Revival of the World's Best Kept Beauty Secret

MLD helps to minimize bruising and hematoma formation and reduce pain and discomfort associated with plastic or cosmetic surgery. By quickly

From top models before a photo shoot, to body builders preparing for a competition, lymphatic therapies are enjoying a resurgence in attention from the Beauty Industry. Simultaneously there has been a significant increase in the uptake of cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide, with an exponential expansion in Medical Aesthetics and the kinds of procedures which are now being routinely performed,

Wix stock image

MLD helps to minimize bruising and hematoma formation and reduce pain and discomfort associated with plastic or cosmetic surgery. By quickly clearing the tissues of damaged tissue and cells MLD can significantly improve cosmetic outcomes and improve overall patient satisfaction.

And while Aestheticians were one of the first groups to appreciate the decongestive benefits of MLD, the cosmetic benefits of MLD became overshadowed in the latter part of the 20th century by the use of MLD in lymphedema management. particularly after breast-cancer.


The demonstration of manual lymph drainage (MLD) at a Medical Symposium in Paris in 1936 by Dr. Emil Vodder and his wife Dr Estrid Vodder, had marked a significant milestone in the field of lymphology.

The Eiffel Tower, US Library of Congress
The Eiffel Tower

At the time, the understanding of the lymphatic system and its role in maintaining health was limited. However, during the 1930s and 1940s, the Vodders' technique gained recognition and was widely utilized in various medical and wellness settings.

As MLD became increasingly recognized for its ability to support healing and recovery, medical practitioners and rehabilitation specialists started incorporating Vodder MLD into their treatment protocols. The technique found particular relevance in post-operative care, aiding in reducing swelling, improving tissue regeneration, and enhancing immune function, especially for individuals recovering from surgeries, injuries, and chronic conditions.

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Changing cultural and societal factors that influenced people's attitudes towards aesthetic enhancement are creating a surge in the uptake of cosmetic procedures of all kinds. An increasing number of people are seeking cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance and boost their self-esteem.

With a gradual destigmatisation, cosmetic surgery is now more openly discussed, and celebrities and influencers are increasingly open about their procedures. This openness has helped reduce the social taboo surrounding cosmetic surgery and has made it more socially acceptable, encouraging more people to consider these treatments.


The non-invasive nature and proven benefits of the Dr Vodder method make it a valuable adjunctive therapy in postoperative care, enhancing the outcomes of aesthetic procedures.

Properly trained MLD Therapists are now in demand for their ability to reduce post-surgical bruising and swelling and to ensure the best possible outcomes in scar formation.

Wix stock image


In response to this resurgence in demand for MLD in Medical Aesthetics, the Aesthetician Advanced Certificates have been reformatted into Advanced Neck and Face, and Advanced Body Certificates.

The Neck and Face Course trains the Therapist in the delicate and skilled application of MLD to the delicate tissue of the face. Graduates will be able to correctly apply MLD in skin pathologies including rosacea and acne, and to effective reduce swelling and scarring after procedures such as blepharoplasty.

The Advanced Body Certificate covers the gamut of ways in which MLD can be used from Spa Wellness to Brazilian butt lifts, with up-to-date information on cosmetic procedures such as liposuction and breast augmentation.


The Vodder's developed MLD from their understanding of the vital role that lymphatics play in the body's natural healing processes.

The effectiveness of their technique is evident in the positive outcomes experienced by countless Beauty Therapy clients over the decades since that Paris Symposium in 1936.

Dr Vodder's Aesthetician Advance Body Certificate is available in Perth, Adelaide and Wollongong during October and November. View the Moving Lymph Course Calendar.

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Jan Douglass
Jan Douglass

Jan has been practicing and educating in manual body therapies since 1986. Specialising in MLD and Lymph Taping, she became an Accredited Practical Instructor with the Dr Vodder School in 2002 and a certified Lymph Taping Instructor in 2017. Her diverse background includes eight years as the senior lymphoedema therapist at Flinders Medical Centre Breast Oncology Clinic, and trial coordinator at Flinders University. With a PhD in lymphatic dysfunction, Jan has consulted internationally for the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and co-founded the LKN Foundation Ltd in 2021 to support global lymphoedema management.

Read more articles by Jan

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