Post Op Care

Vodder method Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is now recommended by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to assist with recovery and achieving optimal results after your procedure! This is an extremely gentle technique used to stimulate the lymphatic system — reducing swelling, minimizing pain, and preventing fibrosis.

There are many methods of post-op massage. Vodder MLD is the clinical approach, with decades of medical research proving its safety and efficacy. The pressure can be described as about the weight of a coin, and it can be hard to believe that such gentle touch can yield such powerful results. Whereas firm, vigorous massage increases blood flow to the area, Vodder MLD manipulates the lymphatic vessels just under the skin, decreasing fluid build up in the area, without putting additional pressure on the body. You may have experienced other forms of post-op care at your surgery center or from another provider, or maybe you have seen the aggressive, body sculpting post-op massages on social media. I have no authority to say that this is wrong or bad, but this is not what I provide at my clinic, unless I have clear, signed instructions from your surgery center or doctor. For a minimum of 4 weeks after your surgery date, I exclusively provide Vodder MLD and other very gentle therapeutic techniques that work with your body’s natural healing functions, and do not risk additional pain, swelling, or damage to your incisions.

Consistency is key in order to benefit from your post-op manual lymphatic drainage. Just like eating healthy, doing your exercises and wearing your compression garments: doing it once is great! But you will really only see a difference in your recovery with consistent, ongoing care.

Treatment Plan

My typical treatment plan for post-op client, assuming a normal, healthy recovery with no complications or signs of infection:

• Pre-Surgery: All forms of massage and lymphatic care can help optimize your body for surgery and a faster recovery.
• 0-2 weeks: EXCLUSIVELY Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage, ideally 3x+ per week to reduce pain and prevent fibrosis. There is typically numbness after surgery due to damaged neural pathways from incisions, and this technique is so gentle, I often get feedback from the client that they barely feel anything at all. The technique works exclusively with the superficial lymphatic pathways, directing excess fluid away from your incisions to reduce swelling and promote healthy scar formation. It is NOT painful — you will feel relaxed and pampered during your treatment.
• 2-4 weeks: Primarily Vodder MLD, but begin to integrate some gentle massage to deeper layers of the body to smooth out any dense swelling. Warm stones, lymphatic cupping and other tools may be applied. Ideally 2-3x+ per week.
• 4-6 weeks: Primarily Vodder MLD, with some additional massage modalities and option for deeper, intentional work within your comfort level. Direct treatment of any dense swelling or fibrosis with various techniques. If there is fibrosis, visits 3x+ per week are recommended. Otherwise, 1x per week.
• 6-12 weeks: A combination of Vodder MLD with other massage modalities depending on your case, presentation, and comfort level. Beginning to integrate muscle massage and range of motion as you return to exercise and other activities. VIsits recommended once every one or two weeks, unless there is fibrosis or continued substantial swelling.
• 3-6 months: Regular Vodder MLD and other massage techniques will continue to help with swelling and healthy scar formation. This stage is entirely case-by-case. If you did not receive your lymphatic care in your early phases of healing, you may have some fibrosis and dense scarring that may require frequent, consistent treatment. If you had a healthy recovery and feel completely back to normal, you may opt to reduce frequency. At 3-6+ months, as long as there are no complications, you may safely receive all modalities of massage including the Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage body sculpting massage, which may enhance your results.

I realize that frequent care is not achievable for everyone due to cost and scheduling. Some care is better than no care. I do my best to provide at-home tips for you to help in your recovery as well. I do not advise on compression garments, diet or exercise. Please consult your surgery center, a post-op RNP, PT or CLT for additional support. I am happy to receive instructions from your other care providers for your manual lymphatic drainage and massages.

I do offer packages for post-op massages: 6 one hour treatments at $600 (save $120). All services must be used within 6 weeks from purchase date.

There are contraindications for post op massage and MLD:

• Undiagnosed swelling in one leg or ankle is a DVT symptom. Your risk of DVT increases after surgery. Please call your doctor, or go to the ER or urgent care immediately
• Any signs of infection
• Current illness

I have been certified in Vodder MLD and post-op massage since February 2024. I have spent hundreds of hours on courses and research, but nothing compares to hands-on experience in the field, and my lower price point for post-op services is a reflection of this. Every body and every surgery is different, and I learn so much with every client. I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2010, and adhere to all state board guidelines as a healthcare practitioner. Your safety is more important to me than your satisfaction —- if you are requesting a treatment or presenting with a situation I am not comfortable with, I will refer out and/or require instructions from your surgery team.