Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage  (MLD) is a specialized massage technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, support detoxification, reduce swelling, and promote healing. At Stefania De Cara Massage & Wellness, we offer several specialised styles of MLD to suit different needs, goals, and stages of healing.

Traditional MLD Massage (Vodder Style)

This is the classic form of MLD, developed by Dr. Emil Vodder. It’s a very light, gentle, and precise technique designed to support your body’s natural detoxification processes and improve circulation of lymphatic fluid.

Best for:

• General detox and immune system support

• Chronic fatigue or sluggishness

• Swelling (non-medical origin)

• Stress relief and relaxation or General Wellbeing

Book this if you are looking for gentle, restorative support for your lymphatic system or if you are dealing with minor swelling, puffiness, or overall sluggishness.

Pre- & Post-Surgical MLD

This MLD style is adapted for clients who are preparing for or recovering from surgery. It helps reduce swelling, improve healing, minimize scar tissue formation, and prevent fibrosis. Ideal for clients recovering from cosmetic or medical procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, BBL, breast augmentation, or orthopedic surgery.

Important:
A doctor’s or surgeon’s note is required before your first post-operative session, confirming that MLD is safe for you to receive.

Best for:

• Clients recovering from surgery (cosmetic or medical)

• Swelling, bruising, fluid retention after surgery

• Preventing or addressing fibrosis or scar tissue

• Preparing the body pre-surgery for optimal healing

Book this if you've had surgery recently and are cleared to receive massage, or if you're preparing your body ahead of surgery.

Brazilian MLD

Brazilian Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a more intensive, sculpting-focused approach to traditional MLD. While still working with your lymphatic system, it incorporates stronger, more rhythmic strokes and focuses on key areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and glutes.

This technique not only reduces fluid retention but also helps shape the body, smooth the skin, and visibly reduce bloating and puffiness. Many clients notice a lighter, more contoured look after just one session.

Best for:

• Reducing water retention in abdomen, thighs, and glutes

• Improving the appearance of cellulite

• Enhancing body definition and contour

• Hormonal or lifestyle-related bloating

Book this if you want visible sculpting effects, feel heavy or bloated, or want to support circulation and lymphatic drainage in areas prone to fluid retention and cellulite.

Maderotherapy

Maderotherapy (wood therapy) — a body sculpting technique that uses specially shaped wooden tools to stimulate circulation, break up fluid retention, and target stubborn areas prone to cellulite.

The session focuses on 1 chosen area: abdomen/waist, arms, legs and glutes, face It works to lift, tone, and smooth the skin while enhancing lymphatic flow.

Best for:

• Targeted cellulite reduction (thighs, glutes)

• Contouring waist, hips, and lower body

• Stimulating stubborn lymphatic areas

• Body sculpting and detox support

Book this if you want both visible contouring,  especially for thighs, glutes, and areas with cellulite or fluid build-up.