Post-Operative Lymphatic Drainage

What Is Post-Operative Lymphatic Drainage?

Post-operative lymphatic drainage is a gentle therapeutic technique designed to support your body’s natural healing process after surgery. It involves slow, rhythmic movements over the skin to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to clear excess fluids, reduce swelling, and promote circulation. Unlike deeper massage styles, this technique is light and specifically tailored for the delicate stage of recovery.

Why It’s Important & What It Helps With

After surgery, the body naturally responds by retaining fluid in tissues, which can lead to swelling (oedema), bruising, and discomfort. Post-operative lymphatic drainage can assist by:

Minimising swelling and bruising
Easing pressure and discomfort in the operated region
Accelerating the removal of metabolic waste and excess fluids
Enhancing microcirculation and nutrient delivery to healing tissues
Reducing the risk of fibrosis, scar adhesions, and related complications
Supporting immune function in the early recovery phase

These benefits are especially relevant in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries (such as liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast procedures, facelifts), where lymphatic channels may be temporarily disrupted.

Common Symptoms & Signs Addressed

Post-operative lymphatic drainage can help with symptoms such as:

Persistent or increasing swelling after surgery
Bruising that lingers longer than expected
Heaviness, tightness or pressure in the treated area
Localised pain or discomfort not solely explained by the surgical trauma
Sluggish healing or slow resolution of inflammation
Feelings of stiffness, reduced mobility, or “hard” patches under the skin

If any of these symptoms are present, professional lymphatic drainage may improve comfort and assist recovery.

How & When the Treatment Is Performed

When to Start

Timing depends on your surgeon’s guidance and the specifics of your surgery. In many cases, very gentle drainage can begin a few days post-operatively, once the surgical incisions are stable and not actively leaking.

Frequency & Duration

A typical post-operative protocol might include 2 sessions per week over 4 to 6 weeks, though this may be adjusted to individual needs. Each session often lasts from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the area and extent of surgery.

Technique

The practitioner uses very soft, wave-like strokes and gentle pressure, guiding lymph fluid towards functional drainage pathways.
They may extend the treatment beyond the immediate surgical zone to ensure the body’s whole lymphatic network is supported.
The technique is non-invasive, relaxing, and should not cause pain (though mild discomfort may occur due to underlying inflammation).
Sessions may be complemented by adjunctive therapies (e.g. compression garments, light therapies, ultrasound, depending on the clinic) to further enhance results.

Precautions & Contraindications

While the technique is generally safe, it should not be performed in cases of:
Active infection at or near the surgical site

Untreated vein thrombosis or serious vascular disorders
Uncontrolled heart, kidney or circulatory conditions
Malignancies (unless cleared by oncology)
Fragile or unstable wound sites

Always consult yoursurgeon and a qualified lymphatic drainage therapist before beginning therapy.

Treatment Menu & Pricing

LED Only (Add-On)
30min — A$50

First Appointment After Surgery / Lymphatic Drainage
1h 30min — A$250

First Appointment After Surgery / Lymphatic Drainage (50 min)
50min — A$150

Lymphatic Drainage Post-Operative (45 min)
45min — A$140

Lymphatic Drainage Post-Operative
1h 30min — A$240

Lymphatic Drainage (Post-Operative or Not) + Bed LED
1h 15min — A$190

Lymphatic Drainage Post-Operative (45 min) with Kenia
45min — A$160

Lymphatic Drainage Post-Operative with Kenia
1h 30min — A$300