Recovering from plastic surgery is a process. Swelling, fluid retention, bruising, tightness, and changes in mobility can all be part of the healing experience—and knowing where to turn for specialized care can make recovery feel less overwhelming.
Stephanie Porcaro, LMT is a Certified Plastic Surgery Therapist and Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist with 23 years of massage therapy experience. She provides specialized post-operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for clients recovering from cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Located in Prescott, Arizona, Massage by Stephanie serves clients from Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and surrounding Northern Arizona communities. In-studio and mobile appointments are available, with mobile care particularly helpful for clients who are recovering from surgery and have limited mobility or difficulty traveling.
Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming procedure or are already home recovering from surgery, Stephanie provides individualized care designed around your procedure, your stage of recovery, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
Healing after surgery often involves more than one approach.
Every 90-minute post-operative session at Massage by Stephanie includes both specialized Manual Lymphatic Drainage and complimentary treatment with a PlatinumLED BIOMAX® 900 clinical-grade red and near-infrared light therapy system.
Red light therapy is commonly used to support the body’s natural recovery processes by promoting cellular energy production (ATP), encouraging healthy circulation, and helping manage inflammation during healing. When combined with Manual Lymphatic Drainage, these therapies complement one another by supporting healthy lymphatic movement and cellular recovery.
Unlike many practices that charge separately for red light therapy, this treatment—normally offered as a $20 add-on—is included at no additional cost with every post-operative lymphatic drainage appointment.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD, is a gentle, specialized technique designed to encourage the natural movement of lymphatic fluid through the body.
After surgery, swelling and fluid accumulation are common parts of the healing process. Surgical procedures can temporarily place additional demands on the lymphatic system, while inflammation and reduced mobility may also affect how efficiently fluid moves through the body.
Post-operative MLD uses light, precise techniques to support normal lymphatic circulation and help the body manage excess fluid.
Unlike traditional massage, MLD is not deep or forceful. Treatment is performed with a light touch and is carefully adapted to your procedure, your stage of healing, and your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
The goal is to provide supportive, comfortable care while your body does the work of healing
Not every massage therapist who offers lymphatic drainage has specialized training in post-operative plastic surgery recovery.
A Certified Plastic Surgery Therapist (CPST) has completed specialized education focused on working with clients recovering from plastic surgery procedures. This additional training provides a deeper understanding of post-operative considerations, appropriate therapeutic approaches, and the unique needs of patients whose bodies are healing from cosmetic or reconstructive procedures.
Stephanie combines this specialized training with:
● 23 years of massage therapy experience
● Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) credentials
● Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage training through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies
● Certified Plastic Surgery Therapist credentials
● Experience working with clients recovering from major surgery and complex medical conditions
Post-operative recovery is different from a routine massage appointment. Healing tissues require a thoughtful approach, and treatment must be adapted to the individual and the procedure.
Stephanie’s goal is not to provide a one-size-fits-all treatment. Each session is approached with attention to your current stage of healing, your comfort, your surgical history, and the recommendations of your medical team.
If your surgeon has provided specific post-operative instructions, those instructions are always respected and incorporated into your care.
Post-operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be appropriate for clients recovering from a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Stephanie commonly works with clients recovering from procedures including:
Every surgery is different. If you are unsure whether post-operative MLD is appropriate for your procedure, contact Stephanie to discuss your situation and determine whether treatment may be appropriate based on your surgeon’s recommendations.
Every person heals differently. Your surgeon’s instructions should always be your primary guide for when to begin Manual Lymphatic Drainage and how frequently to receive treatment.
The timeline below provides a general overview of how post-operative MLD may fit into the recovery process.
If you know you’ll be having plastic surgery, planning your recovery care in advance can make the post-operative period easier.
Many clients schedule their first appointments before surgery so they know where they’ll be receiving care once they return home.
Before treatment begins, Stephanie will discuss your procedure, your anticipated recovery, and any instructions provided by your surgeon.
Your surgeon’s recommendations regarding timing and treatment always take priority.
The first days following surgery are often when swelling, bruising, tightness, and limited mobility are most noticeable.
Depending on your procedure and your surgeon’s protocol, Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be introduced during the early recovery period.
Treatment during this stage is gentle and focused on supporting the body’s natural lymphatic function while respecting healing tissues.
Your individual treatment plan may be adjusted based on how your body is responding and how your recovery is progressing.
As the initial phase of healing progresses, many clients continue to experience swelling and fluid retention.
MLD may continue to be incorporated into your recovery plan to support lymphatic flow and help you remain as comfortable as possible while your body continues healing.
Treatment is adjusted as your swelling changes and your mobility improves.
Recovery doesn’t necessarily end when the first few weeks have passed.
Depending on the procedure, some clients continue to experience areas of swelling or tightness as healing progresses.
Some clients benefit from continuing MLD during this stage, while others transition back to regular therapeutic massage or wellness-focused lymphatic treatments.
Your treatment schedule will depend on your individual recovery, your needs, and your medical team’s recommendations.
Your first post-operative MLD appointment begins with a conversation about your procedure and your recovery.
Stephanie will discuss:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is performed using gentle, rhythmic techniques. It should not feel like a deep tissue massage.
Your treatment is customized to your needs and adjusted according to your stage of healing.
Depending on your stage of healing and your surgeon’s recommendations, your appointment may also include treatment with Stephanie’s PlatinumLED BIOMAX® 900 clinical-grade red and near-infrared light therapy panel. This full-body system delivers multiple red and near-infrared wavelengths designed to support the body’s natural recovery processes. Because the panel is integrated into your treatment, there is no need to schedule a separate red light appointment.
Depending on your procedure and recovery, treatment may focus on supporting the body’s natural lymphatic circulation and helping you feel more comfortable as you heal.
If your surgeon has given you specific instructions regarding compression garments, drains, positioning, or areas to avoid, those instructions will be respected.
Getting to an appointment isn’t always easy immediately after surgery.
For clients who are recovering from surgery and have limited mobility, Massage by Stephanie offers mobile appointments on Mondays and Thursdays in Prescott and Prescott Valley.
Mobile post-operative appointments can be particularly helpful when:
Mobile appointments are provided within the Prescott and Prescott Valley service area. Extended-distance travel may be available for an additional fee.
90-Minute Post-Operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage — $190
Every appointment includes:
• 90-minute individualized Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment
• Care from a Certified Plastic Surgery Therapist (CPST)
• Complimentary PlatinumLED BIOMAX® 900 red and near-infrared light therapy (a $20 value)
• Treatment tailored to your surgeon’s protocol and stage of healing
• Coordination with your medical team when appropriate
Recovery Package
Purchase 9 post-operative sessions and receive your 10th session FREE.
The package may be used according to your surgeon’s recommendations and your individualized recovery plan.
Your surgery was a huge investment. Investing in aftercare is just as important to support your healing and results.
Post-operative care works best when the people involved in your recovery are working toward the same goal.
Stephanie welcomes communication with your surgeon or medical team when appropriate and is happy to follow specific post-operative protocols or recommendations provided by your physician.
If your surgeon’s office is looking for a qualified therapist to provide post-operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage for patients in the Prescott area, Stephanie is available to discuss referral relationships and coordinate care within the scope of massage therapy practice.
Patients should always follow their surgeon’s medical instructions regarding surgery recovery, including when to begin MLD and any restrictions on activity or treatment.
There is no single schedule that is appropriate for every surgery or every patient.
The ideal timing depends on your procedure, your individual recovery, and your surgeon’s protocol.
Some patients begin MLD within the first several days after surgery. Others may be instructed to wait longer.
Before scheduling your first post-operative treatment, you should know your surgeon’s recommendations regarding:
If you are uncertain whether you’re ready for treatment, contact your surgeon or medical provider first.
MLD is a very gentle technique and should not feel like a deep tissue massage. The pressure used is intentionally light, and treatment is adapted to your comfort and stage of healing.
The entire goal of post-op recovery is to reduce swelling and support your lymphatic system to optimize healing and results after surgery. Muscle strain, knots, and chronic pain patterns are not a focus on this work.
It is generally advisable to get MLD 2-3 times per week for the first six weeks, and then weekly for the next four to six weeks.
Some clients schedule several sessions during the first few weeks of recovery, while others continue treatment for a longer period. The appropriate frequency depends on your procedure, your individual healing process, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
Stephanie can help you determine a treatment schedule based on your individual needs.
Your surgeon’s recommendations should always guide your post-operative care.
Depending on your procedure and medical history, Stephanie may request medical clearance before treatment. This is particularly important following recent surgery or when there are medical conditions that could affect the safety or appropriateness of massage therapy.
This depends on your procedure, your surgeon’s instructions, and your stage of recovery, but generally speaking, yes. We will work around the drains.
Please let Stephanie know about any specific instructions you’ve been given by your surgeon.
Most women live in maxi dresses and sweats after cosmetic surgery, particularly while still wearing compression garments.
Depending on your procedure and stage of recovery, compression garments may be worn or temporarily removed during treatment according to your surgeon’s instructions.
Stephanie will discuss positioning and draping with you to ensure you remain comfortable and appropriately covered throughout your appointment.
Disposable bra and underwear are available.
Please provide complete and accurate health information before treatment.
Massage therapy may not be appropriate in certain situations, including active infections, untreated deep vein thrombosis (DVT), acute medical emergencies, or other conditions where massage could pose a health risk.
Medical clearance may be requested when appropriate.
Your safety is always the highest priority.
Why is red light therapy included with my treatment?
Unlike many wellness practices where red light therapy is offered as a separate service, Stephanie includes treatment with her PlatinumLED BIOMAX® 900 during post-operative appointments whenever appropriate.
The combination of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and clinical-grade red and near-infrared light therapy provides a more comprehensive approach to supporting recovery, and there is no additional charge for this service during your post-operative visits.
Before your appointment, make sure you understand your surgeon’s instructions regarding:
Please bring any relevant instructions from your surgeon if you have them.
During your appointment, be prepared to tell Stephanie about your surgery, when it occurred, and any concerns you have about your recovery.
The more information you can provide, the better your treatment can be tailored to your needs.
Massage by Stephanie is located inside A Better You Medspa on Highway 69 in Prescott, conveniently serving clients from Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley.
The private studio is located between Frontier Village and Calvary Church, with ample parking available.
In-studio appointments are available Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Mobile post-operative appointments are available on Mondays and Thursdays.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a supportive therapy and is not a substitute for medical care. Post-operative treatment should always be coordinated with your surgeon’s recommendations. If you have concerns about your recovery or develop new or worsening symptoms, contact your surgeon or medical provider promptly.
