There is no universal starting day. Timing depends on your surgery, healing status, incisions, drains when present, swelling, restrictions and your surgeon’s recommendations. Some forms of post-operative support may be appropriate relatively early, while other tissue-focused therapies require more advanced healing. At Uma Clinic, healing determines treatment — not the calendar alone.

No. Uma Clinic supports appropriate recovery following multiple types of plastic and cosmetic, gender-affirming, cancer-related, reconstructive, orthopedic and general surgical procedures. Treatment depends on your procedure, healing status, medical considerations and individual recovery needs.

Post-operative swelling can vary considerably between patients, even when they undergo similar procedures. Factors that may influence swelling and recovery include the type and extent of surgery, tissue manipulation, individual inflammatory and healing response, age, overall health and physical condition, mobility, complications and overall post-operative care.

Surgery produces inflammation and tissue changes, and some procedures may temporarily affect normal lymphatic movement while the body manages fluid associated with healing. For patients experiencing significant post-operative swelling or lymphatic congestion, Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be an appropriate component of recovery.

Not necessarily — but it also does not mean that every patient automatically needs Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Specialized lymphatic therapy and post-operative soft-tissue rehabilitation represent a complementary area of care. Patients should keep their surgeon informed before beginning post-operative therapy, particularly when there are surgical restrictions, implants, transferred fat, drains or other considerations.

There is no single answer because every recovery is different. Some patients experience relatively limited swelling and recover without requiring extensive lymphatic intervention. Others experience more significant or persistent swelling and may benefit from specialized lymphatic support. The important question is what your body needs now.

Not necessarily. Post-operative fibrosis is multifactorial. Not receiving Manual Lymphatic Drainage does not mean that a patient will develop fibrosis, and receiving MLD cannot guarantee that fibrosis will be prevented.

Not necessarily. Patients begin specialized post-operative care at different stages. Some come shortly after surgery, while others seek care weeks or months later because of persistent swelling, firmness, fibrosis, adhesions, scar restrictions, numbness or mobility concerns.

Not necessarily. MLD may be particularly appropriate while swelling and lymphatic congestion are present. As recovery progresses, your needs may change. Fibrosis, adhesions, scars, sensory changes or mobility restrictions may require different therapeutic approaches.

Not necessarily. Firmness may be associated with localized swelling, fluid accumulation, fibrosis, adhesions, scar-related changes or another condition requiring assessment. Because these conditions can feel similar but may require different therapeutic approaches, Uma Clinic evaluates the tissue before selecting treatment.

When assessment, healing stage and medical guidance indicate that fibrosis-focused treatment is appropriate, specific therapeutic techniques may be incorporated into your recovery plan. Fibrosis treatment should be adapted according to tissue findings rather than automatically applying increasingly aggressive pressure.

Altered sensation, numbness, tingling or unusual sensations can occur after some surgical procedures. When clinically appropriate, selected electrotherapy and sensory or neuromuscular techniques may be incorporated as part of post-operative recovery support. New, worsening or otherwise concerning neurological symptoms should receive appropriate medical evaluation.

Once the incision and surrounding tissues have reached an appropriate stage of healing, scar and tissue mobilization may be incorporated when appropriate. Timing depends on tissue healing and medical guidance rather than a predetermined number of weeks.

Post-operative care may be appropriate after BBL or fat-transfer procedures, but transferred-fat areas require specific protection. Treatment techniques, intensity and locations are adapted according to the procedure, healing status and surgeon’s instructions. Therapeutic ultrasound is not applied directly over transferred fat.

No. Uma Clinic does not use wood therapy as part of its post-operative recovery treatments. After surgery, tissues may remain swollen, inflamed, sensitive and actively healing. Rigid instruments do not provide the same direct tactile feedback and tissue-by-tissue control available with carefully selected manual therapeutic techniques.

Uma Clinic does not use wood therapy as a post-operative approach. A hard area should first be assessed because it may represent fibrosis, swelling, an adhesion, scar-related restriction or another post-operative tissue change. Even when fibrosis is present, treatment should not simply mean applying increasingly aggressive pressure.

Yes. Appropriate medical documentation or referral helps us understand your procedure, relevant medical considerations, restrictions and protected areas before beginning post-operative treatment. This may include the procedure performed, surgery date, treated areas, diagnosis when relevant, implants, transferred fat, restrictions, precautions and specific medical instructions.