7. April 2026

Common Post-Surgery Complications & How Lymphatic Drainage Can Help

Why Choosing the Right Post-Operative Therapist Matters

By Holistic Revive

Surgery is a major procedure for the body to go through, whether it is cosmetic, reconstructive, or medical. While many people focus on the surgery itself, the recovery period afterwards is just as important & can have a significant impact on healing, results & overall health.

Post-operative recovery is not always straightforward. Even when surgery goes well, complications can still occur. These are not necessarily due to mistakes — they are recognised risks that can happen despite the best precautions.

Common Post-Operative Complications

Complications can occur at different stages after surgery:

Immediate (first few days):

Bleeding

Shock

Lung complications

Severe infection

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

Early (first few weeks):

Pain & swelling

Bruising

Infection

Wound breakdown

Seroma (fluid build-up)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Constipation & bowel issues

Late (weeks to months later):

Scar tissue & fibrosis

Incisional hernia

Persistent swelling

Numbness or nerve sensitivity

Delayed wound healing

Many people are surprised to learn that swelling, fluid build-up, fibrosis & infection are some of the most common issues after surgery, particularly after cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks & facelifts. Most of my clients say their initial reaction to a cosmetic procedure was, "What have I done?"

Extra Prevention & Support Tips

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):
  Helps reduce swelling, improve circulation & support fluid movement.
• Post-Operative Massage:
  Assists with reducing fibrosis, improving tissue healing & enhancing comfort.
• Compression Garments:
  Support healing tissues, minimise swelling & help contour results.
• Early Mobilisation:
  Gentle walking promotes circulation & reduces the risk of blood clots.
• Hydration & Good Nutrition:
  Essential for wound healing, immune support & overall recovery.
• Proper Wound Hygiene:
  Keep dressings clean & follow sterile techniques as advised.
• Follow Medical Advice:
  Always follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully.
• Avoid Smoking & Alcohol:
  Both can delay healing & increase the risk of complications.

How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Can Help

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle, specialised treatment designed to encourage the movement of lymph fluid around the body. After surgery, the lymphatic system can become sluggish or overwhelmed, which is why swelling & fluid retention occur.

Post-operative MLD can help:

Reduce swelling & fluid retention

Reduce bruising

Encourage healing

Help prevent fibrosis (hard, lumpy tissue)

Support the immune system

Improve scar healing

Reduce discomfort & tightness

Support the body’s natural healing process

It is important to understand that post-operative massage is not deep tissue massage — it must be gentle, slow & performed correctly to avoid damaging healing tissue.

What Is A Seroma?

A seroma is a collection of fluid that builds up under the skin after surgery. It is very common after procedures such as:

Tummy tuck

Liposuction

Arm lift

Thigh lift

Back lift

Breast surgery

Seromas can feel like:

A soft swelling

A fluid-filled pocket

Sloshing sensation

Increased swelling on one side

Tight or uncomfortable skin

Small seromas are often reabsorbed by the body over time, especially with the help of compression garments & Manual Lymphatic Drainage. However, larger seromas may need to be drained by a doctor or nurse using a needle.

If a seroma is not treated when necessary, it can sometimes lead to:

Infection

Delayed healing

Fibrosis (hard tissue)

Poor cosmetic result

This is why it is important to monitor swelling & fluid build-up after surgery & refer to a GP or surgeon if needed.

What if you can't travel to have your post-operative care?

After surgery, people often:

Can’t drive

Can’t stand fully upright (tummy tuck)

Are in pain

Are tired

Are at higher risk of DVT if they don’t move

Miss appointments because they can’t get there

So mobile treatments are not just convenient — they can be part of safer recovery.

Some clients choose mobile post-operative appointments, particularly in the early stages of recovery when mobility is limited. This can be helpful for clients who are unable to drive, are in discomfort, or have been advised to rest & limit movement in the early stages of healing.

Why Experience & Medical Knowledge Can Matter

Recently, a client contacted me who had their post-op treatment booked in & was worried about their surgical wound & dressing. They weren’t sure what was normal & what wasn’t & after sending a photo & getting my advice, attended A&E & was diagnosed with an abscess that required medical treatment.

Situations like this are exactly why choosing a therapist with post-operative training & medical knowledge can be important. It’s not just about the massage — it’s about:

Recognising signs of infection

Understanding wound healing

Knowing when swelling is normal & when it isn’t

Knowing when to treat & when not to treat

Knowing when to refer back to a surgeon or GP

Post-operative care should always be a collaboration between your surgeon, nurse/medical professional & post-operative therapist.

Post-operative Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised treatment & should only be performed by a therapist who is specifically trained in post-operative care & lymphatic drainage techniques.

The most important thing is not whether a therapist is a nurse, physiotherapist, or massage therapist, but that they are properly trained, insured & experienced in post-operative recovery & understand when treatment is appropriate & when medical referral is necessary.

Caring for Surgical Dressings & Drains After Surgery

After some surgeries, particularly tummy tucks, liposuction & body contouring procedures, drains may be left in place to remove excess fluid & help prevent seromas & infection.

It is important that dressings are kept clean and changed using clean hands & as sterile a technique as possible. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding dressings & drains.

Signs that a wound may need medical attention include:

Redness spreading from the wound

Heat around the area

Increasing pain

Unusual or unpleasant odour

Pus or unusual discharge

Fever or feeling unwell

The wound opening

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your surgeon, GP, NHS 111, or attend A&E.

When Can I Start Manual Lymphatic Drainage After Surgery?

This depends on your surgery & your surgeon’s advice, but many clients start Manual Lymphatic Drainage between 3 days & 2 weeks post-surgery, once medical clearance has been given.

In very early stages, treatment is extremely gentle & focuses on encouraging lymph flow & reducing swelling, not on deep massage or sculpting.

My Approach to manual lymphatic drainage & post-op massage at Holistic Revive in Wigan, Greater Manchester

At Holistic Revive, post-operative treatments are carried out using a combination of:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Post-operative recovery techniques

Scar & fibrosis management

Gentle facial lymphatic drainage (for facelift or facial surgery recovery)

Treatments are always adapted depending on:

Stage of healing

Swelling

Bruising

Fibrosis

Client comfort

Surgeon guidance

Your safety & healing always come first.

When You Should Not Have Post-Operative Massage

Post-operative massage or lymphatic drainage should not be performed if you have:

Active infection

Suspected blood clot (DVT)

Fever

Untreated abscess

Open or infected wounds

Severe pain that is not normal for recovery

In these cases, you should always contact your surgeon, GP, or A&E first.

Final Thoughts

Surgery is a big event for the body & recovery takes time, care & the right support.

Choosing a qualified & experienced post-operative therapist can help support your recovery, reduce complications & help you feel more comfortable & confident during the healing process.

If you are preparing for surgery or are currently recovering & would like safe, professional post-operative support, you can find more information here:

Holistic Revive Sculpt™ Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Post-Operative Recovery

Holistic Revive Sculpt™ Facial Recovery & Lymphatic Lift Therapy

Or message for a pre-treatment consultation to discuss the best time to start treatment for your recovery.