If you’re traveling to Florida for plastic surgery—whether it’s a BBL, liposuction, tummy tuck, or any other body contouring procedure—ensuring you have a proper post-operative care plan is just as important as selecting the right surgeon. A key part of this care is lymphatic drainage massage—a specialized technique that helps reduce swelling, promote healing, and enhance your surgical results. However, not all massage therapists—or even healthcare providers—are qualified to perform these treatments.
In Florida, there are strict regulations about who can legally perform post-op lymphatic drainage massages. If you’re receiving care from someone who isn’t a licensed massage therapist with specific post-op training, you could risk poor healing, increased swelling, and compromised results. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and recovery.
Why Lymphatic Drainage is Crucial After Surgery
After plastic surgery, your body naturally responds with swelling and fluid buildup as part of the healing process. Lymphatic drainage massage is designed to:
✅ Reduce post-surgical swelling and inflammation
✅ Prevent fluid accumulation and seromas
✅ Improve circulation and promote faster healing
✅ Enhance the overall contour and appearance of surgical results
When performed correctly, lymphatic massage helps your body eliminate excess fluid, reduces discomfort, and speeds up recovery. However, when done improperly—or by someone without proper training—it can lead to:
❌ Increased swelling and bruising
❌ Poor surgical results
❌ Formation of hard lumps or fibrosis (scar tissue)
❌ Increased risk of seromas or infection
Florida’s Licensing Rules for Post-Op Massage
If you’re coming to Florida for plastic surgery, it’s essential to understand that only a licensed massage therapist (LMT) who is trained and specialized in post-op care should be performing your lymphatic drainage massages.
In Florida, post-op massage therapy is considered a form of medical massage, which means that only therapists with an active massage therapy license can legally perform it. While physical therapists (PTs) and nurses may have a background in anatomy and healing, they cannot legally perform post-op lymphatic massage unless they hold a massage therapy license.
What to Look for in a Post-Op Massage Therapist:
🔎 Massage Therapy License – Ensure they have an active Florida LMT license. You can verify their credentials through the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
🔎 Specialized Training – Look for certifications in post-op or lymphatic drainage massage. This ensures they understand the delicate nature of post-surgical tissue.
🔎 Experience with Post-Op Clients – Ask how many post-op clients they have treated and what types of procedures they are familiar with (e.g., liposuction, tummy tucks, BBL).
🔎 Knowledge of Surgical Techniques – A well-trained post-op massage therapist will understand how different surgical methods (like VASER liposuction versus traditional liposuction) affect the body and require different massage techniques.
Why a Physical Therapist or Nurse Isn’t Enough
While physical therapists (PTs) and nurses are trained in general patient care and rehabilitation, they lack the specialized training needed to perform lymphatic drainage on post-surgical patients unless they also hold a massage therapy license.
Risks of Having an Unlicensed Provider Perform Post-Op Massage:
🚫 Excessive pressure causing bruising or tissue damage
🚫 Improper technique leading to increased swelling and poor contouring
🚫 Delayed healing and poor surgical results
In Florida, it’s outside the legal scope of practice for a PT or nurse to perform lymphatic drainage unless they have obtained a massage therapy license.
Key Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Massage
To ensure you’re receiving care from a properly licensed and trained professional, ask the following questions:
✔️ Are you a licensed massage therapist in Florida?
✔️ Do you have specific training and experience in post-op lymphatic drainage?
✔️ How many post-op clients have you treated?
✔️ Are you familiar with the type of procedure I had (e.g., BBL, liposuction, tummy tuck)?
✔️ Can you provide references or testimonials from past post-op clients?
Don’t Gamble with Your Results
Recovering from plastic surgery is a delicate process, and proper post-op care plays a major role in achieving the best results. By working with a licensed and experienced post-op massage therapist, you protect your investment and give your body the best chance to heal beautifully.
If you are traveling to Florida for plastic surgery—especially to popular destinations like Miami—take the time to vet your post-op care team. Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials and experience—it’s your body, your results, and your health on the line.
