Surgery Support

MLD can play an
important role
before and after surgery.

Helping prepare the body for surgery and then aiding the process of recovery.

  • Pre-operative MLD – in the week or two weeks before the operation 
  • Post-operative MLD – both during the early/repair stage (from 5 days post-operation to 3 weeks post-operation) and remodeling phases (from 3 weeks post-operatively until 2 years post-operatively).
  • Scar-tissue massage.
Yet, once the surgery is finished, people suddenly realize that they did not dedicate nearly enough attention to the recovery stage of the process. They can find themselves dealing with discomfort, or sometimes, some pain, struggling with support garments, and having difficulty sleeping or performing basic tasks. Often, once away from their surgeon and the support staff at the hospital, they find themselves without encouragement – and begin to feel abandoned and isolated – perhaps even overcome with second thoughts. Compounding the problem is the persistent swelling, tender bruises, and the appearance of scar tissue that can seem to sabotage the benefits of the surgery.
 
Doctors and aestheticians find that pre-operative MLD treatments help not only with the relaxation of their patients, but also help to get the lymphatic system in peak condition, in order to overcome the imminent trauma of surgery in the best possible way: to help reduce swelling and bruising, to keep the lymph system operating at optimal levels to accelerate the upcoming healing process, to encourage better scar formation and ultimately reveal the new you in less time.
 
Using MLD, we can help remove the red blood cells from the connective tissue before they have a chance to become organised into haematomas (bruises). If MLD begins soon after surgery, say within 48 hours post-surgery, bruises can be drained via the lymph system. As MLD is very light, the bruises can be worked on without causing pain.
 

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Thus, during the earliest part of the treatment we work to assist the major lymphatic structures in moving the stockpile of accumulated fluid that has overwhelmed the normal flow of lymph. Then, gradually, in further treatments we bring attention to the areas that are specific to the patient’s needs, including areas that are still tender, painful, swollen and/or oedematous.
In addition, pain is alleviated as MLD removes the excess fluid which compresses nerves and thus produces pain. In addition, MLD lessens the itching felt as healing takes place along the scar-lines.
 
There is thus no doubt that the timely inclusion of MLD as part of the healing process plays a major part in the journey to full recovery. The longer it takes for tissues to decongest, the more time and opportunity there is for scar tissue to literally settle in and take hold. Scar tissue limits movement and can be the source of unwanted/unnatural appearances.
 

To find out how to make a booking, or find out more about how MLD can benefit you, please contact Carolyn on 072 147 6747 or email info@lymphatictherapy.co.za. 

You may also find the FAQ section helpful.

Real results,
real relief

“I highly recommend Carolyn Hoffman for manual lymph drainage. I have been with her for a couple of months and her treatments have made a great difference for me. I’ve really felt the benefits over time. Carolyn’s medical knowledge is impressive, and she's also deeply empathetic — she puts you at ease from the moment you arrive and creates a space where you truly feel cared for. If you're considering lymph drainage therapy, Carolyn is the person to see.”
~ Patient
“I was referred to Carolyn by Dr Murray Rushmere after my physiotherapist advised me to seek medical help for severe swelling in my legs and feet. The results of her first hour of treatment were remarkably noticeable, as the swelling decreased and I could see my ankles and knees again within a few days. Since then, I have continued to see Carolyn regularly for maintenance– at first once a week and then every couple of weeks. My legs have never been as swollen as they were initially. I was also grateful for the diagrams and detailed explanations provided by Carolyn about the process she follows. This is based on decades of experience in this area, as well as training other practioners. On a personal level I found her friendly and engaging and the environment is warm, comfortable and deeply relaxing. I highly recommend Carolyn’s services for anyone in need of lymphatic therapy to help the body clear waste, decrease inflammation and boost the immune system.”
~ Patient
“I started using Carolyn's services after my surgeries and I would highly recommend her. Besides her excellent knowledge and ability on lymphatic drainage massages, she has a caring and warm personality.”
~ Patient
“I have been going to Carolyn Hoffman for monthly lymph draining massages ever since I was diagnosed with lymphedema in February 2008. She is a very professional lymph drainage therapist who has trained in the two major types of lymph drainage massage. She is very caring and thorough, and I don’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone who needs this type of service. I wouldn’t dream of switching to anyone else.”
~ DonnaKay Lee - patient

Meet Carolyn

Professional credentials

  • Therapeutic Massage Therapist
  • Registered with Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA)(A02952)
  • Practice Number: 1070000244627
  • Speciality: Lymphoedema Management
  • Special Field Of Interest: Manual Lymph Drainage
  • Local practice: Cape Town

Carolyn specialises in manual lymphatic therapy for swelling, oedema, and post-surgical recovery. Her treatments are tailored, clinically guided, and designed to support the body’s natural healing process, with a focus on safe, effective, and comfortable care.

Got questions?
We’ve got answers

Find quick answers to common questions about treatment, what to expect, and how it can help.

Manual lymph drainage is a gentle type of medical massage that uses light, rhythmic, and circular movements to help move extra fluid away from swollen tissues and back into the normal blood flow.
You can read more about it here

MLD is commonly used for post-surgery swelling, injury-related oedema, lymphoedema, and persistent or chronic swelling.

This is an extremely relaxing, light, repetitive treatment, and often ends up with the patient falling asleep.

That depends on what condition you are seeking treatment for, but on average I see patients six times or more. Initially you will probably come twice a week for the first few weeks, then once a week, and then, after assessment, you may still continue to come every week/fortnight/month, or you may not need to continue at all.

Patients sometimes see a change after one treatment, but usually within three to five treatments you should be noticing positive changes. Again each patient will be different, but this is more or less an average.

Manual Lymph Drainage is a highly specialised form of massage, and is not the same as “normal/Swedish” massage ie helping with stiff and tight muscles – it is far gentler, does not use oil, and is intensely repetitive.

Every patient is screened via email/whatsapp/whatsapp call, to ensure the therapist understands exactly what procedure you have had, and when. If there are any doubts as to whether MLD is safe for that particular patient, either the therapist will ask you to get the go-ahead from your healthcare practitioner, or she will communicate with the healthcare professional directly.

You can request a booking via email or whatsapp, and then the therapist will get back to you to say if this treatment (ie MLD) is the right one for you, and if it is, a booking can be made. If not, she may be able to suggest other healthcare professionals you could speak to.