How frequently should manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) be performed on a patient two weeks post-facelift?

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is an important post-operative treatment, particularly following procedures like a facelift, as it helps to reduce swelling and promote healing by encouraging lymph flow and reducing fluid retention. At two weeks post-facelift, the tissues are still healing, and the promotion of lymphatic flow can significantly enhance recovery and minimize complications such as seroma formation or excessive swelling.

Performing MLD twice weekly during this period strikes an ideal balance. It is frequent enough to maintain the benefits of lymph flow stimulation without overwhelming the body during its healing phase. This frequency can help address the accumulation of lymphatic fluid that may still be occurring as the body continues to recover from the surgical trauma.

While daily treatments could offer maximum benefits, there is a risk of overstimulation of the lymphatic system, which might not be necessary at this healing stage. Conversely, less frequent sessions, such as once a week or every two weeks, may not provide sufficient support for optimal recovery during this critical phase. Therefore, twice weekly is recognized as the most effective and beneficial frequency for MLD at this point in the healing process.