Recover with Intention: How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Supports Post-Surgical Healing

At The Care Collective, we specialize in supporting your healing journey—especially after surgery. Whether you’re recovering from cosmetic surgery, orthopedic procedures, or injury, your body needs care that honors both its vulnerability and resilience. That’s where Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) comes in.

What Is MLD and Why Does It Matter Post-Surgery?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique designed to encourage the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. After surgery, this flow can become sluggish, causing swelling, discomfort, and delayed healing. MLD helps reduce post-operative edema, minimize scar tissue formation, and accelerate your body’s detox and repair processes—all without the deep pressure of a traditional massage.

In plastic and orthopedic recovery especially, MLD can dramatically improve comfort and visible results by easing inflammation and helping the body flush out excess fluid.

Meet Your Therapist: Brittany Deaton, LMBT #19611

Your MLD sessions at The Care Collective are in expert hands with Brittany Deaton, LMBT #19611. Trained in the Vodder Technique, Brittany brings a calm, supportive presence and deep technical knowledge to every session. Her work is gentle, intuitive, and highly effective—especially during the delicate post-surgical window when your body is still stabilizing.

Clients trust Brittany not only for her skill, but for her ability to listen and adapt each treatment to meet individual needs. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort, swelling, or simply need space to rest and reset, she creates a space where healing can truly begin.

What to Expect During a Session

MLD is performed with slow, rhythmic motions that work just beneath the surface of the skin. It’s a completely pain-free experience, often described as meditative. Sessions are customized based on your recovery timeline and focus areas—whether that’s your face, abdomen, limbs, or a full-body flow.

You’ll be comfortably draped and supported throughout, and many clients leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more in tune with their bodies. For best results, especially after surgery, we often recommend a series of sessions spaced out over several weeks.

More Than Physical Recovery

Beyond the physical benefits, MLD activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s “rest and digest” mode. It can ease anxiety, improve sleep, and support mental clarity. For those navigating the emotional ups and downs of healing, that kind of deep relaxation is just as important as physical progress.

Is MLD Right for You?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is ideal for:

• Post-surgical recovery (including cosmetic and orthopedic surgery)

• Swelling, inflammation, or fluid retention

• Chronic conditions like lymphedema or fibromyalgia

• Anyone in need of deep, nervous-system-level rest

Book Your Session

If you're recovering from surgery—or simply seeking a gentle, restorative therapy—MLD may be the missing link in your healing process. Book with Brittany today at takecareboone.com or call us directly. Your body is already working hard to heal. Let us support it with care that meets you exactly where you are.

Online booking is available at takecareboone.com

Also, you can call us at 828.406.4344 or text 828.845.4532 and we will be in touch to confirm your appointment!

We look forward to seeing you!