Tattoo ink is processed and cleared through the lymphatic system. Whether you are getting a new tattoo or undergoing tattoo removal, lymphatic flow plays a crucial role in healing, controlling inflammation, and clearing pigment.
Clinical Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, clinical therapy that can support the body’s natural lymphatic processes before and after tattooing or tattoo removal.
How Tattoos Affect the Lymphatic System
When tattoo ink is placed into the skin:
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The immune system reacts to foreign pigment
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Inflammation increases locally
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Ink particles are gradually transported via lymphatic pathways
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Lymph nodes play a role in pigment filtration and clearance
With tattoo removal, this lymphatic workload increases further as fragmented pigment must be processed and cleared by the body.
How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Can Help
Clinical Manual Lymphatic Drainage may help to:
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Reduce swelling and local inflammation
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Support lymphatic clearance of ink particles
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Improve tissue comfort and healing
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Reduce congestion in nearby lymph nodes
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Support recovery between tattoo removal sessions
MLD works gently with natural drainage pathways and does not manipulate the tattooed area directly during early healing.
When MLD May Be Useful
MLD may be considered:
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Before tattooing or tattoo removal, to support lymphatic readiness
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Between tattoo removal sessions to assist recovery
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After the acute healing phase of a new tattoo
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When swelling, heaviness, or prolonged inflammation is present
MLD is supportive, not a replacement for medical or laser tattoo removal treatment.
Book Clinical MLD for Tattoo Support
If you are undergoing tattoo removal or want to support healing after tattooing, clinical Manual Lymphatic Drainage may assist lymphatic function and recovery.
Totally Well offers clinical MLD on the Gold Coast, delivered by qualified remedial massage therapists with additional clinical lymphatic training.
👉 Book a lymphatic assessment or MLD session
https://www.totallywell.com.au/pages/bookings