Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Enhance & Improve Your Lymphatic System

MLD With Claire's Magic Touch Studio In Poole

Initial Bespoke Manual Lymphatic Drainage Consultation & Massage £80 (90 mins)

Single Ongoing Session Bespoke Lymphatic Drainage Bodywork £65 (60 mins)

Course of 6 Treatments £351   

Course of 10 Treatments £585

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised, very gentle and rhythmic manual therapy technique performed directly on the skin without the use of oils or lotions. It is applied in a precise, structured sequence to stimulate and support the function of the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in fluid balance, immune response, and the removal of metabolic waste.

By enhancing lymphatic flow, MLD helps to reduce post-surgical oedema (swelling), bruising, tissue congestion, and tenderness. This supports a more efficient and comfortable recovery process and may also contribute to improved tissue healing and reduced risk of complications such as fluid accumulation (seromas) and early fibrosis formation.

MLD is widely recognised and recommended within post-operative care protocols, particularly following cosmetic procedures such as liposuction. Many surgeons advise a course of approximately 6–10 treatments depending on the individual procedure and recovery progress. In some European clinical settings, lymphatic drainage or related post-operative manual techniques may be incorporated as part of standard early aftercare, sometimes commencing within 24 hours of surgery where appropriate.

Make Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Bodywork Part Of Your Aftercare

 MLD should be seen as part of your initial post-operative care plan. Any form of surgery is a controlled trauma to the body. It is a part of the lymphatic system’s job to promote healing by fighting any infection, reducing inflammation to the trauma site and clear the damaged area of bruising, residual surgical toxins and metabolic waste.

 Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an extremely gentle rhythmic advanced type of massage applied in a specific order and directly on the skin using no medium which stimulates and supports your body’s lymphatic system. Thereby promoting a speedy recovery and encourages the utmost comfort reducing the side effects of swelling, bruising and tenderness following the procedure. It is strongly recommended by surgeons post-surgery.

In particular, MLD is an effective part of liposuction aftercare recovery and most surgeons recommend between 6-10 treatments. Indeed, European clinical cosmetic services often provide MLD treatment or incisional drainage* as part of the post-recovery care, and start within 24 hours following the procedure.

"Claire's MLD is just heavenly. No matter how hectic I feel inside when I get there, I always leave so chilled and calmed. On certain days it's a real life saver." - Jo (May 2026)

"I highly recommend Claire for post-op lymphatic drainage massage. After my tummy tuck, the treatments helped reduce swelling, improve comfort, and support my recovery. Very professional, knowledgeable, and caring — I felt better after every session. I’m very grateful for the support and would definitely recommend." - Wioleta Polarczyk (March 2026)

"Claire is a very knowledgeable and experienced therapist. I previously received excellent massages from her, I am now having lymphatic treatments (in a hope to rebalance and reduce inflammation). I know I am in the best hands, and I look forward to receiving further treatments." - Sarah I (October 2025)

* Please note:  Claire does not offer incisional drainage.  This should ideally be performed by a trained medical practitioner.  If you have had a cosmetic treatment such as liposuction, please talk to your surgeon about whether MLD is right for you.  It is always important to follow your surgeon's advice.

What To Expect After Surgery

Following surgical procedures, the body naturally enters an inflammatory and repair phase. During this time, swelling, bruising, tightness, and fluid retention are normal physiological responses. The lymphatic system becomes temporarily overwhelmed due to surgical disruption, which can slow the removal of excess fluid and cellular waste.

Post-surgical MLD is important because it supports the body’s natural healing processes during this critical phase. By assisting lymphatic flow, it helps to manage inflammation more effectively, reduce discomfort, and support the body in restoring balance more efficiently. This can contribute to improved comfort, reduced swelling duration, and a smoother overall recovery trajectory.

As with all post-surgical care, treatment timing and suitability should always align with the guidance of the operating surgeon or medical team to ensure safe and optimal recovery outcomes

What To Expect From Post-Cosmetic Surgery Care

A full consultation prior to your surgery is the ideal, giving you the opportunity to discuss any concerns, understand the treatment,  gather information and medical information, go through your treatment plan and book your appointments to suit your convenience without enduring post-surgery discomfort. This also allows you to be able to plan ahead, know where you are going for your treatments and for a rapport to be developed giving you peace of mind that following your procedure you have support in place.  Claire fully understands that in most cases surgeons will only make patients aware of the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage post-surgery, it’s never too late, just book in for a full consultation.

 MLD treatment will be the main type of treatment initially. Claire is trained in the Vodder technique, the repetitive gentle movements are profoundly relaxing and can be performed as soon as 24 hours post-surgery to assist and support your body's lymphatic system to promote a speedy recovery and reduce side effects including swelling, bruising, and tenderness following surgical procedures.

  Depending upon the type of surgical procedure, and in order to achieve optimal results for you, the treatment will evolve to include: breathing exercises, gently stretching, myofascial release, massage techniques, use of vibrational massage, and silicone cupping. Each treatment is bespoke and will accommodate and support the body’s recovery. Complimentary application of arnica gel follows each treatment as and when appropriate.  

  Claire will also provide advice on the use of dry brushing and self-fascial release techniques (use of foam rollers and massage equipment) to support your healing journey.

The number of MLD bodywork treatments you have post-surgery will depend on several factors including the type of procedure, the number of areas being treated at once, and the general state of your health and lifestyle so please book in for a full MLD consultation with Claire at Claire's Magic Touch Studio in Poole. 

Claire also recommends having MLD treatments 2-4 days prior to your surgery to promote the best health for your tissues. Book a consultation now so we can plan your treatments as part of your pre and post-operative care plan.

"Claire is not only warm and welcoming but she’s extremely educated, I learn something new each time I have a lymphatic drainage massage! Really enjoying my post surgery treatments. Highly recommended." - Lucy T (February 2026)

"More than a magic touch! The treatment following major surgery was above every expectation and Claire knew exactly where I needed it most. One very talented therapist. Thank you Claire." - Carmen Woodman (Octrober 2025)

Improve Lymphatic Drainage With MLD

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is hugely beneficial for people who suffer from lymphoedema and lipedema disorders that prevent proper drainage of lymph fluids (very often in the legs).  If you are suffering from unnatural swelling and pain, Claire can help by stimulating the lymphatic system to give you immediate relief.  

By increasing the flow through the lymph nodes, your system will be able to filter out waste, dead cells, excess proteins, and toxins. An increase in the production of lymphocytes will also heighten your body’s ability to fight infections.

Your lymphatic system plays a complex and crucial role within your immune system.  It consists of capillaries, vessels, lymph nodes, ducts, lymphoid organs and tissues (Peyer’s Patch’s, tonsils, adenoids, spleen, bone marrow, appendix and thymus gland).  It works complimentary to the circulatory system, collecting and draining excess bodily fluids from the tissues.  

The lymphatic system has many functions including:

Protecting your body from infection

Maintaining body fluid levels

Absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients within the digestive system

Removing cellular waste

MLD is effective in stimulating and clearing the toxins and cellular debris within the lymphatic system.  Lymphatic circulation has no direct pump such as the heart to move the lymph (the interstitial fluid) around the body. It relies on pressure of the arterial pulse, negative pressure in the thorax (that’s why abdominal breathing is so beneficial), valves and muscular movement.