Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about lymphatic drainage, lipedema, lymphedema, perimenopause and menopause, and care before and after plastic surgery, from Maison Ipanema Institute in Belgium.
Maison Ipanema supports women at different stages of life and with different needs: women in perimenopause or menopause, people living with lipedema or lymphedema, clients seeking lymphatic drainage for heavy legs or fluid retention, and women preparing for or recovering from plastic surgery. Not sure whether we can help you? Send us a message: the first conversation matters.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can be accompanied by fluid retention, heavy legs and changes in how the tissue feels. Manual lymphatic drainage can support your comfort and wellbeing as part of a broader approach. We do not treat hormonal symptoms and do not replace your GP or gynaecologist; after the assessment we discuss together whether our care suits your situation.
No. Clinical lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialised therapeutic technique that works on the superficial lymphatic network using very light, rhythmic pressure. It is fundamentally different from sports or relaxation massage and requires specific clinical training.
A mild sense of tiredness after the first few sessions is normal and indicates lymphatic activation. Drinking water and resting supports the process.
Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disorder characterised by symmetric, disproportionate accumulation of fat tissue, primarily in the legs, hips, and buttocks. It predominantly affects women and is associated with pain, tenderness, and easy bruising. It is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity.
Lipedema is a disorder of adipose tissue distribution affecting both limbs symmetrically. Lymphoedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system causing fluid accumulation, which can be asymmetric. Both can coexist and have different treatment approaches.
Lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise, specifically distributed in the lower body, and is painful to touch. Correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate management.
Yes, lipedema has a strong genetic component, often running in families, with hormonal triggers such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause playing a role.
Yes. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a cornerstone of conservative lipedema management, reducing fluid accumulation, relieving pain and heaviness, and improving mobility.
Lipedema has 4 stages: Stage 1 (smooth skin), Stage 2 (uneven skin with indentations), Stage 3 (large fat lobules), and Stage 4 (lipo-lymphoedema). Early diagnosis and treatment can slow progression.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by damage to the lymphatic system, resulting in fluid accumulation and swelling. It can be primary (congenital) or secondary (caused by surgery, cancer treatment, or trauma).
There is no cure for lymphoedema, but it can be effectively managed with Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). With proper management, Most clients achieve significant symptom reduction.
Primary lymphoedema is congenital. Secondary lymphoedema develops from damage to the lymphatic system, commonly after cancer surgery, radiation, infection, or trauma.
A seroma is a collection of serous fluid after surgery. Early and consistent lymphatic drainage is widely used to reduce risk by stimulating fluid reabsorption and reducing inflammation.
The duration depends on your protocol and the phase of healing. The first appointment takes longer, as it includes a full assessment and the planning of your care.
Facial lymphatic drainage after a facelift uses very gentle techniques to support lymph flow and can help reduce bruising and swelling. When to start depends on the procedure and on your surgeon’s approval.
Lymphatic drainage for lymphoedema may be partially reimbursed through Belgian social security with a physician’s prescription. Cosmetic postoperative drainage is typically not reimbursed. Check with your insurer.
The RAD (Rare Adipose Disorders) diet is a low-inflammatory, low-glycaemic approach for lipedema management. Many clients report significant reduction in pain and swelling with consistent adherence.
Lymphoedema affects both sexes equally. Lipedema overwhelmingly affects women. Men with lymphoedema benefit from the same CDT approach as women.
No. Compression garments maintain gains and prevent re-accumulation. Manual lymphatic drainage actively stimulates lymph flow and addresses tissue quality. Both are recommended for optimal outcomes.
The right moment depends on the type of liposuction and always on your surgeon’s approval. Care can often begin within the first week, very gently. Early, well-timed sessions can help reduce swelling and support the body’s natural healing process.
There is no standard number of sessions. It depends on the procedure, your tissue and how healing progresses. In the first weeks sessions are usually closer together and are then spaced out as swelling decreases; your plan is set after the first assessment.
Yes. Clinical lymphatic drainage is one of the most evidence-based interventions for postoperative recovery. It reduces oedema, prevents fibrosis, promotes tissue healing, and improves overall comfort after procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, and breast surgery.
Clinical lymphatic drainage should not be painful. Some sensitivity in operated areas is normal early on, but a well-trained therapist will adjust pressure accordingly.
Self-drainage exercises can complement professional sessions but are not a replacement. The deep lymphatic work on oedema and fibrosis requires clinical expertise and hands-on technique.
Swelling after a tummy tuck can last 3 to 6 months, with significant improvement visible in the first 6 to 8 weeks. Clinical lymphatic drainage significantly accelerates swelling reduction.
Residual swelling at 3 months is common without adequate lymphatic support. Continued lymphatic drainage sessions can still be highly effective at this stage.
Hard lumps after liposuction are most commonly caused by fibrosis. Early and consistent clinical lymphatic drainage, combined with Endermologie where indicated, can prevent and treat post-liposuction fibrosis.
Recovery from a BBL typically takes 6 to 8 weeks before resuming normal activities. The liposuction component requires lymphatic drainage in the harvested areas. Strict positional precautions are required to protect the transferred fat.
Most clients return to sedentary work within 1 to 2 weeks. Early postoperative lymphatic drainage helps reduce downtime by accelerating swelling reduction and preventing complications.
Fibrosis after liposuction is the formation of hard, fibrous scar tissue under the skin. It presents as irregular, firm areas causing skin irregularities and discomfort. It is best prevented and treated with early clinical lymphatic drainage.
Signs include hardness under the skin, irregular skin texture, puckering, pain when pressing on the area, and limited skin mobility. A clinical assessment can confirm fibrosis and determine treatment.
Yes, especially when treated early. Clinical lymphatic drainage, Endermologie (LPG), and other physical therapies can significantly break down fibrotic tissue and restore normal texture.
Fibrosis can develop in the first days after surgery and continue forming for up to 6 months. The highest risk period is the first 3 months, making consistent lymphatic drainage essential throughout this window.
Yes. Conservative management includes clinical MLD, compression therapy, anti-inflammatory diet (RAD diet), adapted exercise, and psychological support. Surgery may be considered in advanced stages.
CDT is the gold standard for lymphoedema treatment, comprising MLD, compression bandaging and garments, specialised exercise, and skin care, delivered in intensive and maintenance phases.
No. Postoperative recovery at Maison Ipanema Institute combines manual lymphatic drainage, scar and tissue care, compression guidance, phase-adapted technology and coordination with your surgeon.
Liposuction, abdominoplasty, BBL, breast surgery, rhinoplasty, face lift, arm lift, thigh lift, and bariatric surgery all benefit significantly. Any procedure involving tissue disruption can benefit from lymphatic support.
The starting point after a tummy tuck depends on the procedure and always on your surgeon’s approval; often care begins within the first week, very gently. Early sessions can help manage swelling, support scar healing and help reduce the risk of seroma.
A formal referral is not always required in Belgium, but surgeon approval is strongly recommended. Maison Ipanema Institute reviews surgical reports and aligns protocols with treating physicians.
Significant swelling is visible for 2 to 4 weeks; residual swelling at the nasal tip can persist 12 to 18 months. Facial lymphatic drainage helps reduce bruising and swelling from the first days post-surgery.
Yes, with your surgeon’s approval. It can help reduce swelling and discomfort. The therapist avoids direct pressure on the implants and follows the surgeon’s precautions; the starting moment is set individually.
Yes. We collaborate with an independent network of physicians including plastic surgeons, vascular specialists, and preventive medicine practitioners. We align our therapeutic protocols with each client’s treating team.
Maasmechelen, and Meise. We serve clients from Brussels, Antwerp, Hasselt, Genk, and Maastricht.
Sessions can be conducted in Dutch, French, English, and Portuguese. Our team is multilingual to ensure personalised care.
Via our contact page, by telephone at +32 471 46 37 02, or by email. Having your surgical report available at booking helps us prepare your personalised recovery protocol.
Adequate protein supports tissue repair; anti-inflammatory foods reduce swelling and fibrosis risk; hydration supports lymphatic function. Individuals with lipedema benefit specifically from anti-inflammatory dietary approaches.
Flying is generally not recommended for 2 to 4 weeks after liposuction due to DVT risk, increased swelling, and limited medical access. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.
Endermologie is a non-invasive mechanical therapy using motorised rollers to stimulate deep tissue, improve circulation, and break down fibrotic adhesions. It complements lymphatic drainage in postoperative body contouring recovery.
Most clients notice visible reduction in swelling after 2 to 3 sessions. Significant results in fibrosis reduction typically appear after 6 to 8 sessions. Full optimisation may take 3 to 6 months of consistent care.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Bring your compression garment if prescribed. The therapist needs access to operated areas, so easy-to-remove clothing is advisable.
Start clinical lymphatic drainage as soon as your surgeon allows it, keep sessions consistent during the first months, wear your prescribed compression garment, stay well hydrated and avoid pressure on operated areas. Any hardness should be assessed early.
Both are established MLD techniques. The Vodder method uses circular and pump movements along lymphatic pathways. The Foldi method integrates MLD within a broader CDT framework, particularly used in lymphoedema treatment. Both are clinically valid.