Plastic Surgery Recovery

Heal faster and reduce swelling with lymphatic drainage massage

Are you planning plastic surgery? Are you worried about recovery?

Let’s help you get better faster

After every surgery comes the need for healing, even in the most ideal circumstances.

Depending on the surgery, recovery may be quick and easy. More extensive surgeries like liposuction or breast reconstruction may take longer.

Sometimes time is all that’s needed, or your surgeon may recommend compression garments to help. Other times, you may want hands-on care to speed your healing along.

Treatments I offer that can help your recovery include:

hand gently touching the water surface
Schedule a visit

Hi! I’m Mara Levy MSOT, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, SEP

That pile of letters means that I’m a licensed occupational therapist, a certified lymphedema therapist, and a somatic experiencing practitioner. I’ve been providing lymphatic massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, since 2013. I’ve also completed additional training for plastic surgery recovery including massage after breast surgery.

I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients, including people with the following conditions:

  • Lipedema

  • Lymphedema

  • Breast cancer

  • Autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia

  • Hypermobility syndromes including Ehlers Danlos

I’ve also worked with folks in the recovery process from

  • Liposuction

  • Mastectomy

  • Breast implants and breast reconstruction

  • Facial reconstruction

  • Radiation

As a genderqueer person, I’m particularly interested in providing support following gender-affirming surgery.

As a somatic therapist, I’m also interested in supporting people who have complicated feelings after their surgery, or who are struggling to adjust to their changed body.

Check my bio to learn more about me. If you’re wondering whether I have experience with your particular situation, feel free to contact me.

Mara looking femme in front of rainbow mural

Frequently asked questions about therapy after plastic surgery

  • Problems after plastic surgery can include:

    • Swelling

    • Pain

    • Being afraid to move

    • Body image changes

    • Anxiety

    • Lost range of motion

    • Fibrosis, or hardened skin

    • Scarring

    • Lumps, bumps, and uneven skin

    • Bruising

    • and more

  • Lymphatic massage is the primary treatment used. Additional treatments available include myofascial release, scar massage, kinesiotaping, cupping, and vibration.

  • No matter how eagerly a surgery is anticipated, it can be hard to go through. Trauma-informed care will give you space to process your feelings and adjust to your changed body.

  • Every case is different, but a common recommendation after liposuction is for ten visits within the first few weeks. More sessions may be needed in some cases, especially if there's a lot of pain or mental distress.

  • At the first visit, expect an extra 15 minutes to discuss your surgery, your current symptoms, your medical history, and expectations. We will make a plan together of which treatments to use and how frequently to see each other.

  • Each visit will start with checking in about your needs and goals, and planning which areas to work on.

    We will also plan what how to position you for comfort, safety, and access to the treatment areas.

    You'll then be invited to remove clothing as needed to allow access to the skin in the treatment areas. Draping will be used as needed for modesty.

    All treatments should be comfortable, and use a light touch. If anything is unpleasant or painful, please speak up.

  • If you want to discuss your particular situation, you can schedule a free 15-minute curiosity call. For less complicated questions, you can also use the contact page to message me.

Schedule your first appointment

Logistics

Appointments are $195 for a 60 minute session or $270 for a 90 minute session.

10 visit packages available at $1750 for 60 min sessions and $2400 for 90 min sessions

A limited number of sliding scale appointments are available.

Insurance is not accepted, but you can use your FSA/HSA.

A superbill can be provided if requested in advance.

Ask your insurance whether they reimburse for out of network occupational therapy. They may want a doctor’s referral that says “occupational therapy” and the medical diagnosis I’m treating.

In-person appointments are at an ADA-compliant office suite in downtown Silver Spring, MD just north of Washington, DC.

Clients must be physically located in DC, MD, or VA during online sessions.

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