A careful guide to post-operative lymphatic drainage

01

Start with the surgical team

Post-operative lymphatic drainage is a gentle treatment that some people consider as part of recovery after surgery. It is not appropriate at every stage or for every procedure. Your surgeon or treating practitioner remains the primary source for clearance, timing and restrictions.

Before booking, ask whether hands-on treatment is permitted, which areas can be treated and whether garments, drains, dressings or wound care affect the appointment. If written clearance is requested, obtain it before attending.

02

What the treatment may support

A carefully delivered session may support comfort and help manage the feeling of swelling or fluid build-up for suitable clients. Individual experiences vary. The treatment cannot guarantee faster healing, prevent fibrosis, eliminate a seroma or replace medical follow-up.

Any concern about infection, a wound, a drain, unexpected pain or a possible complication belongs with your medical team. A wellness practitioner should work within the clearance provided and decline treatment when it is not suitable.

03

Information to share before the appointment

Clear information allows the clinic to make a safer decision. Do not minimise symptoms because you want to keep an appointment.

• The procedure and date of surgery.
• Your surgeon's instructions and any written clearance.
• The location of incisions, drains, dressings or garments.
• Current medication and relevant medical history.
• Any change in pain, swelling, redness, heat, discharge or general wellbeing.

04

What a considered clinic should do

The clinic should ask questions, explain its scope, use gentle pressure and protect your privacy. It should never override your surgeon's advice or promise a guaranteed recovery timeline.

At Lymph & Wellness in Altona, post-operative appointments are positioned as supportive wellness care. Suitability is assessed individually, and clients are directed back to their treating practitioner when a concern falls outside that scope.

05

Red flags need medical care

Contact your surgeon, GP or urgent health service for symptoms such as fever, spreading redness, increasing heat, sudden or severe pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexpected wound discharge or rapidly changing swelling. Do not use massage to test whether a concerning symptom settles.