Recovering from surgery is a process.
Your body has been through a major procedure. Post-operative recovery treatment is designed specifically for the changing needs of your body as it heals.
At Massage by Stephanie, post-operative appointments go beyond standard Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Each 90-minute session is individualized based on your procedure, stage of healing, swelling patterns, incision sites, tissue changes, comfort level, and recovery goals.
Whether you are recovering locally or returning home after traveling for surgery, knowledgeable post-operative care can help support a more comfortable recovery.
90-Minute Post-Operative Recovery Treatment — $190
Red light therapy is included with every post-operative session at no additional charge.
Recovery Package: Purchase 9 sessions and receive your 10th session free — $1,710 total, or $171 per treatment.
Your surgery was a huge investment. Investing in aftercare is just as important to support your healing and results.
Post-operative recovery is not the same as a routine lymphatic massage.
Surgery temporarily changes the way fluid moves through your tissues. Swelling, bruising, inflammation, incision placement, surgical garments, scar formation, tissue healing, and changes to normal lymphatic pathways can all affect how your treatment should be performed.
Your session may include, when appropriate for your stage of healing:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage adapted to your procedure
Assessment of swelling and tissue changes
Techniques to encourage healthy fluid movement
Fibrosis prevention and management
Gentle scar and tissue mobilization as healing progresses
Red light therapy at no additional charge
Positioning modifications for comfort and surgical precautions
Ongoing adjustments as your body changes throughout recovery
This is why recent surgical clients are scheduled for Post-Operative Recovery rather than standard MLD.
The treatment that is appropriate several days after surgery may be very different from the treatment your body needs several weeks later.
Early sessions generally focus on gentle lymphatic support, swelling and comfort. As healing progresses, treatment can evolve to address firmness, restricted tissue, developing fibrosis, scars, mobility and lingering areas of swelling.
Your recovery is continually reassessed rather than treated with the same routine at every appointment.
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 Porcaro, LMT, BCTMB, MLD-C, CPST, has more than 23 years of massage therapy experience and advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and plastic surgery recovery.
As a Certified Plastic Surgery Therapist (CPST), Stephanie has specialized education in working with the post-operative body, including lymphatic drainage, swelling, fibrosis, scar tissue and the different stages of surgical recovery.
Post-operative work requires more than knowing how to perform MLD. It requires knowing when, where and how to modify treatment as the body heals — and when an area should not be treated at all.
Your surgery is a significant investment. Your recovery deserves the same level of 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:
*Treatment following cancer surgery, lymph-node removal or complex reconstruction may require additional precautions or medical clearance.
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.
We begin by discussing your procedure, surgery date, areas treated, current symptoms, surgeon’s instructions, medications, compression garments, drains or incisions, and any concerns you have about your recovery.
Your body is then assessed for swelling, areas of fluid accumulation, tenderness, tissue firmness and other changes relevant to treatment.
Treatment is gentle and adapted to what your body can safely tolerate at that point in recovery.
While MLD tends to be repetitive, your treatment changes as you heal.
At each appointment, we reassess your swelling, comfort, tissue texture and progress. Techniques are adjusted accordingly rather than simply repeating the same lymphatic routine.
As appropriate, later sessions may begin incorporating scar mobilization, fibrosis work and other techniques designed for the later stages of recovery.
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 also offers mobile appointments in Prescott and Prescott Valley. Extended-distance travel may be available for an additional fee.
Mobile post-operative appointments can be particularly helpful when:
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.
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 every day except Monday.
Mobile post-operative appointments can be scheduled around studio hours.
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.
