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 reflects lymphatic activation. Drinking water and resting support the process.
Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disorder characterised by a symmetrical, 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 asymmetrical. Both can coexist and call for different management approaches.
Lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise, specifically distributed in the lower body and painful to the touch. A correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate management.
Yes. Lipedema has a strong genetic component and often runs 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 and can help reduce fluid accumulation, ease pain and heaviness, and improve 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 appropriate management can help 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 appropriate management, many clients experience a meaningful reduction in symptoms.
Primary lymphoedema is congenital. Secondary lymphoedema develops from damage to the lymphatic system, commonly after cancer surgery, radiotherapy, infection or trauma.
A seroma is a collection of serous fluid after surgery. Early and consistent lymphatic drainage is widely used to help reduce this risk by supporting fluid reabsorption and modulating 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.
Lymphatic drainage for lymphoedema may be partially reimbursed through Belgian social security with a physician’s prescription. Aesthetic postoperative drainage is typically not reimbursed. Please check with your insurer.
The RAD (Rare Adipose Disorders) diet is a low-inflammatory, low-glycaemic approach to lipedema management. Many clients report a reduction in pain and swelling with consistent adherence.
Lymphoedema affects both sexes. Lipedema overwhelmingly affects women. Men with lymphoedema benefit from the same CDT approach as women.
No. Compression garments help maintain progress and limit re-accumulation of fluid. 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 widely used in postoperative recovery. It can help reduce oedema, help reduce the risk of fibrosis, support tissue healing and improve overall comfort after procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty and breast surgery.
Clinical lymphatic drainage should not be painful. Some sensitivity in the operated areas is normal in the early stages, but a well-trained therapist will adjust the pressure accordingly.
Self-drainage exercises can complement professional sessions but are not a replacement for them. In-depth 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 marked improvement usually visible in the first 6 to 8 weeks. Clinical lymphatic drainage can help support the reduction of swelling.
Residual swelling at 3 months is common without adequate lymphatic support. Continued lymphatic drainage sessions can still help at this stage.
Hard lumps after liposuction are most commonly caused by fibrosis. Early and consistent clinical lymphatic drainage, combined with Endermologie where indicated, supports the prevention and management of post-liposuction fibrosis.
Recovery from a BBL typically takes 6 to 8 weeks before normal activities are resumed. 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 can help reduce downtime by supporting the reduction of swelling and helping to reduce the risk of complications.
Fibrosis after liposuction is the formation of hard, fibrous scar tissue beneath the skin. It presents as irregular, firm areas causing skin irregularities and discomfort. Early clinical lymphatic drainage supports its prevention and management.
Signs include hardness beneath the skin, irregular skin texture, puckering, pain when pressing on the area and limited skin mobility. A clinical assessment can help identify fibrosis and determine the appropriate approach; any medical diagnosis remains the responsibility of your physician.
It can often be improved, especially when addressed early. Clinical lymphatic drainage, Endermologie (LPG) and other physical therapies can help soften fibrotic areas and improve tissue quality.
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, an anti-inflammatory diet (RAD diet), adapted exercise and psychological support. Surgery may be considered in advanced stages.
CDT is the reference standard for lymphoedema management, 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, facelift, arm lift, thigh lift and bariatric surgery can all benefit. 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 the surgeon’s approval is strongly recommended. Maison Ipanema Institute reviews surgical reports and aligns its protocols with the treating physicians.
Significant swelling is visible for 2 to 4 weeks; residual swelling at the nasal tip can persist for 12 to 18 months. Facial lymphatic drainage can help reduce bruising and swelling from the first days after 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.
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.
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 welcome 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 on +32 471 46 37 02, or by email. Having your surgical report available when booking helps us prepare your personalised recovery protocol.
Adequate protein supports tissue repair; anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce swelling and the risk of fibrosis; 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 the risk of DVT, increased swelling and limited access to medical care. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.
Endermologie is a non-invasive mechanical therapy using motorised rollers to stimulate deep tissue, improve circulation and help soften fibrotic adhesions. It complements lymphatic drainage in recovery after body contouring.
Many clients notice a visible reduction in swelling after 2 to 3 sessions. Improvements in fibrotic areas typically become apparent after 6 to 8 sessions. Full optimisation may take 3 to 6 months of consistent care. Individual responses vary.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Bring your compression garment if one has been prescribed. The therapist needs access to the operated areas, so clothing that is easy to remove 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 pumping movements along the lymphatic pathways. The Földi method integrates MLD within a broader CDT framework and is used particularly in lymphoedema management. Both are clinically recognised.