After cosmetic procedures
Ask about appropriate support after procedures such as liposuction, a tummy tuck, BBL, breast surgery or facial surgery. Your surgeon’s restrictions guide positioning, timing and areas addressed.
Gentle support after surgery
Post-Surgical Lymphatic Drainage in Commack, NY
Care that respects your recovery—and your surgeon’s guidance.
631-462-4263 · Surgeon clearance required
Medical intake review before scheduling. No online booking.
Serving Long Island since 2000 · Our MLD team includes a Certified Lymphatic Therapist · Specialized MLD training for every provider
Recovery is personal
Support for your stage of healing
Post-surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), also called post-op lymphatic drainage, uses light, rhythmic skin movements to support fluid movement when medically appropriate. It may help reduce swelling and support comfort during recovery; your procedure, healing stage and medical instructions guide each visit.
People contact us after cosmetic, orthopedic and other procedures. The name of a surgery alone does not determine whether MLD is right for you. We begin with your health history, your surgeon’s clearance and what you are noticing now.
After orthopedic surgery
If you are recovering from a knee, hip or other orthopedic procedure, call to discuss whether MLD fits your medical plan. It complements appropriate follow-up care; it does not replace rehabilitation.
New or concerning swelling needs medical attention first.
Contact your medical team for new, unexplained or worsening swelling, especially if it is painful, red, warm or one-sided, or occurs with fever. Chest pain or shortness of breath requires urgent medical attention. Do not use massage to delay evaluation.
A thoughtful start
Three steps to appropriate care
Speak with your surgeon
Obtain clearance and instructions about when to start, areas to avoid, positioning and compression. There is no standard start date that suits every procedure.
Call our office
Share your procedure, surgery date and current guidance. We arrange a medical intake review before scheduling and help choose an appropriate session length.
Adjust as you recover
Follow-up recommendations reflect your surgeon’s guidance, changing comfort and response to care. There is no automatic series or guaranteed result.
During your visit
Light touch. Careful positioning.
MLD gently stretches and releases the skin in a deliberate rhythm and sequence. It does not use the deep muscle pressure associated with deep tissue massage.
You remain appropriately draped. We adjust support and positioning around your comfort and the restrictions supplied by your surgeon. Let us know about tenderness or discomfort at any time.
Follow your medical team’s directions for garments, wounds and drains. Massage is not a replacement for your prescribed recovery care.
Experience you can ask about
Specialized care at Hands On HealthCare
Our MLD team includes Marla Kaplan, LMT, CLT, a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. Every therapist who provides MLD has specialized training in the technique.
Hands On HealthCare has served Commack and Long Island since 2000 and is a Recommended Community Provider for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
In a client’s words
Lymphatic drainage after surgery
5 out of 5 stars
“Had a lymphatic drainage massage after surgery by both Marla and Jolie. Both amazing therapists and I can feel and see the difference in swelling. Going back for more!!”
Plan the right amount of time
MLD session lengths & prices
We generally recommend a 45-minute initial visit; 30 minutes is common for follow-up care. Your intake review and needs guide the recommendation.
| Length | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 minutesCommon follow-up session | $75 |
| 45 minutesRecommended initial session | $112.50 |
| 50 minutesAdditional time when needed | $125 |
| 60 minutesLonger, more comprehensive session | $150 |
| 90 minutesExtended session when broader care is appropriate | $225 |
Packages are not available for MLD. The number and frequency of visits are individualized.
HSA or FSA funds may be available when sessions qualify as medical care under your plan. Check eligibility and required documentation with your plan administrator. View the full price list.
Care for a different context
Recovering from cancer-related surgery?
Please tell our office about your cancer history, treatment and medical team’s instructions before arranging massage. We will help you choose an appropriate service with the right adaptations.
Our MLD scope includes maintenance support for already well-controlled lymphedema or lipedema. We do not evaluate or manage either condition or provide active Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Before your first visit
Post-surgical lymphatic drainage questions
When can I start after surgery?
Your surgeon decides when massage is appropriate. There is no universal day to begin. Contact our office with your procedure, surgery date and surgeon’s instructions so we can review your intake before scheduling.
Do I need my surgeon’s clearance?
Yes. Your surgeon’s clearance and instructions guide the timing and boundaries of post-surgical care. Tell us about any restrictions, wounds, drains or changes in your recovery before your appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
Recommendations are individualized around your surgeon’s guidance and how you respond. We reassess rather than promise a fixed number of visits. Packages are not available for MLD.
Does post-surgical lymphatic drainage hurt?
MLD uses light, rhythmic skin movements rather than deep pressure. Tell your therapist about tenderness or discomfort right away so the approach or position can be changed. Painful, forceful work is not the goal.
Should I wear my compression garment?
Follow your surgeon’s instructions for your garment and bring any directions to your visit. We will discuss access to the treatment area and comfortable draping; do not change your compression routine on your own for massage.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds?
Funds may be usable when the visit qualifies as medical care under your plan. Eligibility and documentation requirements vary. Check with your plan administrator and contact our office before scheduling.
Let’s plan care around your recovery.
Traveling from Northport or another nearby community? Call our Commack office to arrange your intake and discuss scheduling before making the trip. Plan your visit.
Start with a conversation. Our office will explain the intake process and help you take the next appropriate step.
Surgeon clearance and medical intake review come before scheduling.
Educational information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for your surgeon’s advice. Outcomes vary. For general background, see Cleveland Clinic’s overview of lymphatic drainage massage.