Are You Considering
Reconstructive or Plastic Surgery?
When you make the commitment to move forward with cosmetic surgery there are so many things to consider. So often patients come out of surgery without knowing the right things to do to help with their healing process. This can be detrimental to your results. Without the correct care, healing time may take longer and your results may be negatively affected.
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Brooke is a Certified Cosmetic Surgery Therapist (CCST) with the Psomas Method through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. By performing manual treatments that focus on edema reduction, increasing range of motion, sensation and circulation; while decreasing pain, bruising and scar tissue leading to better results. Sessions will also include education on how to prevent complications, self-massage, and exercises so that you are empowered to help make your recovery the very best it can be. Good post-operative care is essential to get the best results from surgery.
Be prepared for your surgery. Pre-op consultations may be booked a minimum of 4 weeks prior to surgery date
It is important to use the most qualified surgeons when considering plastic surgery. Board-certified surgeons from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Board of Plastic Surgery have completed 6- 8 years of specific training by an accredited USA training program.
Wondering what a post-op protocol may look like for you?
Weeks 1-2: Acute Phase
- gentle MLD
- bruising and edema reduction
- fluid mobilization
- safe support for tissue changes
Goals:
- prevent fluid accumulation & seromas
- support the body's immune and circulatory response
- improve comfort & mobility
- begin early fibrosis prevention
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In the first two weeks, the lymphatic system is overwhelmed by excess fluid, inflammatory by-products, and tissue trauma. Frequent sessions help prevent fluid stagnation and reduce complications.
Weeks 3-6: Subacute Phase
- fibrosis risk reduction
- scar tissue mobilization
- edema control
- posture/ mobility support
Goals:
- continue with swelling reduction
- prevent and soften fibrotic tissue
- support tissue remodeling
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As inflammation decreases, the body begins tissue repair and remodeling. Reduced frequency allows the lymphatic system to adapt while still preventing rebound swelling and fibrosis development.
​​Weeks 6 +: Remodeling Phase
- treat fibrosis
- soften hardened areas
- long-term swelling management
​Goals:
- address stubborn/ persistent swelling
- manage scar tissue and residual fibrosis​
Post-operative recovery is not a one-size fits all process. A structured progressive lymphatic plan improves comfort and supports the body's natural healing process.
Recovery timelines are estimates. Results may vary based on individual healing, compliance and surgical factors.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not incisional drainage.
Incisional Drainage is the act of manually opening or pressing on surgical incisions to force fluid out—is strongly discouraged and considered a bad practice in post-operative recovery for several critical reasons.
Incisional drainage violates the surgeon's closure and healing process. Reopening or applying pressure to force drainage disrupts tissue repair. It can cause delayed healing and possible wound dehiscence, and increase the risk of infection by introducing external bacteria. Improper drainage techniques can also lead to the formation of seromas and fibrosis. Internal sutures and specific surgical procedures like fat grafts or implants can be disrupted leading to asymmetry, contour irregularities and poor outcomes.
