Personalised advice on the best fit and wear schedule for optimal recovery.

Lymphatic K-taping

Strategic taping to encourage drainage and support healing in key areas.

Recovery education in real time

Expert guidance, post-op advice, and gentle reminders for your healing journey.

Not all “lymphatic drainage” is created equal…

If you’re recovering from surgery, make sure your therapist is properly trained in post-operative MLD, not a quick weekend or online course.

Read the full blog via the link in bio.

Lymphara Clinic: Post-operative MLD and Recovery Specialist, Cheltenham

#postopmld #mldmassage #cheltenhammld #drvodder #mlduk #mldukregister #mummymakeover #tummytuck #skinremoval #lipoedema #lipomassage #fibrosis #seroma #cosmeticsurgery #postopcare #lymphaticdrainage #postsurgeryhealing

Little did she know…
that she would, in fact, need MLD.

I don’t usually share photos of myself like this 🙈, but this was me - day 2 post mummy makeover, feeling super sorry for myself.
I’d heard lots about lymphatic drainage through surgery Facebook groups and my surgeon had mentioned I’d need to find someone local once I was home… but honestly, I didn’t think it was that important.

Then reality hit. The swelling, the heaviness, the tightness. It’s hard to describe until you’ve lived it. I quickly realised how much my body needed help to move that fluid, to ease the pressure and to start feeling human again.

The relief I felt after that first MLD session in hospital was UNFORGETTABLE 😮‍💨 I was straight on Google searching for someone who could continue my care when I got back home. And that’s where this whole journey began.

Because experiencing recovery first hand showed me just how crucial the right post-op support really is.

#postoprecovery #postopmld #cheltenhammld #mummymakeoverrecovery #tummytuckrecovery #faceliftrecovery #postopswelling #postopcare #abdominoplasty #postsurgeryhealing #lymphaticdrainage

Lymphara Clinic: Post-operative MLD and Recovery Specialist, Cheltenham.

Many patients wake up from surgery in a compression garment but don’t always receive detailed advice on how to use it as recovery progresses.

Some surgeons give excellent guidance, but others don’t go into specifics about binders, foams, boards or when to move into a second stage garment. So patients are often left unsure what’s “normal” and turn to online forums for answers.

But compression isn’t just about contour, it’s a key part of recovery. When used correctly, it helps manage swelling, supports lymphatic flow, reduces tension on healing tissues and encourages smooth, even results.

Good compression advice, combined with specialist post-op MLD, can make a real difference to comfort, healing and outcomes.

💙 If you’re unsure about compression after surgery, speak with your surgeon or a qualified post-op recovery specialist for tailored guidance.

Lymphara Clinic – Post-Operative MLD and Recovery Specialist, Cheltenham.

#postopcompression #postoprecovery #postopmld #cheltenhammld #postopswelling #tummytuckrecovery #mummymakeoverrecovery #liposuctionrecovery #lipoelastic #macom #recova #postsurgerymld #bodycontouring #postopcare #abdominoplasty

When it comes to scars, tension counts for a lot.

Here’s 2 of my clients, the one on the right started regular MLD the day after her surgery, the woman on the left only came to me 3 months after her tummy tuck when swelling didn’t dissipate.

After a tummy tuck the skin is pulled tight to close the incision and with all the post-op swelling (especially when liposuction is involved) that tension only increases. The more pressure across the scar line, the harder it is for the tissue to heal smoothly.

That’s why so many surgeons and wound care specialists say tension is one of the biggest factors in how a scar matures.

When swelling isn’t managed properly, scars can stretch, thicken, or become raised. Not just because of skin healing on the surface, but because of what’s happening underneath.

Consistent post-op MLD helps by reducing fluid build-up and easing that internal pressure, giving the scar a better chance to settle flat and soft over time.

Of course there’s always lots of variables at play but if swelling and tension are well managed, the body can heal without fighting against itself.

#tummytuckrecovery #mummymakeoverrecovery #abdominoplasty #cheltenhammld #postopmld #postopswelling #scarhealing #postopcare #fibrosis #postsurgerymld #cosmeticsurgeryrecovery #hypertrophicscar #hypertrophicscarring
#postoprecovery #scartherapy #woundhealing #scar #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #lymphaticdrainage #lymphatictherapy #postopoedema

Lymphara Clinic - Advanced Post-op MLD - Cheltenham & mobile - Specialist care for cosmetic and reconstructive recovery - Tummy tuck, liposuction, BBL, facelift and breast procedures.

That post-op plot twist hits every time 👏

#postopswelling #postopjourney #cheltenhammld #postopmld

Around the 8 week mark, something changes…

The swelling softens. Movement feels easier. The mirror starts showing hints of the shape they dreamed of, not hidden under tightness or bruising anymore.

It’s also when emotions begin to lift. Those early feelings of worry, regret, and “what have I done?” start to fade, replaced by relief, confidence, and pride!!

For me, witnessing that shift is the most rewarding part of this work. Seeing someone go from vulnerable and unsure to finally feeling at home in their body again 🥰

Lymphara Clinic: Post-Operative MLD and Recovery Specialist, Cheltenham.

#postoprecovery #mldcheltenham #postopmld #8weeksrecovery #tummytuckrecovery #mummymakeoverrecovery #faceliftrecovery #cosmeticsurgeryrecovery #lymphaticdrainage #postopcare #postsurgerymld #healingjourney

Not all “lymphatic massage” is the same… and sadly too many post op patients are learning that the hard way.

I’m seeing more and more cases like this: people booking what they believe is safe post-op MLD only to be treated with firm pressure, oils, wood tools or and incorrect techniques. The result? Inflammation, infection and long-term complications that could have been avoided.

True post surgical MLD is gentle, clinical and specifically adapted to your procedure and stage of healing. It should never involve oils, deep pressure or movement toward incisions.

I’ve written a new blog on this exact issue. The rise of unqualified “post-op massage” and how to protect yourself during recovery.

💛 Read it via the link in bio.

Hi I’m Rachel, Post-operative MLD and Recovery Specialist at Lymphara Clinic, Cheltenham

#mldcheltenham #postoprecovery #postopmld #bodycontouring #lymphaticdrainage #postopmassage #postsurgerymld #postopcare #faceliftrecovery #tummytuckrecovery #abdominoplasty #mummymakeoverrecovery #lymphaticktaping #postopcompression #lipoelastic #macom #recova #saferecovery #cheltenhamclinic #mlduk #mldukregister #lymphatictherapy #medicalmld

Did you know that after surgery your lymphatic system can’t work quite the same way it used to?

During procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks or breast surgery, lymphatic pathways can be disrupted or removed altogether. That means the system has to find new routes to move fluid while your body is already under pressure to heal.

This is why post surgical MLD is so specialised. It’s not about relaxation or detox, it’s about helping your body reconnect those pathways safely, reduce inflammation and prevent complications like fibrosis or prolonged swelling. Every treatment is tailored to your procedure and recovery stage, guiding fluid in the right direction to support true healing.

Lymphara Clinic – Post-op MLD & Therapies in Cheltenham.

#postopmld #postoprecovery #postophealing #postopmassage #lymphaticdrainagecheltenham #postopswelling #fibrosisprevention #liposuctionrecovery #tummytuckrecovery #breastsurgeryrecovery #cosmeticsurgeryaftercare #postopmassage #saferecovery #cheltenhamclinic #lymphatichealth

So what actually happens when you start MLD after mummy makeover surgery?

Here’s how recovery typically unfolds in those early weeks:

Week 1 - swelling peaks. You feel tight, sore and puffy, especially around the tummy and flanks.
Gentle, specialist MLD helps guide trapped fluid away and calm inflammation before it hardens.

Week 2 - movement becomes easier. Compression feels more comfortable, and pressure around incisions starts to ease.
MLD supports oxygen flow and tissue repair so healing can progress smoothly.

Week 3 - bruising fades and the “lumpy” areas begin to soften as new lymphatic pathways form.
This is where MLD really helps even out contours and prevent fibrosis.

Week 4 - swelling continues to reduce and results start to show.
You feel lighter, more comfortable, and your healing is balanced, not restricted by fluid build-up!!

MLD isn’t about luxury, it’s an essential part of safe recovery and helping your body settle into its new shape. 💛

Lymphara Clinic: Post-operative MLD and Recovery Specialist in Cheltenham & surrounding areas. Mobile appointments available

#mummymakeover #abdominoplasty #vaserlipo #liposuction #mummymakeoverrecovery #tummytuck #tummytuckrecovery #breastliftsurgery #breastsurgeryrecovery #breastaugmentation #abdominoplastyrecovery #postopmld #lymphaticdrainagecheltenham #postoprecovery #postophealing #cosmeticsurgeryrecovery #swellingreduction #fibrosisprevention #postopjourney #cheltenhamclinic #healingjourney #postopcare #saferecovery #lymphatichealth #fibrosis #postsurgeryrecovery

You expect to wake up from surgery feeling smaller but instead, everything feels swollen, tight, and heavy.

Your tummy feels hard, your scar pulls when you move, and even though you know it’s part of recovery, it’s hard not to worry something’s wrong.

This is where so many of my clients are when they first come to me. Frustrated, sore, and wondering if it’s ever going to feel like their body again.

With post-op MLD the swelling starts to ease, the pressure softens and they begin to feel that shift. Physically and emotionally! 🥹

#tummytuck #abdominoplasty #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery
#tummytuckrecovery #postopmld #postopcare #postsurgeryhealing #cheltenhammld #mld #cheltenham #recoveryjourney #postoprecovery

A proper introduction…

Welcome to Lymphara Clinic, where recovery is treated with the same care and precision as surgery itself.

I created Lymphara after my own difficult post-surgery experience, to offer a specialist space for safe, informed, and compassionate recovery.

If you’re preparing for or healing after surgery, you’ll find more about post-op MLD, compression therapy, scar and fibrosis care, and recovery tips here.

It’s lovely to finally be here and start sharing it all with you 💛

#postopmld #postopcare #postsurgeryrecovery #cheltenhammld #surgicalrecovery #postophealing #lymphaticdrainage #cheltenhamclinic #cheltenhamsurgeon #cosmeticsurgeryrecovery
#beforeandaftersurgery #mld #cheltenham #lymphaticsystem #compressiongarment

If you’ve had a tummy tuck, you’ll know the swelling can feel overwhelming, tight, heavy, and sometimes even scary. It’s one of the most common things clients tell me they wish they’d been warned about before surgery.

In my latest blog, I share what’s really happening when swelling builds, how soon it starts, and what you can do to help your body heal more comfortably.

It’s written from both sides. As someone who’s been there myself, and now supports others through recovery every day.

Read the full post on lymphara.com → Link in bio

#postopcare #tummytuckrecovery #abdominoplastyrecovery #postsurgeryrecovery #postopmld #cheltenhammld #postophealing #surgicalrecovery #lymphaticdrainage #postopjourney #recoverysupport

A little late posting this, but this one means a lot 🥹

Earlier this year I completed my Advanced Post-operative Therapies training with @petraerving at the stunning @woodmedispa hosted by @james.mcdiarmid

It was such an incredible experience, observing surgery, learning advanced MLD protocols, compression and fibrosis techniques, and understanding recovery from a truly clinical perspective. So grateful for the opportunity (and the people) who’ve helped shape my work 💛

#postopmld #postsurgeryrecovery #cheltenhammld #surgicalrecovery

My lipoedema reduction surgery clients will always hold a special place in my heart.

These women have spent years, sometimes decades, trying to understand what’s happening in their bodies. They’ve been misdiagnosed, dismissed, told to “just lose weight” and left feeling unheard. So when they finally get a diagnosis or choose to have surgery, it’s not just about changing their shape. It’s about reclaiming ownership of their body.

Post-surgery, the work isn’t over. The body is adjusting, healing, and learning new balance, physically and emotionally. My role is to support that process, reducing swelling, softening fibrosis, guiding compression, and helping women reconnect with their new shape with confidence and care.

It’s deeply personal work and I’ve realised that’s because it’s not just about what’s visible, it’s about everything that came before it.

#lipoedemaawareness #postopmld #lipoedemasurgery #lipoedema #lipoedemareductionsurgery #lipoedemalipo #lymphaticdrainage #recoveryjourney #lipoedemacommunity #postopcare #cheltenham #mldcheltenham #surgeryrecovery #lipoedemacompression #leglipoedema

Swelling after surgery is one of the most common (and often most uncomfortable) parts of recovery.

After procedures like abdominoplasty or breast surgery, the body naturally responds to trauma by sending fluid and inflammation to the area. This can start within hours of surgery and often peaks in the first week.

In this client’s case, swelling built up so much that her compression garment became too tight to wear comfortably. We managed it safely with gentle, specialist MLD and K-taping to encourage lymphatic flow and reduce pressure.

Here’s the thing, swelling isn’t something to fear…it’s a sign your body is healing!
But supporting the lymphatic system early helps make recovery safer, more comfortable, and reduces the risk of complications like fibrosis or delayed healing.

#postopcare #cheltenhammld #postsurgeryrecovery #postopmld #surgicalrecovery #liposuctionrecovery #tummytuckrecovery #breastsurgeryrecovery #abdominoplastyrecovery #postophealing #lymphaticdrainage

Your surgery is only one part of the transformation, recovery is where your body does the real work.

After any procedure, your lymphatic system plays a vital role in reducing swelling, clearing inflammation, and supporting the healing of delicate tissues.

Specialist MLD helps that process happen smoothly, reducing the risk of complications and helping you feel more comfortable as you recover.

Each recovery is unique.
Specialist post-op MLD supports your body’s natural healing, safely, gently, and with the care it deserves.

#postopcare #cheltenhammld #postsurgeryrecovery #postopmld #surgicalrecovery #liposuctionrecovery #tummytuckrecovery #bblrecovery #faceliftrecovery #postophealing #lymphaticdrainage

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"I felt completely overwhelmed after my surgery, until I found Rachel. Her treatments helped so much with the swelling and she made everything feel manageable."

Sarah L.,Abdominoplasty Client, Cheltenham

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Specialist care for cosmetic surgery recovery