FAQ - Manual Lymphatic Drainage
How does MLD Feel?
What does Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) feel like?
MLD is very different from your traditional massage. It involves feather-like pressure and skin stretching, whereby my hands are a manual pumping system, producing a relaxing effect. More pressure is applied to larger surface areas of the body.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage painful?
No. It should not be painful at any time.
I’ve had MLD before yours doesn’t feel the same?
All practitioners undergo different training and have other instructors for MLD, and various techniques are utilized. I was trained using the Vodder technique developed in the 1930s. Vodder has specific strategies and sequences to follow to receive the best results.
paperwork
Will I have to complete paperwork for this service?
Yes, MLD is an entirely different service than massage and requires more specific details on your medical history. PLEASE DO NOT LIE OR FAIL TO DISCLOSE YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY OR CONDITIONS, IT CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS RISKS.
I requested an appointment. Why must the paperwork be completed before my appointment is accepted?
Due to the nature of this service, I have to ensure that the MLD is not a contraindication or a precaution based on the information you disclosed about your medical history. Some individuals may not be eligible to receive this service. IF YOU FAIL TO DISCLOSE ANY INFORMATION ON YOUR PAPERWORK AND THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION DURING THE CONSULTATION, YOU ARE DEEMED UNFIT, DUE TO YOUR NEGLIGENCE, YOU WILL BE CHARGED THE ENTIRE FEE FOR THAT SESSION.
YOU STILL MUST ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR A CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS YOUR PAPERWORK AND THE FLOW OF THE SESSION.
body areas
What areas of the body will you offer?
The following body areas will be on the service menu. Some may not be bookable immediately due to trying to memorize/perfect my technique, getting before/after pictures from clients who have already received the work, and other reasons.
Nonsurgical facelift/sinus - Neck and Face
Arms
Chest
Legs
Stomach
Butt/Glutes
Back
Will you take before and after pictures?
Yes. I will take before-and-after pictures for my records and send them to you to monitor your progress. In the paperwork, you will sign off on a release regarding how your photos can be used.
I’m not a fan of social media posting, so typically, your photos will only be shown in the office on my phone to a client who wants to see other clients’ results. However, if I post it on my business page, I still need the release.
session
How do I know if MLD will help my condition or presenting issue?
1ST and FOREMOST, I AM NOT A DOCTOR AND CAN’T DIAGNOSE YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION. PLEASE CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IF YOU ARE UNSURE, OR HAVE ANY DOUBTS, OR HESITANCY ABOUT RECEIVING THIS SERVICE
MLD can benefit many medical conditions; however, I can’t say whether it will help you specifically.
Please refer to the conditions on the MLD page for which it can help, and do your research.
Can I receive MLD and a massage on the same day?
Yes, if you can still lie face up and down without any restrictions. For my post-op clients who can only lie in a particular position, I would suggest focusing on only MLD.
For all others, a combination of the two can help increase circulation and keep you relaxed.
MLD will be performed first since it must be performed without any lubricant. Once that session is completed, your massage session will follow. So this can involve flipping several times depending on the body area of the MLD session.
I’m post-op and have difficulty moving around. Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. However, you must arrive at your appointment a few minutes earlier. ONCE YOU ARE SITUATED, THE PERSON ACCOMPANYING YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT OUTSIDE IN THEIR VEHICLE.
I’m post-op. Can I come in to receive a session?
Yes. Please ensure you have a physician release and the specifics of their recommended aftercare for MLD.
I’m planning on having surgery, can I still receive a session?
Yes. MLD can help pre-op patients who may need to flush out inflammation, excessive fluid, or waste to start the healing process.
I’m post-op, but I have drains. Can I receive a session?
Yes. Only if your drains are closed. The blood and fluid MUST go into the tubing or bulbs attached to the drain. If the blood or fluid will be free-flowing, then NO due to the risk of infection and contamination. Please locate a medical facility that will perform MLD since they are better suited for dealing with potential contamination.
How long does each session last?
Each session can last between 15-30 minutes, depending on what issues you present with
Can I get multiple areas done in one session?
No. Under the Vodder technique, you can only have MLD performed on ONE BODY AREA. While this area may be extremely light and gentle, all the excess fluid and waste in the body must be flushed back through your cardiovascular system (heart). We don’t want to put excess strain on it by overworking the body or having it process too many fluids at once.
What if I had a Mommy Makeover (breast, tummy tuck, liposuction, etc.) or a Lipo 360 (abdomen, flanks, and back)? Can I get all those areas done, especially if they are tender and have fluid buildup?
NO. Please refer to the question before this. You must pick which area you would like to address that day. Typically, you book or choose the area where you have the most pain or pressure, then return for the other regions.
Yes, I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but it’s protocol for the Vodder technique.
What if you feel heat in an area you’re working on?
I WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP. That means that area has been worked on too much
I have CANCER, RECEIVING CHEMO TREATMENTS, OR MY CANCER IS IN REMISSION. Can I receive a session?
It depends. If you are actively receiving chemo or have a current diagnosis of cancer, NO. YOU HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING YOUR CANCER SPREAD.
If your cancer has been in remission for 3-5 years or longer, then yes, but still get a physician release.
I’m post-op or have had a past surgery, and my tissue is hard. What is this, and can MLD help?
Some people develop hardened tissue called seroma after surgery. Because it is a pocket of serous fluid, it must be drained with a needle. This can be due to a complication of surgery or improper aftercare, such as not receiving MLD regularly or according to the physician’s post-op instructions.
If this isn’t what you have been DIAGNOSED with, then it’s possible MLD can flush that fluid out.
I have lymphedema, will MLD work for me?
Lymphedema requires various other techniques, including wrapping. For the best results, please seek out a professional who treats this condition specifically.
I have cellulite and bat wings. Can MLD help?
Yes. It can improve the appearance of cellulite and the arm area
How often can I receive sessions?
You should receive sessions at least twice a week, especially post-op. To see the best results, you must receive at least six sessions.
results/aftercare
How long do the results last?
As with any service or modality, results will vary from person to person depending on whether one's lymphatic system is functioning correctly.
Depending on which body area MLD is performed on, you may see results immediately following the session, but the best results will be seen 24 hours later.
NOTE: NONSURGICAL FACE LIFT—After your session, your face may seem puffy. This is due to the body still draining/flushing out the lymph. PLEASE GIVE YOUR BODY 30 MINUTES UP TO 24 HOURS AFTER THE SESSION TO SEE RESULTS. Please ensure you are drinking plenty of water to help with the flushing.
I’ve received six consecutive sessions. How often should I come in for maintenance?
Every 4-6 weeks or until you receive the results you wanted to achieve or your doctor has released you.
Is it normal for me to urinate more frequently after a session?
Yes. MLD is a manual/hands-on pumping session for the lymphatic system, and we push all the fluids back through the system to be cleaned and flushed out. PLEASE DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Is it normal for me to swallow a lot during the session?
Yes. This indicates you are draining, especially if you receive the nonsurgical facelift/sinus drainage session.
Can I indulge in alcohol or tobacco/recreational smoking products between sessions?
It’s recommended that you avoid partaking while receiving MLD. These products can contribute to inflammation and make the surgical areas more tender to the touch, making your session more uncomfortable.
pricing and packages/discounts
Why are your sessions so expensive?
My sessions are priced accordingly due to the hours of training I received, the technique I was trained in, and the value of service.
Please remember that this service may not be for everyone. If it’s not within your price range, please consider offering a massage service within your price range.
Do you offer payment plans or discounts?
I don’t offer payment plans directly. However, you can purchase a gift certificate package of 6 online at a discounted rate of $625 (save $150). I will soon add an option to pay for your purchase through the BUY NOW, PAY LATER OPTIONS. Until then, you can pay directly through ZIP or KLARNA with a virtual card.
Please remember that gift certificates must be used 6 months from the date of purchase. IT CAN ONLY BE USED/PURCHASED FOR ONE PERSON. Once it expires, it expires. NO EXCUSES OR EXCEPTIONS