Frequently asked questions

Treatment choice, results and what the experience feels like.

  • If you're new to Restora, choose the treatment that best matches the time you have available and the results you're looking to achieve. The Restora Lymphatics Body Reset is an excellent introduction for focused full-body lymphatic drainage, while the Restora Lymphatics Tailored Reset allows more time to work across multiple areas and address more specific concerns or the 90 minutes can be used to focus on two areas e.g. stomach and legs and allow for a 40 minute express facial. If you're looking for the ultimate experience, the Complete Restora Reset combines face and body treatments for the most comprehensive session.

    If you are particularly sensitive, easily fatigued or unsure how your body may respond, please contact Emma before booking. The Gentle Lymphatic Reset may be a more suitable place to begin.

    If your primary focus is facial puffiness, jaw tension, sculpting or overall facial wellbeing, the Restora Facial: Lymphatic Drain & Sculpt treatment is the ideal choice.

    Still unsure? Get in touch and Emma will be happy to recommend the most suitable treatment based on your goals and medical history.

  • Lymphatic drainage feels very different from a traditional massage. It uses slow, gentle and rhythmic techniques to encourage the natural movement of lymphatic fluid along the body's lymphatic pathways. As many lymphatic vessels lie just beneath the skin, a lighter touch is often the most effective.

    Some parts of your treatment, such as abdominal work, fascia release or facial sculpting techniques, may involve firmer, more active pressure where appropriate. However, your treatment should never feel uncomfortable or painful. Every treatment is tailored to your individual needs, and Emma will regularly check your comfort, adjusting the pressure and pace throughout to ensure you feel relaxed, supported and at ease.

  • Lymphatic massage should not hurt. Some sculpting, fascia or buccal techniques may feel intense in areas of held tension, but pain is not treated as proof that a technique is working. You can ask for the pressure to change or an area to be excluded at any time.

  • Most clients notice an immediate change in how puffy, comfortable, rested or defined they feel after one appointment. Others notice the experience more through better sleep, more energy, reduced tension, better digestion or general lightness. All bodies respond differently. Consistency is key. Commitment and lifestyle factors play an important role together with lymphatic massage for lasting well-being.

  • There is no single timeframe. It can vary with your body, hormones, stress, travel, movement, sleep, food, hydration and the reason you booked. Most clients experience results after just one session. Restora will never promise a fixed number of days as everyone's body reacts to lymphatic massage differently. Lasting results are strongly influenced by factors including self-care, rest, lymphatic drainage exercises at home, healthy diet and regular exercise. Each client's goals and experiences are unique, and we customise our treatments to meet each individual's needs. Consistency is key and the health benefits and visible results continue to develop with repeat treatments.

  • For general maintenance, many clients prefer monthly or fortnightly treatments. Others choose a short course around a particular goal or event.

  • No. Restora treatments are not a substitute for nutrition, movement or medical weight-management support, and they do not remove body fat. The service should not be booked as a weight-loss treatment. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system while nourishing and cleansing cells. Manual lymphatic drainage helps to facilitate the movement of stagnant lymphatic fluid throughout the body and reduce lymphatic fluid retention which often results in clients feeling less bloated, more defined, energised, rested and restored. 

  • Yes. A single treatment can be a lovely way to feel rested and polished, but it is sensible to try the treatment before the final week if you have never had it before. Many clients book in a few times before holiday! For a structured lead-up, the Restora Wedding & Special Event Package includes eight weekly 90-minute sessions tailored to you and the date of your big day or special event.

Health, suitability and different bodies

Restora welcomes real bodies and is clear about where complementary treatment ends and medical care begins.

  • In most cases yes but please contact Restora before booking. These conditions vary greatly from person to person, so Emma will take the time to understand your symptoms, current medical care and how your body typically responds to treatment.

    In some cases, written medical clearance from your GP may be required before treatment can proceed. If your needs fall outside Restora's training, insurance or scope of practice, treatment may not be appropriate and you will be advised accordingly.

    Many clients living with these conditions choose to incorporate lymphatic drainage as part of their wider wellbeing routine and report feeling relaxed, lighter or more comfortable after treatment. However, individual experiences vary, and Restora does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions or any other medical condition.

  • Many clients experiencing these symptoms incorporate lymphatic drainage as part of their wellbeing routine and report feeling less bloated, having less cramps and feeling more comfortable but persistent, painful or unexplained symptoms should be discussed with a GP or appropriate healthcare professional. Whilst the trearments may help, Restora does not diagnose or specifically treat IBS, constipation or other digestive conditions.

  • Please contact Restora before making an appointment. Written clearance from your medical team may be requested. Some circumstances require a specialist lymphoedema practitioner or medical service and may not be suitable for treatment at Restora.

  • Post-operative care is not currently available as a standard bookable Restora service yet. This will be provided from January 2027. Please do not book a Restora Body Ritual as a substitute for surgical aftercare. Please follow your surgeon’s advice and use an appropriately trained and insured post-operative practitioner.

  • With lymphatic drainage massage, care is required and please follow your obstetrician’s advice, use an appropriately trained and insured practitioner.  Pregnancy-specific treatments are not currently available at Restora.

  • Yes, provided you feel well and comfortable. You may feel more sensitive at different points in your cycle, so tell Emma how you feel and the treatment can be adapted.

  • Yes. Restora welcomes clients of all genders. The consultation, draping and treatment remain professional and personalised for every client. For clients with facial hair, we suggest shaving or trimming before your appointment if you have booked the Restora Facial or Complete Restora Reset.

  • Yes. You do not need to lose weight, change shape or reach a particular size before booking. Restora is intended to help people feel cared for and more comfortable in the body they have now.

  • Absolutely not. Often people apologise about this during their session. Restora is intended to help people feel cared for and more comfortable in the body they have now.

  • The studio offers step-free access, private parking, and toilet, shower and changing facilities. The treatment bed can be accessed using sturdy steps, as it is not height adjustable. If you have any mobility concerns, difficulty getting on or off the treatment bed, or require assistance with positioning, please contact Emma before booking. Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs where possible and to ensure your appointment is safe and comfortable. If your requirements fall outside what can be safely accommodated within the studio, this will be discussed with you before your appointment.

  • Yes. One person may accompany you when support is required. Please mention this when booking so the space can be prepared.

What happens during the treatment

Consent, clothing, products and techniques.

  • Wear whatever feels comfortable for travelling to and from the studio. For body treatments, you will be provided with a gown and invited to undress to your underwear (pants / boxer shorts) in complete privacy. For facial treatments you will be invited to either undress to your underwear or some clients prefer to remain clothed in the bottom half of their body. Emma will leave the room while you change, and professional draping techniques are used throughout your treatment to ensure your comfort, dignity and privacy at all times. You will also be invited to remove jewellery where possible (excluding sentimental rings).

  • The body rituals may include professional work near the groin crease and across the abdomen because these are important areas within lymphatic system. This is explained before it happens, clear consent is requested, underwear remains on and secure draping is used. For men we use a different technique to stimulate the lymph nodes in the groin area.

  • Buccal massage is an intraoral technique performed inside the mouth using gloves. It allows focused work through areas of muscular tension around the cheeks and jaw which are not easily accessible from the inside. It is explained in advance, hygiene procedures are followed. It is always optional and we can stop at any time. Many clients report feeling a release of tension, more relaxed and more natural lifting after the buccal massage.

  • Restora is led by hands-on techniques. Tools such as vibration tools, gua sha, cups, wooden tools and ice globes may be used when appropriate, but they support the treatment rather than replace skilled manual work.

  • Luxury products are selected carefully with quality, comfort and the treatment purpose in mind. We use a mixture of beautifully smelling oils, balms and aromatherapy. Tell Emma about allergies, fragrance sensitivities, reactive skin or previous reactions before the appointment. No product can be guaranteed allergen-free for every person.

  • It is a complimentary herbal infusion and part of the Restora approach. It is not presented as a medical treatment or a product that “detoxes” the body. Ingredient information will be available for clients with allergies or dietary requirements.

  • You can return to your normal day, but many clients prefer to leave the skin clean for a short while after treatment. Bring make-up with you if you need it and please tell Emma if you have an event immediately afterwards.

  • Contact Restora before booking and provide the exact procedure and date. The appropriate waiting period depends on the treatment, area and advice from your injector or practitioner. A facial treatment may need to be postponed.

Booking, memberships and policies

The practical information clients need before paying a deposit.

  • Use the Book Your Treatment button to view live availability in Timely. A 50% deposit is required to secure the appointment.

  • You will receive a confirmation and relevant health questionnaire. Complete it as soon as possible. Restora may contact you before confirming suitability when relevant health information is disclosed.

  • Arrive around ten minutes early for your first appointment and five minutes early for future visits. Arriving much earlier may interrupt another client’s private appointment but if you do arrive earlier than 10 minutes or if you’re running late please text Emma on 07468580403.

  • Please cancel at least 48 hours before the appointment for a full deposit refund or to reschedule. Between 24 and 48 hours, the appointment may be rescheduled once and the deposit transferred. With less than 24 hours’ notice or if you don’t attend your appointment with no notice, the deposit is retained and a new deposit is needed to rebook.

  • Restora will do its best to accommodate you as much as possible, but the treatment may need to finish at the original end time to protect the next client’s appointment. The full price remains payable.

  • If you are not well please call Emma on 07468580403 with as much notice in advance so we can reschedule the appointment after you have recovered. A no-show results in the deposit being retained. A new deposit is required before another appointment can be booked.

  • Mobile and home appointments are available by request only and depend on location, treatment suitability and diary availability. Additional time and travel fees may apply.

  • Memberships begin with a three-month commitment and renew monthly. The chosen treatment credit is added each month, with priority access to recurring appointments. Full terms are shown before joining.

  • Yes. Choose a specific treatment or a monetary value. Gift cards remain valid for 12 months and treatment is still subject to consultation and suitability.

  • Membership and treatment course payments are non-transferable (unless due to medical conditions preventing treatment) and not redeemable for cash. Full terms should be read before purchase.