What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a very light, rhythmic massage technique designed to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid away from an area of swelling. It is gentler than a conventional massage — the pressure used is closer to stroking the skin than kneading the tissue beneath it — and is performed by a therapist trained specifically in the technique, not a generic sports or relaxation massage therapist.
When It Is Used
Some degree of swelling (oedema) and bruising is a normal part of healing after most surgical procedures, particularly facelift and neck lift, blepharoplasty, liposuction, and abdominoplasty. MLD is commonly offered as an adjunct during the first few weeks of recovery from these procedures to help the swelling resolve more comfortably.
When to Start
MLD is not started immediately after surgery. It typically begins once the acute inflammatory phase has settled and any drains or dressings requiring supervision have been addressed — often from around one week after surgery, and always once you have been cleared to start by Mr Naparus or his team. Starting too early, or applying pressure directly over a fresh incision, recent flap, or graft, can be counterproductive.
What to Expect
A typical course involves several short sessions (20–40 minutes) over the first two to three weeks after surgery, though this varies by procedure and by how you are healing. Sessions are painless — most patients find them relaxing — and there is no significant recovery time associated with the treatment itself.
What the Evidence Shows
Evidence for MLD's effect on objective measures such as the speed of swelling resolution is mixed and generally modest in quality, though the technique is low-risk and widely used as a comfort measure after facial and body procedures. Many patients report it helps with comfort and a subjective sense of progress during early recovery, even where it is difficult to demonstrate a large measurable difference in swelling on a fixed timeline. It should be viewed as a helpful adjunct alongside rest, elevation, hydration and time — not a substitute for any of these.
Who Should Avoid It, or Delay It
- Directly over a recent flap or skin graft, until specifically cleared
- Over any area of active infection, uncontrolled swelling, or suspected haematoma — these should be assessed by Mr Naparus first, not massaged
- In the presence of a diagnosed or suspected DVT
If you are ever unsure whether MLD is appropriate for your stage of recovery, check with the clinic before booking a session.