LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE · LIMBURG · BELGIUM
Lymphatic drainage in Limburg: physiological care for tissue and recovery
Lymphatic drainage is not a relaxation massage. At Maison Ipanema Institute in Maasmechelen, manual lymphatic drainage in Limburg is a considered form of support: matched to the phase your tissue is in, to your procedure or condition, and to the guidance of your surgeon or physician. The aim is precise — to assist the lymphatic system where it is temporarily or persistently overloaded, so that tissue can recover in better conditions.
PHYSIOLOGY
Why lymphatic drainage matters physiologically
Whenever tissue is injured, whether by surgery or by a chronic condition, the body responds with inflammation. That response is necessary: it is how healing begins. When it lasts too long or is poorly modulated, however, it sets off a chain of consequences.
- Inflammation makes small blood vessels more permeable, so more fluid and protein leak into the tissue.
- Oedema is the visible result: swelling, tightness and a sense of heaviness.
- Lymphatic load rises, because the lymphatic system must clear that excess — often while it is itself disrupted after surgery.
- Fibrosis risk increases when protein-rich fluid lingers: tissue can harden and the layers may lose their ability to glide.
Manual lymphatic drainage works at the centre of this chain. Gentle, rhythmic, directional hand movements support drainage along the lymphatic pathways. In doing so, it helps reduce the risk of fibrosis and supports softer, more functional tissue over the long term.
WHO IT IS FOR
Who this support is for
Lymphatic drainage is relevant whenever the lymphatic system could use additional support. In practice, we work with:
- anyone troubled by heavy legs, fluid retention or a persistent puffy feeling, once a physician has ruled out a medical cause;
- women with lipedema, as one supportive element of a conservative approach (see lipedema support);
- people living with lymphedema, in coordination with their treating physician (see lymphedema);
- women in perimenopause or menopause, when hormonal changes come with fluid retention and heavy legs;
- recovery before and after plastic surgery (see postoperative recovery and post-liposuction aftercare).
Had your surgery abroad? You can continue your aftercare in Limburg, provided you share the details of your procedure and your surgeon’s approval.
THE APPROACH
How we work: from assessment to a phase-adapted plan
Every programme begins with a thorough assessment: your history, the nature and date of your procedure, the condition of the tissue, the degree of swelling and your goals. From there we build a plan using the NCT Method®, which follows the natural phases of tissue repair:
- Inflammatory phase (roughly the first 7 to 10 days): very gentle drainage, no deep pressure, focused on comfort and fluid clearance.
- Proliferative phase (approximately day 7/10 to 21): controlled progression, early fascial mobilisation and therapeutic taping.
- Remodelling phase (from about day 21, continuing for months): progressive scar work and, once the tissue is ready, supportive technology.
These timings vary from person to person and between procedures. Alongside manual lymphatic drainage, and depending on the phase, we may use photobiomodulation (PBM), TECAR, pulsed therapeutic ultrasound, Endermologie/LPG or compression guidance. There is no standard number of sessions; it is determined after assessment. Where needed, we coordinate with your surgeon or physician.
LIMITS & SAFETY
What we do — and what we do not
Our role is rehabilitation and tissue support, not medicine. We do not diagnose, do not prescribe medication and do not perform medical procedures. Your surgeon or physician remains responsible for your medical follow-up.
Contact your surgeon or physician straight away if you notice:
- fever;
- increasing pain;
- redness or warmth of the skin;
- sudden or one-sided swelling;
- wound problems, such as opening, discharge or odour.
Call 112 if you have calf pain with swelling, or shortness of breath. These signs require urgent medical attention.
LOCATION
Lymphatic drainage in Maasmechelen and Meise
Our main institute is at Koninginnelaan 72, 3630 Maasmechelen, in the province of Limburg. It is easily reached from Genk, Hasselt, Lanaken and Maaseik, as well as from the Dutch border region around Maastricht.
Two days a week we also see clients in Meise (Flemish Brabant), within a plastic surgery clinic; the exact address is shared when your appointment is made. We work in English, Dutch, French and Portuguese. Practical details are on our contact page.
MAISON IPANEMA
Why Maison Ipanema Institute
Maison Ipanema Institute was founded by Neiva Cimini, originally from Rio de Janeiro and based in Belgium since 2015. She is a certified massage therapist recognised by the Belgian Federation of Massage Therapy, holds a postgraduate qualification in dermatofunctional physiotherapy from Brazil, and has trained further in lymphology, wound-healing physiology and mechanobiology. Neiva Cimini is not a physician or a physiotherapist; her work sits within manual therapy and rehabilitation support.
She developed the lymphatic drainage protocol for Shiseido Ginza Tokyo Institute and trained its team, and is an invited speaker at ISAPS Body Masters 2026 in Barcelona. You can read more about her approach on the NCT Method® page, or discover why post-surgical ‘massage’ must be phase-adapted in our page on postoperative massage in Maasmechelen.
Practical information
Maasmechelen · Limburg
Maison Ipanema Institute
Koninginnelaan 72, 3630 Maasmechelen (Limburg, Belgium)
+32 471 46 37 02 · reception@maisonipanema.be
Languages: Dutch, English, French, Portuguese
View on Google Maps →Meise (Flemish Brabant)
Treatments inside a plastic surgery clinic, two days a week. The address is shared when your appointment is made.
Frequently asked questions
Answered honestly.
When can I start lymphatic drainage after surgery?
It depends on the procedure and on your surgeon’s approval. Starting within the first week is often possible. We always begin with an assessment and adapt the intensity to the phase your tissue is in.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no standard number. We determine it after assessment, based on your procedure, the condition of your tissue and how your body responds. The plan is adjusted as you progress.
Is lymphatic drainage painful?
No, manual lymphatic drainage is gentle and rhythmic. During the inflammatory phase we deliberately avoid deep pressure. Sensitive areas are approached with appropriate care.
Does lymphatic drainage reduce the risk of fibrosis?
It can help, although we never promise a specific outcome. It helps reduce the risk of fibrosis by supporting the clearance of protein-rich fluid. In a later phase, targeted scar work may help soften areas that have become firm.
Does lymphatic drainage help with lipedema?
Lipedema is always diagnosed by a physician. It cannot be cured, but it can be managed. As part of a conservative approach that also includes compression and movement, lymphatic drainage may support comfort, mobility, pain relief and quality of life; it does not remove lipedema fat.
I had surgery abroad. Can you still help?
Yes. Please bring your operative report and your surgeon’s instructions if possible. We also ask that your surgeon or a physician in Belgium oversees your medical follow-up.
Where do appointments take place?
At our institute on Koninginnelaan 72 in Maasmechelen, or two days a week in Meise, within a plastic surgery clinic. The Meise address is shared when you book.
Schedule your assessment
The first conversation matters: it is where we map your situation, your procedure and your goals. Schedule your assessment via WhatsApp on +32 471 46 37 02 or write to reception@maisonipanema.be.
Maison Ipanema Institute does not perform medical procedures, diagnoses or prescriptions. All care is non-medical, conservative and complementary to the treatment provided by your physician.
Maison Ipanema
Institute
Postoperative recovery, lymphology and lipedema support in Limburg and Belgium. Founded by Neiva Cimini.
Areas
© 2026 Maison Ipanema BV · CBE/VAT BE1003.133.517 · RPR Antwerp, Tongeren division