Gentle drainage that helps your body heal.

MLD is a light, rhythmic hands-on technique that encourages your lymphatic system to move excess fluid toward healthy lymph nodes. Widely used to reduce swelling after surgery.

No. While our focus is post-cosmetic-surgery recovery, MLD supports general swelling, fluid retention and overall wellness.

Most people feel lighter and more comfortable. You may need to use the restroom more as fluid clears — that’s normal.

Often within the first week, once your surgeon clears you.

Yes. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a core component of Complete Decongestive Therapy, the standard approach to lymphedema management. Crystal is certified in the Vodder Technique, which was developed specifically for this kind of work. For diagnosed lymphedema — including swelling following mastectomy or lymph node removal, we ask for a referral or written clearance from your physician so your sessions fit into the care plan they’ve already built for you.

For most people, yes — MLD is one of the gentlest hands-on techniques there is. There are some conditions where we’d need your doctor’s input first, including active infection, a known or suspected blood clot, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, or an active cancer diagnosis. Low blood pressure, thyroid conditions, asthma and early pregnancy aren’t automatic barriers, but we’ll talk them through before your first session. Every appointment starts with a health history review, so nothing gets missed.

They’re not the same thing and they aren’t interchangeable. A regular or deep-tissue massage works on muscle with firm pressure. MLD works on the lymphatic vessels sitting just beneath the skin, using very light, rhythmic, directional strokes that follow the body’s drainage pathways. Deep pressure on post-surgical tissue can actually collapse those vessels and make swelling worse. Certification exists for exactly this reason, the technique has to be precise to work.

It depends on your procedure, how much swelling you have, and what your surgeon recommends. Most post-surgical patients start within two to five days of surgery and come in three to five times over the first two weeks, then taper as swelling comes down. Some patients continue at a lower frequency through the first few months. We’ll build a plan around your surgeon’s instructions at your first visit rather than selling you a fixed package upfront.