FAQ
 

What is lymphatic massage? 

The lymphatic system is a vital part of your immune system, a hidden network of vessels and organs just beneath the skin that helps your body flush out toxins, waste, and bacteria. Think of it as your body's natural detox system, working behind the scenes to keep you healthy.

Lymphatic drainage massage, a rhythmic technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid. By guiding this fluid toward areas with healthy, functioning lymph nodes, the massage supports your body's natural cleansing and healing processes.

​

What’s the difference between Brazilian lymphatic drainage and manual lymphatic drainage?

Both techniques support the lymphatic system, the network that clears fluid, waste, and inflammation from the body. They share the same purpose but differ in pressure, pace, and approach.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) was developed in Europe in the 1930s and uses very light, slow strokes that gently stretch the skin to move lymph fluid. It is often used in clinical settings for medically managed swelling.

Brazilian lymphatic drainage builds on the same principles with firmer pressure and quick, rhythmic movements that move fluid through the body efficiently. It supports lymphatic flow, increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports immune function, while also delivering visible results like reduced bloating and a more sculpted, contoured shape. It is used for overall wellness, relief from chronic symptoms, recovery after surgery, and pregnancy and postpartum swelling.

Our approach:

At Lymph Lounge, every session is tailored to your body. Our therapists draw on the principles of both techniques, adjusting pressure and pace to what you need that day. A client recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition will receive a different session than someone preparing for an event. The goal is always the same: a healthier, better functioning lymphatic system and results you can feel.

If you are managing a medical condition, let us know when you book so we can tailor your session. For some conditions, we may recommend checking with your doctor first.

One thing to confirm before this goes live. “Draw on the principles of both” works if your therapists genuinely lighten pressure and slow down for clients who need it. I’d avoid saying outright that you offer MLD unless someone on the team is trained in it. A lymphedema client could book expecting that clinical treatment.

​

Is the treatment covered by any insurance?

No, our Lymph Lounge treatments are not eligible to any insurance coverage. However, we do accept most HSA . (Check with your insurance first)

​

How long after a surgery can I start lymphatic massages?

The ideal time to start lymphatic drainage massage after surgery depends on the type of surgery and your surgeon's recommendations, but generally:

• Plastic or cosmetic surgery (like liposuction, tummy tuck, BBL, or facelift):
  You can usually start within 24–72 hours post-op, as long as your surgeon approves. Early lymphatic massage helps reduce swelling, prevent fibrosis (lumpy scar tissue), and speed up healing.  (Must have surgeons approval)

• Orthopedic surgeries (like knee replacement or ACL repair):
  Lymphatic massage can typically begin about 5–7 days post-op, once the acute inflammation subsides and your surgeon clears it.

• General surgeries (like C-section, abdominal surgery, etc.):
  You may be able to begin 1–2 weeks post-op, depending on incision healing and your comfort level. (Sooner with doctors approval) 

Always:

• Get clearance from your surgeon before starting.

• Start gently, Our lymphatic therapists will adapt the pressure and technique based on how far along you are in your healing.

 

When can I start prenatal massages? How often?

You can start prenatal massage in the second trimester (from 12-13 weeks), when the pregnancy is more stable, especially if you have a history of miscarriage or high-risk pregnancy, in which case your provider might advise waiting.

Massage can help relieve swelling, back pain, hip pain, and sleep issues.

 How Often to Get It:

• Every 4 weeks during the second trimesters 

• Every 2 weeks in the third trimester, or even weekly in the final month as your body prepares for labor and discomfort peaks.

​

When to start postnatal massages?

After a vaginal birth: You can begin as soon as the day after you deliver. If you had tearing or stitches, let us know when you book so your therapist can adjust.

After a C-section: We recommend waiting until after the first week. With your doctor’s approval, you can start sooner. Your therapist will never apply pressure directly on the incision.

How often: One session a week for the first month, then twice a month for the second month. At that point, your therapist will create a personalized wellness plan based on your recovery and goals.

Why postnatal lymphatic drainage matters:

Your body carries a large amount of extra fluid during pregnancy, about a quarter of the weight gained. After birth, it has to clear that fluid. Many mothers also receive IV fluids during labor, especially with a C-section or Pitocin. That adds even more volume and can keep swelling around for more than a week. Postpartum swelling often peaks around day five, which is why early sessions make such a difference.

Benefits of postnatal massage:

• Faster recovery: moves excess fluid out of the face, hands, legs, ankles, and feet so your body can return to balance sooner

• Reduced water retention: helps clear fluid left over from pregnancy and from IV fluids given during labor and delivery

• Breastfeeding support: improves circulation and promotes relaxation, which supports the hormones involved in milk production and let-down; research on early postpartum back massage has linked it to improved milk production

• Less tension: eases the back, neck, and shoulder strain that comes from nursing, feeding, and carrying your baby

• Mood and rest: studies have found that postpartum massage can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and improve sleep quality

• C-section recovery: reduces swelling around the incision and helps lower the risk of hardened, lumpy scar tissue as you heal

• Feeling like yourself again: a dedicated hour and a half focused entirely on your recovery

When to call your doctor instead:

Contact your doctor before booking if you have pain, warmth, or swelling in one leg only; a severe headache or changes in your vision; a fever; or an incision that is red, warm, or draining. These are signs of conditions that need medical care first.

​

I’m getting married soon, when is best time to start with lymphatic and how often is it needed?

 Best Time to Start Lymphatic Massage for Wedding Prep:

Ideally, start at least 4–6 weeks before your wedding for the best visible and internal results. If you have more time, even better!

       Recommended Frequency:

• 6 weeks out: 1 session per week

• 2 weeks before the wedding: Increase to 2 sessions per week

• Final session: 1–2 days before your wedding for the ultimate snatched, de-bloated look and radiant skin

​

I never had a lymphatic massage before, what should I expect from it?

Firm, Rhythmic Pressure:
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is not the light-touch lymphatic massage you may have read about. It uses firm pressure and quick, rhythmic pumping and sculpting movements to move fluid through the body efficiently. You will feel it working. Pressure is always adjusted to your comfort.

Full Body and Face:
Every session covers the face and the full body. Your therapist starts by opening the areas where lymph nodes are most active, like the neck, underarms, and abdomen, then works the fluid toward them. Our massage therapists also work through the fascia and muscle as they go, followed by cupping and machine cupping to boost circulation.

Immediate Results:
This is a results-driven massage. Most clients leave feeling lighter, less bloated, and more energized, and many notice a more sculpted face, a flatter stomach, and less swelling in the legs after one session. Each session is designed to build on the one before it, so the benefits to circulation, immunity, and inflammation compound over time.

Aftercare:
Drink plenty of water after your session to help your body flush what was moved. You will likely need to use the restroom more often for the rest of the day. That is normal and a sign the treatment is working.

Vigorous, Not Painful:
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is vigorous, but it should NOT hurt. Some areas may feel tender, especially where you are holding more fluid. Your therapist will check in continuously throughout the massage to confirm your comfort. Most clients find the combination of the massage and the sauna leaves them feeling both energized and deeply restored.

 

Can I have lymphatic massage during my menstrual period?

Yes, you can absolutely have a lymphatic drainage massage during your period, and in many cases, it can actually help!

       Benefits of Lymphatic Massage During Your Period:

• Reduces bloating and water retention

• Eases cramping by encouraging circulation and calming the nervous system

• Relieves lower back pain and heaviness

• Helps you feel lighter and more balanced overall

A Few Notes:

• You might feel a bit more tender or sensitive than usual, especially in the abdomen.

• Some women notice an increase in menstrual flow right after, this is normal and temporary, due to boosted circulation.

• Always tell your therapist you’re on your period so they can adjust the pressure or avoid certain areas if needed.

So if you're feeling bloated, heavy, or crampy, it's actually a great time for lymphatic drainage.

​

What should I do after the lymphatic massage?

  Drink LOTS of water:
Hydration is key. Your body is flushing out toxins and waste, help it along by drinking more water than usual. Think of it as giving your lymphatic system a little "thank you" boost.

   Be ready to pee more:
Totally normal (and actually a good sign!). That extra trip to the bathroom means your body is draining and detoxing like it should.

   Rest if you can:
Take it easy. Your body’s doing internal cleanup, so try to avoid intense workouts or stress right after. A cozy night in is perfect.

   Eat clean:
Nourish your body with light, whole foods, fruits, veggies, lean protein. Skip anything super salty or processed so you don’t undo all that beautiful de-puffing.

   Avoid tight clothes:
Go for something comfy and loose after your session to avoid restricting lymph flow. No waist trainers, tight leggings, or snug bras right away.

   Skip alcohol & caffeine (for a bit):
If you can, limit or avoid both for the next 24 hours. They can dehydrate you and put extra work on your liver and kidneys, which are busy helping your body flush out everything we just moved.

 

If you're ever feeling a little tired or emotional after a session, also normal! Your body is releasing a lot. Just be gentle with yourself 

​

Can healthy people benefit from it?

Absolutely, healthy people can benefit immensely from lymphatic drainage massage! You don't need to be recovering from surgery or illness to experience the powerful effects.

       Benefits for Healthy Individuals:

• Reduces bloating and water retention (especially before events or during travel)

• Boosts immune system by helping lymph flow more efficiently

• Improves digestion and gut motility

• Enhances skin glow by clearing toxins and increasing circulation

• Decreases puffiness in face, legs, and stomach

• Supports detoxification after indulgent weekends, alcohol, or hormonal shifts

• Relieves stress and tension with its calming, parasympathetic effect

• Increases energy by helping your body feel lighter and less sluggish.

 

       How Often Should Healthy People Get It?

• 1–2x per month for maintenance and wellness

• Weekly if they want to boost results or prep for a specific event

​​

What can Brazilian lymphatic drainage help with?

Common reasons clients come to us:

• Bloating and water retention: especially in the abdomen, face, and legs

• Puffiness and swelling: after travel, long days on your feet, or hormonal shifts

• Fatigue and sluggishness: improved circulation often leaves clients feeling more energized

• Sinus pressure: facial drainage can relieve congestion and pressure in the head and face

• Digestive discomfort: abdominal work can ease bloating and support regularity

• Skin: brighter, healthier-looking skin and a temporary smoothing of cellulite

• Workout recovery: reduced soreness and heaviness after training

• Headache and tension: relief through the head, neck, and shoulders

Support for chronic conditions:

Many of our clients live with autoimmune conditions, PCOS, or hormonal imbalances. Brazilian lymphatic drainage does not treat these conditions, but it can help relieve the symptoms that often come with them, like bloating, puffiness, fluid retention, fatigue, and inflammation. Please check with your provider before booking if you are in active treatment or experiencing a flare.

Recovery support (with your provider’s approval):

• Post-surgical recovery: reduces swelling and helps lower the risk of fibrosis after procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck

• Postpartum recovery: reduces swelling and fluid retention after birth

• Pregnancy: eases swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet during the second and third trimesters

Before you book:

If you have a serious medical condition, including cancer, heart or kidney disease, blood clots, lymphedema, or an active infection, please check with your doctor before booking. Some conditions call for a different type of lymphatic care, and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

​

Are there any contraindications which cannot go through lymphatic massage process?

Yes, there are certain contraindications—situations where lymphatic drainage massage is not advised or should only be done under medical supervision.
 

       Absolute Contraindications (lymphatic massage should NOT be done):

1. Acute infections (fever, bacterial or viral infections)
   → Massage can spread the infection through the lymphatic system.

2. Untreated cancer or active malignancy (without doctor’s approval)
   → Must have clearance if undergoing cancer treatment or in remission.

3. Acute thrombosis (blood clots)
   → Massage may dislodge a clot and cause serious complications like pulmonary embolism.

4. Congestive heart failure (CHF)
   → Lymphatic massage increases fluid movement, which can strain the heart.

5. Kidney failure or severe renal insufficiency
   → The body may not be able to handle increased fluid mobilization.

 

       Relative Contraindications (proceed with caution or medical clearance):

• High-risk pregnancy

• Severe asthma

• Uncontrolled hypertension

• Recent major surgery (must wait until incisions are healed and inflammation subsides)

• Skin infections, open wounds, or recent burns

• Deep vein thrombosis 

​​​

Cancellation Policy 

Before 48 hour - no fees and deposit fully refundable

Less than 48 hours - 50% of service price (deposit none refundable) 

Less than 24hours/ no show- 100% of service price (deposit none refundable) 

We know life happens, just give us at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations inside 48 hours are charged 50%, and inside 24 hours (or no show) are charged 100% of the service price. Thank you! 

​​​​