4611 M-72

Williamsburg, Michigan 49690

Holly Joy, LMT

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(231) 714-0708

I want to talk to you about something that is incredibly important for recovery after plastic surgery: post-op manual lymphatic drainage.

Whether you’ve had a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift), lipo, or any kind of body contouring — this is one of those after-care steps you do not want to skip.

I’ve helped many clients through this process, and I speak from both experience and heart when I say it makes a huge difference in recovery and results.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) & Why It Matters

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, specialized technique designed to improve lymph flow, reduce fluid accumulation, and help your body heal more comfortably and effectively. After surgery, your lymphatic system can get overwhelmed: fluid pools, swelling increases, bruising lingers, pain is more intense. MLD helps your body:

  • Move excess fluid and reduce swelling (edema) more quickly.

  • Decrease pain and pressure caused by fluid buildup.

  • Help minimize bruising and speed up fading of discoloration.

  • Support healing of scars, reduce fibrosis (hardening around tissues), and improve skin texture.

All of this means a smoother, clearer, more comfortable recovery — and better final results from your procedure.

Which Procedures Benefit Most

Most post-op procedures involving major disruption to tissues, fat removal, or fat transfer benefit greatly. Examples include:

  • Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

  • Liposuction (abdomen, flanks, thighs, etc.)

  • Breast augmentation or enhancement (implant or fat-transfer)

  • BBL / Buttock Lift / fat transfer to the butt (since both donor & recipient sites need care)

How I Help My Clients: Comfort, Customization & Pain Relief

Because every body, every surgery, and every recovery is different, I work one-on-one with you to meet your needs. Here’s how I help:

  • Reduce pain, swelling, fluid build-up — by using gentle, precise techniques to move lymph fluid, ease pressure, relieve tension around incision sites.

  • Accommodations for position — sometimes clients can’t lie down. Maybe because of discomfort, drains, breathing difficulty, or just feeling safer upright. That’s totally okay. I can work with you standing, seated upright, on a reclined surface, or whatever feels most comfortable, always respecting your pain level and maintaining safety.

  • Gentle, soothing approach — The pressure is light; the rhythm is slow and intentional. You’ll feel supported, not pushed.

Timing & Frequency

While your surgeon should always give final clearance, in general:

  • You can start MLD within a few days post-op (often 3-5 days) once approved.

  • In early stages, more frequent sessions help (e.g. 2-3 times per week), tapering as swelling reduces.

  • Keeping up even after swelling starts to go down is key for scars and avoiding hardening around tissues.

My Availability & Mobile Service

Here’s the part that I know really matters: getting to appointments is hard after surgery.

  • I travel mobile post-op lymphatic drainage to Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Torch Lake, Elk Rapids, Kalkaska and nearby areas.

  • For clients who are able to drive, I have an office in Williamsburg on M 72.

  • If you are unable to drive or need me to come to you — say the word. I want recovery to feel accessible, comfortable, and as easy as possible.

My Promise to You

My promise is that your recovery is treated with care, compassion, and expertise. I believe healing isn’t just about the physical — it’s about how you feel, how safe and supported you are. I want to reduce your pain, reduce your swelling, help you heal cleanly, and help you trust your body’s process.

If you’d like to chat about scheduling, how many sessions you might need, or special accommodations, just let me know. I’ve got your back (and your lymphatic system!).