My Non-Negotiable Rule for Surgical Recovery (And Why It Should Be Yours, Too)
There are some things in this industry that I am absolutely, completely uncompromising on. This is one of them.
Long before I ever opened the doors to The Hideout, my first job was in the world of selling cosmetic surgery as a Patient Care Coordinator. II saw the incredible, life-changing transformations, but I also saw the recovery process up close and personal. And back then, we insisted on one thing for every single patient who walked through our doors: a planned course of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).
This wasn't an optional extra or a luxury add-on. It was considered a fundamental part of the surgical process itself. We knew then what I know with even more certainty and passion today: your final result isn't just shaped in the operating theatre; it's perfected and protected in the recovery room.
My passion for MLD isn't just about what I've learned in my training; it's born from years of seeing the undeniable difference it makes. It’s the key to a smoother, faster, and more comfortable recovery, and I want to walk you through why.
Guiding Your Body Through Healing
After surgery, your body is in emergency mode. It rushes fluid to the area to try and heal, which results in the significant swelling, bruising, and discomfort you feel. While this is a natural response, it can be chaotic. If this fluid stagnates, it can lead to prolonged pain, increased risk of infection, and the formation of fibrosis (hard, lumpy scar tissue) that can compromise your beautiful new contours.
MLD is the calm, expert hand that guides your body out of that chaos. It’s a precise, gentle, and rhythmic technique that manually stimulates your lymphatic system, your body’s master cleanup crew. We effectively clear the traffic jam of fluid, allowing your system to flush out waste, reduce swelling, and create the perfect environment for healing.
Your MLD Journey With Us: What to Expect
I know that the idea of any kind of touch after surgery can be daunting. I want to demystify the process for you, because it’s a journey we take together.
Step 1: The Consultation is Everything. Before we begin any hands-on work, we sit down and talk. We need to understand everything: the specifics of your procedure, your surgeon's instructions, how you’re feeling both physically and emotionally, and what your goals are. This is where we build your bespoke recovery plan.
Step 2: The Gentle, Soothing Treatment. This is not a deep or painful massage. MLD is incredibly light and rhythmic. We use precise, gentle motions to stimulate lymphatic flow, and most of our clients find the sessions deeply relaxing and a welcome relief from their discomfort.
Step 3: A Plan That Adapts to You. Recovery isn't always linear. We will start with the plan we create in your consultation, but we constantly assess your progress. Your plan is a living document, tailored to ensure your recovery is as seamless and efficient as possible.
My Pro-Tips for Your Best Recovery
As your post-operative specialist, my care goes beyond the treatment bed. I want to empower you with the knowledge to make your healing journey even better. Here are a few things you can do:
Get Your Compression Right. Your surgeon will recommend a compression garment, and it is vital. However, the fit is crucial. It needs to be snug and supportive without being painfully restrictive or creating new creases. If you're unsure, let us help you. We can check the fit and recommend specific foams or boards to ensure you get smooth, even compression. I love Macom and their service is second to none. Any questions you have re sizing or what to buy call them and they are so helpful. They have kindly provided me a code to share HIDEOUT15 for 15% off.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Think of water as the fuel for your lymphatic system. Flushing your body with plenty of water is one of the best things you can do to aid the drainage process and reduce swelling.
Listen To Your Body. This is so important. Rest is not laziness; it's active healing. Gentle movement, like short, slow walks is fantastic for circulation, but pushing yourself too hard will set you back. Be kind and patient with yourself.
You Are Not Alone. You have a team. You have your surgeon, and you have us. If something doesn't feel right or you have a question, please ask. We are here to support you, guide you, and cheer you on.
You’ve made an incredible investment in yourself. My mission is to help you protect that investment. Let's plan your recovery with the same care and attention to detail that you put into choosing your surgeon, and work together to reveal the beautiful result you deserve.
