Post-Operative MLD
Supporting your recovery with gentle, individualised care.
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Register your interestA consultation and suitability screening are completed before your first treatment. See Before you book below.
Post-Operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Post-Op MLD) is a specialised gentle hands-on technique used during an appropriate stage of recovery following surgery.
Surgery can temporarily disrupt normal lymphatic pathways and fluid movement, and swelling is a common part of healing. MLD uses light, slow, rhythmic skin-stretching movements to encourage lymphatic fluid towards appropriate functioning pathways. It is very different from deep tissue massage and is adapted to your procedure, healing stage and your surgeon's instructions.
At Health Pod Frodsham, Post-Op MLD is provided as supportive recovery care. It does not replace surgical follow-up, wound care, compression advice or medical treatment, and your surgeon's instructions take priority.
What happens during a session
- You complete a detailed consultation and post-operative assessment. Written clearance from your surgeon or medical team is required before treatment can begin, along with your surgeon's post-operative instructions.
- You are given privacy to undress to the level required and are appropriately covered throughout.
- Light, slow, rhythmic movements gently stretch the skin in specific directions. Treatment may begin away from the surgical area and avoids incisions, drains or areas not ready to be treated.
- Post-Op MLD should not involve forceful massage and should not be severely painful.
Potential benefits
- May support the management of post-operative swelling
- Supports lymphatic fluid movement
- Comfort during recovery and reduced feelings of tissue tightness
- A feeling of lightness, relaxation and a structured recovery plan
Who may benefit
- Recovery after liposuction, 360 liposuction, tummy tuck or body contouring
- Brazilian Butt Lift recovery, adapted to the surgeon's instructions
- Breast, facial, neck or eyelid surgery and selected reconstructive procedures
- Other procedures where your surgeon or medical team considers MLD appropriate
Aftercare
- Continue to follow your surgeon's recovery instructions and wear compression garments exactly as advised
- Maintain normal, regular hydration and take prescribed medication as directed
- Attend all surgical follow-up appointments
- Post-Op MLD does not replace compression garments, wound care or surgeon-led aftercare
Before you book
Your wellbeing comes first. Everyone completes a consultation and suitability screening before their first treatment, so we can make sure it’s right for you. The notes below help you know what to tell us.
May not be suitable if you have
- Known or suspected deep vein thrombosis, blood clot or suspected pulmonary embolism
- Acute cellulitis or active infection, fever or acute systemic illness
- Uncontrolled or decompensated heart failure, or severe/unstable cardiac conditions
- Severe kidney failure or significant uncontrolled kidney disease
- Unexplained rapidly increasing swelling or significant active bleeding
- A suspected serious post-operative complication awaiting medical assessment
- Treatment directly over open, infected or otherwise unsuitable wounds
May need a chat or clearance first
- Very recent, complex or multiple procedures, or surgical complications
- Previous DVT or pulmonary embolism, or current anticoagulant medication
- Heart, kidney or significant vascular disease
- Cancer or recent cancer treatment, lymph node removal or diagnosed lymphoedema
- Significant wound-healing concerns or drains still in place
- Your surgeon's instructions take priority for recovery, compression, positioning and restrictions
These lists are not exhaustive. Treatment may be adapted, postponed or declined on safety grounds, and this therapy does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
Consultation first. All clients complete a consultation and suitability screening before their first treatment. This is a complementary wellbeing therapy — it supports relaxation, comfort and general wellbeing and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice or treatment. Individual responses vary.
Frequently asked questions
When can I start Post-Op MLD after surgery?
Written clearance from your surgeon or medical team is required before treatment can begin, and the timing must be appropriate for your procedure and recovery. Please bring your surgeon's post-operative instructions, and note that treatment may be postponed if there are any concerns.
Which appointment length do I need?
Post-Op MLD is available as a 30-minute or 60-minute treatment. The right length depends on the type and extent of surgery, the areas needing support and your stage of recovery.
Should I bring anything to my appointment?
Please attend wearing your prescribed compression garment where applicable. If you have had a Brazilian Butt Lift, please bring your BBL cushion to every appointment. Bring details of your procedure and surgery date.