Your Stress-Free Prep Guide: What to Do Before Liposuction in Singapore
The journey to achieving best liposuction results in Singapore starts well before your surgery date. Here’s what you need to know for effective preparation.
June 17, 2025
Weekdays 9:30am - 7pm.
Alternate Saturdays 9am - 5pm.
Alternate Saturdays 9am - 5pm.
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+65 8983 8468
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140 Arab Street, Singapore 199827
Weekdays 9:30am - 7pm
Alt Saturdays: 9am - 5pm
Alt Saturdays: 9am - 5pm
Getting Here
By Car/Taxi
Public parking available or drop off along Arab Street, Village Hotel Bugis (Previously known as Golden Landmark Hotel)
By Public Transport
Buses (2, 12, 32, 33, 130, 133, 133A, 520, 960, NR7) MRT (alight at Bugis MRT station)
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WHAT ARE LYMPH AND LYMPH NODES?
Think of your body as a bustling city. Just like any city needs a waste management system, your body has its own dedicated cleanup crew: the lymphatic system.
This intricate network of vessels quietly works behind the scenes, crucial for your immunity and overall health.
Lymph
Lymph is a clear, watery fluid that travels through your body, similar to how blood circulates. But instead of delivering oxygen, its job is more like a garbage collector. As it flows, it picks up toxins, waste products, bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted materials from your tissues.
Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped filters that are stationed strategically throughout your lymphatic network like the neck, armpits and groin. As lymph passes through them, the nodes act like “security checkpoints”, trapping and neutralising harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses before the cleansed fluid re-enters your bloodstream.
It’s no wonder they sometimes swell up – it’s a sign they’re hard at work fighting something off!
Signs that the lymphatic system might be disrupted
As efficient as the lymphatic system is, it can be disrupted, resulting in health issues. When lymphatic flow isn’t optimal, toxins can build up, leading to various symptoms.
Pay attention if you regularly experience:
Frequent headaches
Unexplained fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Recurring sore throat or swollen tonsils
Swollen lymph nodes (such as in your neck or underarms)
Persistent puffiness or heaviness in your hands or feet
Poor digestion or sluggish bowels
Excessive mucus, particularly noticeable in the morning
Stiffness or aches, especially in the morning
Frequent blocked ears, popping or ringing
Stubborn weight that’s hard to lose
When was Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) developed?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a massage technique developed by Dr Emil Vodder and his wife, Estrid, in 1936 to help facilitate the movement of lymphatic fluid.
MLD is not your typical relaxing massage, it is a specialised, gentle technique focused purely on your lymphatic health - to treat swollen lymph nodes and lymph vessels (to encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid)[1].
WHEN MLD THERAPY ISN’T RIGHT FOR YOU: OUR SAFETY FIRST APPROACH
At Amaris B. Clinic, your safety is our priority. While MLD Therapy is incredibly gentle and beneficial for many, there are times when it’s best to pause or avoid treatment.
Here are key situations where MLD Therapy may not be suitable if you:
- Have serious heart or organ issues.
- Have very low blood pressure (Hypotension).
- Have recent blood clots.
- Are taking blood thinning medications.
- Are in early stage of pregnancy or have severe morning sickness.
- Have fever or acute infection: If you’re fighting a high fever, flu, or significant bacterial/viral infection (like influenza), your body needs rest, not additional fluid processing.
- Have severe chronic inflammation: Conditions involving widespread, active chronic inflammation need careful assessment – MLD might temporarily worsen symptoms.
- Have active infections: Any active infection site (like a significant dental infection or skin infection) is a local contraindication.
- Have a recent severe asthma attack: We avoid MLD immediately after a major asthma attack to let your airways stabilise.
- Are undergoing active cancer treatment: If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or other active oncology treatments, we require written permission from your oncology team before proceeding with MLD.
These precautions ensure MLD Therapy supports – never stresses – your body. Always inform us of any health changes before your session.
WHAT CAN SLOW DOWN YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?
The lymphatic system relies on muscle movement for lymph flow. The less muscle movement, the slower the system.
Scroll to view the table
| Cause | WHAT HAPPENS AND WHY? |
|---|---|
| Fighting off an infection | Your lymph nodes work overtime when your body fights an infection. The increased activity can overwhelm the system, slowing overall lymph flow as it deals with the "invaders." |
| Primary and secondary lymphedema | This medical condition directly impairs the lymphatic vessels or nodes, making fluid removal more tedious. |
| Surgery | Surgical procedures cause inflammation and disrupt local lymphatic pathways temporarily while your body focuses on repair. Scar tissue can also create longer-term blockages. |
| Physical Trauma or injuries | Injuries like sprains, fractures, or significant bruising cause swelling and inflammation and put extra strain on the nearby lymphatic vessels, hindering their ability to move fluid efficiently. |
| Pregnancy | The body undergoes change such as increased fluid volume and pressure during pregnancy, causing swelling in the hands, legs and feet. |
GENERAL BENEFITS OF MLD THERAPY
Reduces Swelling & Oedema
Removes excess fluid and reduces swelling caused by injury[2].
Supports the Immune System
Promotes the flow of lymph fluid and helps the body’s immune system function more efficiently[3].
Aids Detoxification
Helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body’s tissues[4].
Supports the lymphatic system’s detoxification process[4].
Enhances Post Surgery Recovery
Beneficial after surgery to reduce swelling, inflammation, pain and to promote faster healing[5].
Relieves Symptoms of Certain Medical Conditions
Individuals with lymphedema, fibromyalgia and other medical conditions that cause fluid retention may experience symptomatic relief through MLD Therapy[6].
May Improve Skin Appearance
MLD helps to improve circulation and minimises the appearance of cellulite, giving the skin a healthier glow[7].
MLD THERAPY EXPERIENCE AT AMARIS B. CLINIC
Liposuction is a popular body contouring and fat removal procedure as it enables individuals to get rid of stubborn fat that is resistant to exercise and diet.
At Amaris B. Clinic, post-operative MLD therapy is designed to accelerate your recovery after liposuction.
Benefits of MLD therapy:
- Redirect excess fluid away from surgical sites
- Reduce swelling & bruising
- Flush out cellular waste naturally
- Support smoother, faster healing
- Reduces post-surgical scar formation[8, 9, 10, 11]
POST-OP MLD THERAPY & ITS BENEFITS
Here’s what your experience will look like at Amaris B. Clinic:
Gentle & Comfortable Sessions
Unlike deep tissue massage, MLD uses feather-light, rhythmic strokes that trace your body’s natural lymphatic pathways.
There’s no pain or heavy pressure—just a soothing, wave-like motion that many describe as deeply relaxing.
Your Treatment Journey
Timing Matters: For optimal results, we recommend starting MLD within the first 3–5 days after surgery.
Session Length: Each appointment lasts 45 minutes.
Personalised Plans: Your session count will be tailored based on how much swelling you have and how quickly your body responds.
PREPARING & MAXIMISES YOUR MLD THERAPY SESSION
Before Your MLD Therapy
Hydrate Well: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily before your session to support detox.
Eat Light: Avoid heavy meals 2 hours prior for comfort and optimal toxin movement.
Dress Comfortably: Wear loose, soft clothing
Share Concerns: Tell us about new symptoms or health changes – safety first!
After Your MLD Therapy
Rest & Recharge: Allow 1-2 hours of gentle downtime to let your body integrate the treatment.
Move Mindfully: Take short walks – no intense workouts – to keep lymph flowing naturally.
Hydrate, Hydrate & Hydrate: Keep drinking water to flush released toxins (aim for 2L daily).
Choose Clean Foods: Prioritise veggies, lean proteins, and antioxidants to minimise new toxin buildup.
Our Awards
FAQ
Which liposuction patients benefit most from MLD Therapy?
At Amaris B. Clinic, MLD Therapy is especially helpful for those with significant or persistent swelling.
It will also benefot those with:
- Fluid buildup in distant areas: Like legs or arms, away from the treated site.
- Fibrosis after larger-area lipo: MLD helps soften hardened tissue common with more extensive procedures.
What if I skip MLD Therapy after liposuction?
While your body can heal naturally, skipping MLD Therapy after liposuction may lead to:
Persistent Firmness
Surgical areas may feel dense or develop uneven texture as fluids stagnate.
Prolonged Swelling & Water Retention
Without gentle fluid guidance, swelling may linger for months instead of weeks.
Increased Discomfort
Tension and pressure can build as trapped fluids expand tissues.
What is the difference between general massage and MLD Therapy?
General massage such as Swedish massage:
- involves manual manipulation of the soft tissue to reduce muscle adhesions and knots,
- relieves tension, and
- helps with relaxation.
MLD Therapy is meant to:
- stimulate lymph nodes,
- increase rhythmic contractions of the lymphatics, and
- encourage their function to reroute stagnated lymphatic fluid.
Can MLD Therapy help to reduce bruising?
Absolutely. Bruises occur when old red blood cells and fluids pool under your skin. MLD Therapy gently encourages your body’s natural cleanup process.
Such as:
- Moving trapped fluids away from bruised areas
- Accelerating clearance of cellular debris
- Shortening recovery time significantly
Reference
[1] Dr Vodder School International. Manual Lymph Drainage History (MLD). Available from: https://vodderschool.com/manual_lymph_drainage_history
[2] Kayıran O, De La Cruz C, Tane K, Soran A. Lymphoedema: from diagnosis to treatment. Turk J Surg. 2017; 33:(2)51-57 https://doi.org/10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3870
[3] Whitaker JC. Lymphoedema management at night: views from patients across five countries. Br J Community Nurs. 2016; 21:S22-S30 https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2016.21.Sup10.S22
[4] Provencher AM, Giguère-Lemieux E, Croteau E The use of manual lymphatic drainage on clinical presentation of musculoskeletal injuries: a systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021; 45 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101469
[5] Marxen T, Shauly O, Goel P, Tsan T, Faria R, Gould DJ. The Utility of Lymphatic Massage in Cosmetic Procedures. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2023 Feb 28;5:ojad023. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojad023. PMID: 36998743; PMCID: PMC10045879.
[6] Maningas, T., Sturm, L., Mangler, A., & Pazdernik, V. K. (2020). Manual lymphatic drainage in postoperative abdominoplasty with core liposuction patients. The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, 37(1), 45-49.
[7]Clark, O. (2025). Lymphatic System. Publifye AS.
[8] Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017 Nov 6;24:53-60.
[9] Lopera C, Worsley PR, Bader DL, Fenlon D. Investigating the Short-Term Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Compression Garment Therapies on Lymphatic Function Using Near-Infrared Imaging. Lymphat Res Biol. 2017 Sep;15(3):235-240.
[10] Ezzo J, Manheimer E, McNeely ML, Howell DM, et al. Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 May 21;(5).
[11] Masson IF, de Oliveira BD, Machado AF, Farcic TS, et al. Manual lymphatic drainage and therapeutic ultrasound in liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty post-operative period. Indian J Plast Surg. 2014 Jan;47(1):70-6.
Image source
Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436.
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