We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandy Fenwick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brandy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Being a physical therapist assistant for 28 years, there was always a little side hustles. Mine was being a licensed massage therapist. I provided mobile massage services throughout Oklahoma. Combined education as a physical therapist assistant along with being a lymphedema therapist, enhance my ability as a massage therapist. This trifecta positioned me in becoming a Postop specialist in the cosmetic/plastic industry.
I prefaced with the above information because it was within that time the “defining ah-ha” moment occurred. However, it actually didn’t expose itself as such, for 19 years. Excitingly, it shined brightly when I entered into my new career.
So let me get to the heart of this defining moment. One of my mobile massage clients was receiving my services. While working on her, she said, “I had a tummy tuck years ago. After that my legs always seemed so big”. My analytical science brain began plugging in the data. Combining the visual presentation of her tissues, scar, and legs, I thought, “hmmmm, well it would make since if her scar tissue impeded the vessel flow of the lymphatic system. Then potentially she could have acquired secondary lymphedema. Or, maybe she is dealing with lipedema “. At the time these were all internal discussions with me, myself, and I. Life went on and I saw her a few more times, which by the way, I incorporated MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) into session was a huge benefit.
Now we come to my new career. As I combined my PTA (Physical therapist assistant), wound care, kinesiology, LMT (Licensed massage therapist), and CLT (certified lymphedema therapist), the defining moment popped up just like that animated light bulb lighting up over someone’s head. I realized my thought process was correct and this opened the door for the stages of recovery. I began building my knowledge and practice helping my post-op patients after a body alternating procedure. Each week treatment is altered according to their stage of healing. I have truly been blessed to work beside and have the mentorship of a phenomenal, world renowned surgeon, Dr Cuzalina. It has allowed me to grow in the industry having him believe in what I do. As a member of the AACS (American Academy of cosmetic surgery) he has introduced me to his colleagues and I have presented my knowledge on their CME track. I am proud to be an Allied member of the AACS, a publisher of a chapter in his most recent surgery publication. Daily I strive to grow and have also joined and amazing organization, CSL Therapy, as a member, licensed provider, trainer, and state director. My courses from iLP Therapy ( owner/founder) have now been taught in 4 states. This is a passion and I LOVE what I do so thank you for letting me share!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My experience getting into the industry was rather unique and allowed for great growth. My last position, one year prior to becoming a Postop specialist, I was a rehab director in a very toxic situation. Realizing this wasn’t going to changed, I put in my resignation by hitting send on the email. I fell to the floor, It was the most emotional moment as I felt I was giving up and was a failure. I looked up and said “ok God Iv never done this, but Im giving it to you”. Three days later, a client texted me a said “hey there is a surgeon looking for a lymphatic therapist”. My response was “well Im a lymphedema therapist, that’s what I do”. Once I made contact with Tulsa Surgical Arts, my amazing journey began. Its not a job or work when you love what you do. I was given autonomy to build from the ground up a strategic post-op program for patients to have optimal outcomes. Utilizing each area of education and training to address each stage of healing as it pertains to any body altering procedure from head to toe. This comes along with routine education to the patient on self care, compression/faja progression, progression on mobility, desensitization, and knowing its “okay to not be okay”. There is a huge emotional roller coaster phase resulting from a multitude of things. This roller coaster can emerge from feeling guilt, spending too much money, not seeing results immediately, and more.
As time went by one of our amazing fellows ( Tulsa Surgical Arts is an educational surgery center for upcoming surgeons “fellows”), Dr. Tolomeo, encouraged me to create a course. So as of 2020 iLP Therapy (integrated lymphatic and post operative therapy) has been educating other practitioners in lymphatic therapy and post-operative care. Providing both foundational and master courses. Additionally, my goal of growing is coming to fruition as my sister Brook Alexander is carrying on the company in Tampa Florida. We are a part of AACS as allied members. I support and aid in creating the Allied track annually for presentations at the Annual Conference (Annual Science Meeting). Im so elated to have been invited to publish a post-operative chapter in Dr Cuzalina’s surgical book Popular Cosmetic Surgery Procedures: Chapter is Lymphatic Therapy and Post-Operative Care -The Science of a Seamless Recovery.

For my patients and followers I want their “take aways” to be the awareness of how important researching who you are having your invasive body altering procedure post operative care by, is tremendously important. Your care should not hurt, the surgery will be painful but aftercare treatment shouldn’t be. You get what you pay for, plan to pay $1500-$3000 in aftercare treatments and supplies.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Wow if I could go back at least 10 years I would absolutely have started to merge into the cosmetic/plastic surgery industry way earlier. Additionally, I would have started more research on lipedema as a support system and as a provider for more lipedema sufferers. More doctors and insurance companies are recognizing this connective tissue disorder and treating with plastic procedures.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My personality is definitely one of people pleasing, fear of rejection, never saying NO. However, this industry has taught me alot. We are interwoven with surgeons nationally and internationally. That being said, each surgeon has different protocols for each procedure. Each patient that comes to me outside of our patients from Tulsa Surgical Arts, I strive to reach out to their surgeon. This can breed a kind response, crickets (no response at all), or potentially resistance to wanting their patients to have lymphatic therapy sooner than later in their recovery journey. As I am growing, branching out, and learning more, I message surgeons and device representatives to see about observing, having zoom meetings, and collaborating. My resilience is now telling myself the worst thing I can be told is “no”. This has helped me grow because 9 times out of 10 I am welcomed with open arms and have gained so much knowledge this way. Our natural fear is stepping out of our comfort zone. I make an effort to do it daily now which is huge for me- my tattoo says “she is comfortable being uncomfortable “.