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Manual Lymphatic Drainage vs Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage: Understanding the Difference
Manual Lymphatic Drainage vs Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage: Understanding the Difference
I am often asked the same question:
“Do you perform Brazilian lymphatic drainage?”
The answer is no — and that distinction is important.
While Brazilian lymphatic drainage has gained popularity in the beauty and aesthetics industry, my work is firmly rooted in healthcare, rehabilitation, and therapeutic recovery. I specialize exclusively in manual lymphatic drainage, a gentle, evidence-based treatment that supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms, improves lymphatic circulation, and promotes long-term health — not body sculpting or cosmetic shaping.
Understanding the difference between these two approaches will help you choose the right treatment for your goals and expectations.
What Is the Lymphatic System and Why It Matters
The lymphatic system is a vital part of your body’s immune and circulatory systems. Its primary functions include:
- Removing excess fluid from tissues
- Transporting waste products and toxins
- Supporting immune defence
- Assisting tissue repair and regeneration
Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system does not have a pump. It relies on movement, breathing, and gentle manual stimulation to function effectively. When lymphatic flow becomes sluggish or congested, symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, pain, fatigue, and delayed healing can occur.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized therapeutic technique developed to stimulate and support the natural movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body.
MLD uses very light, slow, rhythmic, and precise movements that follow the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. The goal is not to manipulate muscles or reshape the body, but to encourage proper lymph flow, reduce congestion, and support the body’s own healing processes.
This technique is widely used in medical, rehabilitation, and post-surgical settings.
Proven Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage
As a healthcare practitioner, my focus is on treatments that are clinically proven and therapeutically effective. Manual lymphatic drainage has been shown to help with:
Reducing Swelling and Fluid Retention
MLD is highly effective for conditions involving oedema, lymphatic congestion, and fluid buildup, including post-operative swelling.
Supporting Post-Surgical Recovery
Many clients seek MLD after surgery to:
- Reduce inflammation and bruising
- Improve circulation of lymphatic fluid
- Promote faster tissue repair
- Minimize fibrosis and scar tissue
- Shorten overall recovery time
Enhancing Tissue Healing and Repair
By improving the transport of nutrients and removal of metabolic waste, MLD supports healthier tissue regeneration.
Managing Chronic Conditions
MLD can be beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Chronic pain
- Inflammatory conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Autoimmune or immune-related disorders
Supporting the Nervous and Immune Systems
MLD is deeply calming to the nervous system and plays an important role in supporting immune function.
Brazilian lymphatic drainage is a treatment that has become popular within the beauty and aesthetics industry. Its primary goal is body sculpting and visual contouring, often creating a temporary “snatched” or reshaped appearance.
This technique typically involves:
- Faster, firmer pressure
- More vigorous strokes
- Shaping and sculpting movements
- Immediate visual results
Because this approach is cosmetic in nature, it falls outside my professional scope.
I am not a beautician, and aesthetic body sculpting is not my field of expertise. For that reason, I do not offer Brazilian lymphatic drainage and do not position it as a therapeutic treatment.
Key Differences Between Manual and Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage
Purpose
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Therapeutic, medical, recovery-focused
- Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage: Cosmetic, aesthetic, body sculpting
Technique
- MLD: Gentle, slow, precise, anatomy-based
- Brazilian: Faster, firmer, shaping-focused
Pressure
- MLD: Very light pressure to stimulate superficial lymph vessels
- Brazilian: Deeper, more forceful pressure
Results
- MLD: Long-term health benefits, reduced swelling, improved healing
- Brazilian: Temporary visual contouring
Practitioner Background
- MLD: Performed by healthcare or medically trained therapists
- Brazilian: Commonly offered in beauty or aesthetic clinics
Why I Focus Exclusively on Manual Lymphatic Drainage
My work is cantered on health, recovery, and functional improvement — not trends in the beauty industry.
When you come to see me, the goal is to:
- Support your body’s natural healing mechanisms
- Improve lymphatic circulation and fluid balance
- Reduce congestion and inflammation
- Enhance post-surgical and post-injury recovery
- Promote long-term tissue health
I am not working to sculpt, shape, or cosmetically alter your body. Instead, I work with your body’s physiology to help it function more efficiently and heal more effectively.
Who Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage For?
Manual lymphatic drainage may be the right choice if you are looking for:
- Post-surgical recovery support
- Reduction in swelling or fluid retention
- Improved lymphatic circulation
- Support with chronic inflammation or pain
- A gentle, safe, evidence-based therapy
A healthcare-focused approach rather than cosmetic results
What to Expect When You Book a Session
Clients often describe MLD as deeply relaxing, restorative, and supportive. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs, medical history, and recovery goals.
You can expect:
- A professional, healthcare-based approach
- Gentle, precise manual techniques
- Focus on healing rather than appearance
- Respect for your body’s natural processes
Side Effects, Risks and Who Should Avoid Buccal Massage
Any honest discussion of buccal massage needs to cover safety. Most people experience only mild side effects such as:
- Temporary soreness in the cheeks and jaw (similar to post-workout ache)
- Increased saliva during intraoral work
- Occasional emotional release or fatigue as tension drops
You should not book buccal massage if you have:
- Active dental infections, gum disease or untreated cavities
- Recent dental surgery, implants or oral wounds
- Cold sores or active skin infections around the mouth
- Recent injectable fillers or Botox around the lower face (usually wait 2–3 weeks or follow practitioner advice)
If you’re unsure, talk to your dentist, GP or a qualified therapist before booking.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Treatment
Brazilian lymphatic drainage may be suitable for those seeking temporary cosmetic sculpting. However, if your priority is health, healing, recovery, and proper lymphatic function, manual lymphatic drainage is the appropriate choice.
My role as a healthcare practitioner is to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment — and that is exactly what manual lymphatic drainage offers.
If you choose to work with me, you are choosing a treatment that supports your body from the inside out, focusing on healing rather than aesthetics.
A few client reviews
Sara: “I underwent a cesarean section, a procedure that often necessitates the use of a spinal block or epidural for pain management. Following my spinal block, I experienced significant swelling and a sense of weakness throughout my body.
My feet were particularly swollen, and I was informed it could take several weeks for this to subside. Fortunately, I discovered Marta, whose exceptional skills provided remarkable relief. After just one lymphatic drainage massage, the swelling in my feet disappeared in less than a day. This treatment proved to be an outstanding decision during my postpartum recovery.
I highly recommend Marta for her effective approach and expertise!”
Nicole: “I made an appointment today last minute and was able to be seen. Literally the best lymphatic drainage massages I have ever had. I’m visiting London from the States and so wish that there was someone there that could do as good of a job as Marta did! If you are in the area, you must stop by to see her. Thank you again, Marta, you were wonderful!”
About the Author
Marta Suchanska is the founder of MɅSSɅGE, a Certified Massage Therapist, Nutritional Therapist, and final-year student of Osteopathic Medicine based in Marylebone, London. With over 10 years of experience, she specialises in a holistic, personalised approach to women’s health and chronic pain. Marta’s mission is to address root causes, helping clients restore balance and long-term wellbeing.
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Book your personalised session at our Marylebone clinic today.
Call us or use our online booking system to schedule your appointment and start your wellness journey.
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