How often to get MLD after plastic surgery?

This is a question I get a lot, so let me answer this for you with a few guideline and best practices.

How soon can we start?

Clinical manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can be started in most cases within 72hrs post operative, sometimes sooner if your surgeon feels it would be beneficial. Pleas note—This is not that deep pressure reopening draining technique that are often called MLD but are a different modality all together, check out my blog post Real Talk to find out more on why that modality fad is not what true MLD is and why it is not the best option for your body after surgery.

How often should I get MLD?

Typically you will want to have 3 MLD sessions the first week after surgery, then drop to twice a week for 2-3 weeks, if your swelling and healing are progressing nicely you can then drop down to just one session a week for a few more weeks. Remember depending on your recovery and your procedures this can very, sometimes I see clients less and some see me more, it all depends on you and your body. Just as your surgery was custom to you so is your MLD treatment plan.

What about scar tissue work?

We have already been working close to the incision and puncture points to help keep the new fluid coming to the areas and to help the collagen fibers lay nicely as they built back up. Gentle scar tissue work can start at around week 6 with deeper work waiting for week 10-12 or even later. Your first year after surgery is all considered recovery time keep this in mind when you look at your incision lines.- Pro tip——Keep your incisions out of the sun and no red light therapy on these areas, UV rays will lock in that color on your scars.

Have questions? Give me a call or drop me an email I am here to help.

Warmly,

Jenny