Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Specialist Manual Lymphatic Drainage for post-operative and lipoedema surgery recovery.
Gentle, precise support for swelling and fluid movement while your body heals, with treatment adapted to your surgery, stage of recovery and how your tissues are presenting.
MLD at Lymphara Clinic
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD, is at the heart of the recovery care I provide at Lymphara.
I use the Dr Vodder method, a gentle and precise technique designed to support the lymphatic system without deep or aggressive pressure.
Your treatment is adapted to your surgery, stage of healing and how your tissues are presenting on the day. It is not a one-size-fits-all massage routine.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
MLD is a specialist hands-on technique using slow, light and rhythmic movements of the skin to encourage lymphatic fluid towards functioning drainage pathways.
It feels very different from a conventional massage.
There is no heavy kneading or forceful pressure. This is particularly important after surgery, when tissues may be swollen, tender and still healing.
Why use it after surgery?
Swelling is a normal part of healing, but after procedures such as liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast surgery or body contouring, it can sometimes feel significant or uneven.
MLD may be used as part of post-operative recovery to support:
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Swelling & fluid movement
Helping the lymphatic system manage excess fluid as the body heals.
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Areas of congestion
Supporting tissues that feel puffy, heavy or particularly swollen.
Changing tissues
Allowing treatment to evolve as swelling reduces and firmness or other tissue changes develop.
Comfort
Allowing treatment to evolve as swelling reduces and firmness or other tissue changes develop.
MLD + other clinical modalities
MLD is the core hands-on modality I use, but it does not always work in isolation.
Depending on your surgery and stage of recovery, I may also incorporate:
Deep Oscillation
A gentle electrostatic therapy that creates very small movements within the tissues. I may use it alongside MLD where appropriate for swelling, congestion or areas of firmness.
Lymphatic K-taping
Specialist taping techniques can sometimes provide gentle ongoing support between appointments.
Compression support
I can help with garment fit, comfort and layering, and use specialist foams or padding where appropriate.
Scar & fibrosis support
As healing progresses, I may introduce appropriate scar and tissue techniques where there is persistent firmness, restriction or concern around scar development.
I do not use every modality at every appointment. Your treatment is guided by what your body actually needs at that stage of recovery.
How I use MLD at Lymphara Clinic
Your first appointment includes time to understand your surgery, medical history, current recovery and any guidance from your surgical team.
I then tailor treatment around what I find.
That may mean focusing more on swelling at one appointment and changing the approach as your recovery progresses.
Where your surgeon has given you a specific aftercare protocol, I work within that guidance.