Lymphatic massage, contouring and cellulite care
The three most common body treatments work in very different ways. Lymphatic massage is hands-on, using light, slow strokes over the skin in a set direction. Body contouring uses a device with an applicator that delivers cold, heat or another form of energy to an area for a timed period. Cellulite treatments vary the most, from devices to manual techniques to, at some providers, injections.
Because they differ so much, the questions differ too. Ask what the method is, who performs it, how many visits are common and what aftercare involves. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.
Lymphatic massage: what a provider considers
Lymphatic massage is gentle, and a provider still asks questions first. They will want to know about heart conditions, kidney conditions, blood clots or a history of them, active infections, and any recent surgery. If you have swelling in an area, they may ask whether a doctor has checked it.
Ask who performs the massage and what training they have, how long a visit takes, and how often people usually come back. If you have a diagnosed condition such as lymphedema, ask whether your doctor should be involved. A licensed provider decides what is suitable.
Three things to know before you go
Before a body treatment consultation, be ready with three things.
The area. Where it is, and what you want to ask about it.
Your health. Conditions, implants, medicines, supplements, recent surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Your history. Any past body treatments, massages or devices, and how you found them.
Write them down so nothing gets missed. A licensed provider uses them to decide which method, if any, is suitable, and may suggest seeing a doctor first if something needs checking.
Questions about body treatments
Are body treatments the same as surgery?
No. The body treatments on a med spa menu are non-surgical, with no incisions or general anesthesia. If you want to ask about surgery, a surgeon is the right person to see. A licensed provider at a med spa can tell you when that is the case.
What is lymphatic massage?
It is a gentle, hands-on massage technique using light, slow strokes in a set pattern. A provider will ask about heart, kidney and blood clot history, infections and recent surgery first. If you have a diagnosed condition such as lymphedema, ask whether your doctor should be involved.
What if I have pain or swelling afterward?
Follow the aftercare instructions and contact the provider who treated you. For severe pain, swelling that keeps growing, signs of infection or anything that worries you, see a doctor. This site is not a clinic and cannot give medical advice.
A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you. Send a request to begin that conversation.
Request a consultMore consultation topics
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Laser consultation
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