Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical answers on lymphatic drainage, postoperative recovery, lipedema, lymphedema, and plastic surgery aftercare from the specialists at Maison Ipanema Institute, Belgium.
Lymphatic drainage after liposuction should ideally begin within 24 to 72 hours after surgery, once your surgeon confirms it is safe. Early sessions help reduce swelling, prevent fibrosis, and accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
Most clients benefit from 6 to 12 sessions after liposuction, with the first sessions scheduled more closely together (every 1 to 2 days) and then tapering off as swelling reduces.
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.
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.
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.
A mild sense of tiredness after the first few sessions is normal and indicates lymphatic activation. Drinking water and resting supports the process.
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.
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. Conservative management includes clinical MLD, compression therapy, anti-inflammatory diet (RAD diet), adapted exercise, and psychological support. Surgery may be considered in advanced stages.
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.
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.
Primary lymphoedema is congenital. Secondary lymphoedema develops from damage to the lymphatic system, commonly after cancer surgery, radiation, infection, or trauma.
No. Postoperative recovery at Maison Ipanema Institute is multidisciplinary, potentially including lymphatic drainage, scar management, respiratory rehabilitation, nutritional guidance, compression therapy, and medical coordination.
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.
Typically 48 to 72 hours post-surgery, pending surgeon approval. Early sessions help manage swelling, prevent seroma, reduce bruising, and support scar healing.
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.
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.
Sessions at Maison Ipanema Institute typically last 60 to 90 minutes. Initial sessions tend to be longer for full assessment and protocol planning.
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. It helps reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort. The therapist avoids direct pressure on implants and operates within the surgeon’s precautions, with sessions typically beginning 48 to 72 hours post-surgery.
Facial MLD after a facelift uses very gentle techniques to stimulate lymph flow, reducing bruising and swelling rapidly. It typically starts within 24 to 48 hours and is one of the most effective postoperative interventions.
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.
Koninginnelaan 72, 3630 Maasmechelen, and Nieuwelaan 1, 1860 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.
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.
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.
HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurised chamber, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting tissue oxygenation. Maison Ipanema Institute offers HBOT as part of integrated recovery, particularly for extensive procedures or delayed healing.
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.
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.
CTBBAS (Centro de Treinamento Brasileiro em Bandagem, Ataduras e Suporte) is a professional organisation focused on lymphatic therapy education. Maison Ipanema founder Neiva Cimini is a Committee Member, contributing to clinical education internationally.
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.
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.
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 within the first 24 to 72 hours, maintain consistent sessions throughout the first 3 months, wear prescribed compression garments, stay hydrated, and avoid pressure on operated areas. Early treatment of any hardness is essential.
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.