Post-Surgical Care
Specialist aftercare for plastic and cosmetic surgery clients
Recovering from cosmetic or plastic surgery is a journey, and how well you care for yourself in the weeks that follow your procedure can make a real difference to your results. At Athlone Therapy Centre, you'll receive dedicated post-surgical aftercare from a fully qualified nurse with the clinical background to support your recovery properly, not just in theory but in practice.
Procedures We Support
We provide specialist aftercare for clients recovering from a wide range of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. If your procedure isn't listed, please get in touch. We're happy to discuss your needs and confirm whether we can help.
Tummy tucks
Liposuction
Facelifts
Breast augmentation
And much more.
Post-Surgical Care: Plastics & Cosmetic Surgery Aftercare in Athlone
Your Therapist: Michelle Lillis
Your aftercare is in highly experienced hands. Michelle Lillis is a Registered General Nurse with over 20 years of experience in the medical and surgical field. She holds advanced clinical training in Peri-Operative (Theatre) Nursing and has specialist training in Lymphatics, giving her a depth of knowledge that goes well beyond what a standard beauty therapist can offer.
Michelle also holds a full qualification in Neuromuscular and Sports Therapy, which means she understands the body's structural recovery process as well as its circulatory and lymphatic needs. It's a combination that's genuinely rare, and one that makes a meaningful difference to how you recover.
What to Expect Week by Week
Recovery from cosmetic surgery isn't a single event. It unfolds in stages, and each stage requires a different kind of support.
From Week 1 through to Week 3 and beyond, Michelle will guide you through the process at every step:
Week 1: Your body is in early healing mode. Michelle will explain what's happening beneath the skin, what to expect in terms of swelling, bruising, and discomfort, and how to support your body during this initial phase. Early Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) sessions can be introduced to reduce swelling, encourage fluid movement, and help your body begin clearing surgical waste more efficiently.
Weeks 2 and 3: As healing progresses, the focus shifts to promoting tissue recovery, improving mobility, and preventing complications such as fibrosis (the hardening of scar tissue). MLD continues alongside gentle support for your return to normal movement and function.
Ongoing support: For more complex procedures or slower recoveries, Michelle can continue to work with you beyond the initial three weeks, adjusting her approach as your body heals.
Why Post-Surgical Lymphatic Massage Matters
Manual Lymph Drainage is one of the most effective tools available for post-surgical recovery. It encourages the lymphatic system to clear excess fluid and cellular debris from the surgical site, which helps reduce swelling more quickly, minimises bruising, softens scar tissue, and supports a smoother, more even result. When performed by a therapist with genuine clinical training, as with Michelle, it's a safe and evidence-backed component of surgical aftercare.
