Specialist Clinical Training for Therapists Working in Postoperative Care

 
Structured, clinically informed programs for qualified therapists who want to work more safely, more effectively, and to a higher professional standard with postoperative aesthetic and cosmetic plastic surgery patients.
EXPLORE TRAINING PATHWAYS

Specialist Clinical Training for Therapists Working in Postoperative Care

 
Structured, clinically informed programs for qualified therapists who want to work more safely, more effectively, and to a higher professional standard with postoperative aesthetic and cosmetic plastic surgery patients.
EXPLORE TRAINING PATHWAYS

Our programs are built on extensive clinical experience, structured teaching, and continued support beyond the classroom.

Professional Training with Defined Standards

APPROVED PROVIDER

The Aftercare Academy is an approved continuing education provider with the FHT in the UK and NCBTMB and CE Broker in the USA, meeting recognised professional standards in both countries.

STRUCTURED LEARNING

Each program is structured so that theoretical understanding is in place before hands-on teaching begins, giving you a stronger foundation for learning in the room.

Aftercare Academy logo above a listing mentioning workshop benefits

CONTINUED GUIDANCE

Graduate support includes access to a clinical community, ongoing mentorship options, and a Therapist Register that connects qualified graduates with patients and referrers

A Specialist Academy for Therapists Committed to Higher Standards

The Aftercare Academy exists to strengthen standards in postoperative decongestive therapies through disciplined teaching, careful clinical decision-making, and continued support.

We teach the reasoning behind treatment, not just the sequence. Our focus is on what is appropriate, when it is appropriate, and how to adapt safely to more complex presentations.

Photo showing students of the Aftercare Academy practising their protocols for after facelift surgery

Training Pathways

Programmes designed to support therapists at different stages of clinical development. 

      Training Pathway

Manual Lymphatic Therapy™️

 

Build stronger lymphatic foundations through structured, clinically informed teaching and guided practical learning.

 

LEARN MORE & JOIN THE 2027 WAITLIST

Advanced MLD & Treatment Protocols

 

Develop the knowledge and clinical judgement required to work more safely and effectively with postoperative aesthetic and cosmetic plastic surgery patients.

 
2026 Dates and Locations:

UK

  • 29 June - 3 July: Bollin Clinic, Manchester  SOLD OUT
  • 20 - 24 July: Berkshire Grove Hospital, Maidenhead 2 PLACES LEFT

USA

  • 21 - 25 Sept: Murrieta, California
  • 5 - 9 October: Algonquin, Illinois
  • 19 - 23 Oct: Boca Raton, Florida

 

LEARN MORE & CHOOSE YOUR PAYMENT OPTION

Lipoedema Liposuction Aftercare

 

A specialist pathway focused on the recovery needs of patients after lipoedema reduction surgery.

 

LEARN MORE & REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Before Treatment Begins

A therapist's guide to safer lipo-abdominoplasty aftercare

Lipo-abdominoplasty patients can appear to be recovering well on the surface. The early postoperative picture is often more complex than it first seems.

Inside you will find:

  • A five-part swelling observation framework
  • Pre-treatment screening questions
  • A red flags reference
  • Week 1, 2, and 3 treatment considerations
  • A pre-treatment decision checklist
  • A case reflection: Day 6 after lipo-abdominoplasty

£27 — immediate download

Instant access.

£27 — Immediate Download

What Defines Our Approach

 

Structured   Learning

 

Each program builds step by step, so theoretical understanding is in place before hands-on teaching begins and knowledge translates into practice with clarity.

Assessment-led Certification

 

Certification reflects demonstrated understanding and application of clinical knowledge, not attendance alone. Standards are maintained across every programme.

   Clinical      Relevance

 

Our teaching is shaped by direct clinical experience, collaboration with surgeons and specialist clinicians, and a consistent focus on patient safety and recovery outcomes.

Continued Guidance

 

Training with us marks the start of an ongoing professional relationship, with graduate support, mentorship options, and access to a community of like-minded practitioners.

Clinical Leadership

The Aftercare Academy is founded and led by Petra Erving, a specialist in Manual Lymphatic Therapy and Decongestive Therapy with more than two decades of clinical experience across teaching hospitals, hospice care, private practice, and plastic surgery clinics.

Her teaching draws on direct hands-on practice, training through the Chikly and Földi methods, and long-standing collaboration with leading UK specialists in lymphoedema, lipoedema, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and venous care.

Petra has presented at the MLDUK surgery study day, CAPSCO UKAAPS annual meeting for plastic surgeons on the role of the lymphatic system in wound healing and was invited by the NLN to present a one-day workshop on recovery after lipo-abdominoplasty surgery.

Her work is shaped by clinical experience, professional collaboration, and a commitment to raising the standard of postoperative care available to patients.

Meet Petra

Upcoming Workshops

In-person training supported by structured pre-course learning and guided practical teaching.

2026 Workshop Dates and Locations

 

  • Advanced MLD & Treatment Protocols for Aesthetic & Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clients— 29 June–3 July 2026
    • Bollin Clinic, Altrincham, Manchester SOLD OUT
  • Advanced MLD & Treatment Protocols for Aesthetic & Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clients — 20–24 July 2026
    • Berkshire Grove Hospital, Maidenhead (Nr London) 2 PLACES REMAINING
  • Advanced MLD & Treatment Protocols for Aesthetic & Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clients  — 21–25 September 2026
    • Murrieta, California (venue TBA)
  • Advanced MLD & Treatment Protocols for Aesthetic & Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clients — 5–9 October 2026
    • Fox River MedSpa, Algonquin, Illinois
  • Advanced MLD & Treatment Protocols for Aesthetic & Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clients — 19–23 October 2026
    • Boca Raton, Florida (venue TBA)
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ADVANCED POST-OP WORKSHOP

What Our Graduates Say

Feedback from therapists who have strengthened their knowledge, confidence, and professional practice through training with The Aftercare Academy.

Laine

Despite 30 years of clinical experience, I lacked confidence treating postoperative patients. The Aftercare Academy’s Advanced training gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to support post-op patients safely, professionally, and with far greater assurance.

Robert

The Aftercare Academy’s Advanced training gave me a completely different understanding of postoperative recovery. The learning was intensive, but the support afterwards was exceptional, and I now go into work with far more confidence and love what I do each day.

Olivia

Before training with The Aftercare Academy, I had limited experience, and my previous education was very different. Since completing the 5-day Advanced workshop, I have been fully booked months in advance, despite significantly increasing my prices. I am doing the work I love.

Charles

Training with The Aftercare Academy gave me a much deeper understanding of manual lymphatic drainage and its application in my clinical work. The teaching was outstanding, and I now feel far more confident in my skills, knowledge, and ability to support patients well.

 Educational Resources

Explore articles and specialist learning resources designed to support continued professional development between workshops.

Clinical Postoperative Decongestive Aftercare for Optimising Surgic...

Beyond The Scalpel - Why Therapists Are Essential In Post-Lipo-Abdo...

Lipo-Abdominoplasty Aftercare: A Practical Guide for MLD/MLT Therap...

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