Lymphatic drainage massage, or Manual Lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a gentle, rhythmic technique designed to stimulate your lymphatic system. Through light, sweeping motions, this specialized massage helps to reduce swelling, detoxify the body, and speed up recovery after surgery.
It is highly recommended to get lymphatic massages after cosmetic procedures, particularly liposuction. MLD supports healing from abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, thigh lifts, brachioplasty, and BBLs. Stephanie is experienced with working with patients immediately after such surgeries.
MLD helps patients heal after cancer treatment and reconstruction surgery, and helps manage secondary lymphedema after removal of lymph nodes.
Stephanie Porcaro is a Licensed Massage Therapist with 22 years of experience providing Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in Prescott. This gentle, specialized technique supports the body’s natural healing process by reducing swelling, improving lymphatic flow, and easing post-surgical discomfort.
Studio appointments are available in Prescott. In-home mobile sessions are offered for clients recovering from surgery or with limited mobility.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a light, rhythmic technique designed to encourage healthy lymph flow and reduce fluid retention. Unlike traditional massage, MLD uses precise, gentle movements that work with the body’s natural drainage pathways.
MLD may help:
✔ Reduce post-operative swelling and bruising
✔ Support tissue healing
✔ Minimize fibrosis
✔ Decrease inflammation
✔ Promote overall lymphatic function
Lymphatic massage is commonly used to support healing after cosmetic and medical procedures. Treatment is tailored to your stage of recovery and always respects your surgeon’s guidelines.
✔ Liposuction
✔ Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
✔ Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
✔ Breast augmentation or reduction
✔ Breast reconstruction
✔ C-section
✔ Orthopedic surgeries (including joint replacements)
✔ Mastectomies and lymph node removal after cancer treatment
✔ Remission after chemotherapy and radiation
Early sessions, when medically appropriate, may help reduce fluid accumulation, tightness, and discomfort while supporting healthy healing.
✔ Recently had cosmetic or orthopedic surgery
✔ Have lipedema or lymphedema
✔ Experience chronic swelling or fluid retention
✔ Feel heavy, tight, or inflamed tissue after surgery
✔ Need help reducing post-surgical fibrosis
MLD is often used to reduce swelling and improve healing after surgery, which is why surgeons frequently recommend it during recovery.
Mobile sessions are available for clients in Prescott who are in early recovery or prefer treatment at home. This option allows you to rest comfortably while continuing consistent care.
For those managing lymphedema or lipedema, lymphatic drainage can provide ongoing support by:
✔ Reducing limb heaviness
✔ Improving fluid movement
✔ Increasing comfort
✔ Supporting long-term symptom management
Each session is adapted to your health history and current needs.
✔ Comprehensive intake and health review
✔ Gentle, non-painful techniques
✔ Focused treatment based on your surgical or medical needs
✔ Aftercare guidance to support optimal results
MLD should feel calming and restorative. Many clients notice reduced swelling and a lighter sensation following treatment.
MLD may not be recommended in cases of:
✔ Acute infection
✔ Active blood clot (DVT)
✔ Uncontrolled congestive heart failure
✔ Certain untreated medical conditions
If you are unsure, consultation with your physician is advised.
✔ 22 years of professional massage experience
✔ Specialized training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage
✔ Experience supporting cosmetic and medical recovery
✔ Professional studio setting and mobile availability for post-op patients
Care is personalized, supportive, and focused on safe therapeutic outcomes.
Manual lymphatic drainage is very gentle and uses slow, rhythmic and pumping movements that encourage lymph flow without deep pressure. Sessions are tailored to your condition and stage of healing.
A typical session involves the full body and follows specific landmarks along the body where fluid collects, and provides focused care to the areas where there is extra swelling or discomfort. Many patients fall asleep during lymphatic bodywork.
For patients who are post-op, we work within the parameters of how they are able to be positioned on the table, and in very early stages of recovery, gloves may be used. Scar tissue along incisions will also be treated after those incisions heal.
Lymphatic massage is a must-have after surgical procedures. Joint replacements, cosmetic procedures, lipoma removals, and reconstruction after cancer are all instances that can benefit from post-surgical MLD. The gentle manual strokes helps reduce swelling and pain by stimulating the lymphatic system to move excess fluid out of the tissues. This process also aids in faster healing, reduces pain, prevents complications like fibrosis (scar tissue buildup), and can improve the final aesthetic results.
Recovery can be physically and emotionally demanding. The body is working hard to repair tissue, manage inflammation, and restore normal function. Supportive therapies such as therapeutic massage and manual lymphatic drainage can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and ease discomfort while the body heals.
Just as importantly, supportive care can help calm the nervous system and create a sense of safety and relaxation, which allows the body to focus on recovery. Stephanie has personally experienced recovery from surgical procedures, managing her chronic illness of lipedema, and recovery from major illness, and is eager to provide support during this vulnerable and demanding time.
Every surgeon has her own instructions, so follow your surgeon’s recommendations first and foremost. Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is safe as soon as the day after surgery.
I will wear gloves while your incisions are still leaking and healing, and there is time built into the session for you to get in and out of compression garments.
This extra investment improves aesthetic results, and reduces swelling and fibrosis.
If this is your first massage with me, you will complete the forms sent out by my online booking system, before we meet. This gives me helpful information for best treating you.
The night before the massage, I support you getting an excellent night’s sleep. The day of the massage, please drink more water than normal, so that you are properly hydrated.
Please plan your exercise routine so that no weight lifting or intensive exercise is on your schedule after your massage, AND the day immediately following your massage.
Lymphatic massage is a must-have after surgical procedures. Joint replacements, cosmetic procedures, lipoma removals, and reconstruction after cancer are all instances that can benefit from post-surgical MLD. The gentle manual strokes helps reduce swelling and pain by stimulating the lymphatic system to move excess fluid out of the tissues. This process also aids in faster healing, reduces pain, prevents complications like fibrosis (scar tissue buildup), and can improve the final aesthetic results.
Every surgeon has her own instructions, so follow your surgeon’s recommendations first and foremost. Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is safe as soon as the day after surgery.
I will wear gloves while your incisions are still leaking and healing, and there is time built into the session for you to get in and out of compression garments.
Optimal outcomes from surgery involve lymphatic drainage massage 2x/weekly for 6-8 weeks after procedures. This extra investment improves aesthetic results, and reduces swelling and fibrosis.
Numerous studies link massage therapy with better health outcomes. Specific benefits include reducing stress and alleviating pain, improving sleep, and increasing flexibility. Massage can improve circulation, increase flexibility and range of motion, and aid in recovery from injuries by boosting blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
As we get older, our bodies require more and more specialized maintenance. Stephanie has experience working with complex medical cases including patients who are recovery from cancer (chemo, cancer surgeries, mastectomies, tumor and organ removals), recovery from joint replacements, recovery from other major surgery, and ongoing treatment of chronic illness.
Even for those in excellent health, having a specialist who provides relaxation experiences fully customized to your preference is an outstanding investment in your embodied experience and overall quality of life.
If you are preparing for surgery or recovering from a procedure, professional lymphatic drainage can be a valuable part of your healing plan.
