The Smooth Recovery

ABOUT ME: I am a board-certified occupational therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), and Certified Plastic Surgery Therapist (CPST) with more than 15 years of experience in manual lymphatic drainage, including the Vodder technique. I provide specialized mobile, private-pay postoperative care designed to support recovery after plastic surgery. Sessions focus on reducing swelling, bruising, and discomfort while promoting healthy tissue healing and helping clients progress through recovery with greater comfort and confidence. Treatment is individualized to each client’s procedure, healing stage, and surgeon recommendations, with the goal of supporting a smoother recovery and helping preserve the results of surgery. WHAT IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE? Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, specialized skin-stretching technique designed to support the movement of lymphatic fluid. Unlike traditional massage, MLD uses light, rhythmic pressure to help redirect excess fluid away from areas of swelling and toward healthy lymphatic pathways. Following surgery, MLD may help reduce swelling and bruising, support tissue healing, improve comfort, and assist with the management of postoperative fibrosis and scar tissue as healing progresses. Many clients also find the treatment deeply relaxing and report improvements in overall comfort, sleep, and a sense of well-being. All treatment is provided with a detailed understanding of lymphatic anatomy and the specific surgical procedure performed. Care is individualized to your stage of recovery and guided by your surgeon’s postoperative recommendations. A physician referral is required in order to support a collaborative, team-based approach and ensure treatment remains aligned with your surgeon’s postoperative protocols. WHAT ARE SESSIONS LIKE? Sessions are typically 60 minutes or longer and are individualized based on your procedure, stage of recovery, and specific areas of concern. Treatment may address the face and neck, trunk, abdomen, or extremities, with a whole-body approach incorporated when appropriate. MLD may be provided preoperatively to support surgical preparation or postoperatively beginning at the timeframe recommended by your surgeon. Frequency is individualized, though many postoperative clients are seen approximately 1–2 times per week for 4–6 weeks depending on their procedure, swelling, healing progression, and surgeon recommendations. Education is an important part of every session. Clients are provided with individualized techniques and recommendations they can use at home to help support their recovery and maintain progress between appointments. REFERRALS: New clients are currently accepted on a limited basis, with priority given to referrals from select board-certified plastic surgeons and practices in the Charlotte area. SCHEDULING: Appointment requests can be submitted online at your convenience. Because availability is limited, particularly during peak surgery seasons, clients are encouraged to plan and request postoperative care in advance whenever possible. If your preferred day or time is not shown on the calendar, you are welcome to reach out. Additional availability may occasionally be possible; however, appointment requests and preferred times are not guaranteed until confirmed. For questions regarding scheduling or postoperative care, please feel free to call, text, or email.