DrSkin Voted Best of Gilbert 2026

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Michelle Hertel, LMT, MLD-C

Since 2018, Michelle Hertel has been dedicated to the art and science of therapeutic touch, providing clients with not only expert bodywork but also a compassionate, calming presence. Her journey into the world of massage began with a simple yet profound desire: to help people feel better in their bodies and, in turn, their lives. Over the years, she has cultivated a skill set that blends technical mastery with genuine empathy, making each client experience deeply personal and restorative.

Specialized Support for Surgical Healing

In 2022, Michelle expanded her expertise by becoming a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Specialist, a specialization that enhances her ability to assist clients in healing after surgery, reducing swelling, improving immune function, and promoting overall wellness. This area of practice is more than a professional milestone for Michelle; it is deeply personal.

Having undergone several plastic surgeries herself, she knows firsthand the discomfort, vulnerability, and emotional challenges that can accompany the recovery process. This lived experience allows her to connect with her patients in a unique way, offering not just treatment, but understanding, encouragement, and practical guidance that only someone who has walked the same path can provide.

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Where Her Passion for Care Began

Michelle’s interest in massage therapy and lymphatic health can be traced back to her childhood. Growing up, her mother battled cancer, and Michelle often massaged her to ease her pain and provide comfort. While she was too young to understand the full science behind her actions, she could see the immediate relief it brought—and those moments planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong vocation. As she later learned about the lymphatic system and its essential role in immune health, her early instincts were validated, reinforcing her desire to specialize in this transformative field.

Upbringing & Education

Born in Arizona but raised between the sunny deserts of her home state and the picturesque mountains of Colorado, Michelle developed a love for both environments. Arizona’s mild winters and vibrant cultural diversity have always held a special place in her heart, while Colorado’s lush greenery, sweeping mountain views, and cooler temperatures call to her sense of peace and connection with nature. She enjoys skiing on occasion but surprisingly finds herself paddleboarding more often—a nod to her lifelong draw toward water and warmer activities.

Interestingly, Michelle notes that while she grew up loving hot weather, she has recently embraced colder climates, joking that her shift in preference coincided with her brain “finally finishing development” when she turned 25. In 2025, Michelle earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. This accomplishment marked not just an academic achievement, but the fulfillment of a personal mission: to integrate physical healing with emotional and psychological support.

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A Vision for Whole-Person Healing

Michelle envisions a future in which she operates her own private practice that offers both massage therapy and mental health counseling, allowing her to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

She believes that healing is most effective when all aspects of a person’s well-being are addressed together, and she is actively working toward making that vision a reality.

Family, Creativity, and Personal Life

Outside of her professional life, Michelle is as multi-faceted as the landscapes she has called home. She has a beloved 13-year-old dog named Toby, whom she affectionately calls “the love of my life.” She enjoys creative pursuits, particularly painting, though she humorously admits she never claimed to be good at it. Art, for her, is about expression and joy rather than perfection. She comes from a lively Italian family with roots in New Jersey, complete with the animated conversations, warmth, and spirited gatherings one might expect. Though she remains close to her parents, she is candid about not sharing the same connection with her two older brothers—a dynamic she navigates with grace and humor.

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Passions Beyond the Practice

Michelle’s hobbies and quirks make her both relatable and refreshingly genuine. She is an avid sushi enthusiast who could happily eat it for every meal. She’s a fan of pop music and enjoys spending time outdoors, whether paddleboarding, skiing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty around her.

She also has a unique passion for cars, especially Subarus. Her first car was a Subaru, and she’s been hooked ever since, partly because it was her first taste of independence and partly because she has spent years researching and learning almost everything there is to know about the brand.

As a child, she was far more interested in the toy cars packaged with dolls than in the dolls themselves, a fascination that eventually grew into a lifelong appreciation for automotive design and performance.

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What Sets Michelle Apart

Ultimately, what sets Michelle apart is her rare combination of clinical expertise, personal experience, and heartfelt dedication to the people she serves. She understands that for many clients, massage therapy and lymphatic drainage are not just about relaxation or aesthetics—they are an essential part of recovery, health, and self-confidence. 

Whether she is easing a client’s post-operative discomfort, helping reduce swelling, supporting immune health, or simply creating a safe space for relaxation, Michelle approaches her work with the same guiding principle: to make each person feel seen, understood, and cared for. Through her hands, her knowledge, and her warm, approachable demeanor, Michelle creates a therapeutic environment where healing is not only possible but inevitable. In her care, clients can expect more than a massage; they can expect an experience that nurtures both body and soul.

Start Your Massage Journey With Michelle Today!

For more information or to schedule your laser consultation with Michelle, please contact DrSkin Plastic Surgery, Regenerative & Medical Spa at (602) 726-4218 or complete our contact form. Begin your journey toward achieving your cosmetic and rejuvenation goals today!

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Q&A With Michelle Hertel

Is there anything about your education and training that patients might find unique or interesting?

I am double-certified! While most practitioners only obtain certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), I invested an additional 40+ continuing education hours in Los Angeles to specialize specifically in post-plastic surgery lymphatic drainage. As a result, I hold certifications in both areas, something quite rare in the field.

What is your patient care philosophy?

Hydration is key; drink plenty of water to help your lymphatic system flush out waste. I always let patients know they’ll likely need to use the restroom more frequently after Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), as toxins and waste are filtered out through urine. Equally important are rest and avoiding salty foods, which can increase swelling.

What do you like most about helping patients?

I love helping patients find relief after the constant discomfort that can follow surgery. Swelling can be overwhelming, and knowing that Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) provides immediate, noticeable results is incredibly rewarding.

What methods did you employ to accomplish your goal of becoming successful in your career?

My drive for success comes from continuous learning and aligning my work with my passion for healing. I moved away from relaxation spas to focus my career entirely on restorative treatments that truly improve patients’ health and well-being.

What do you like to do in your leisure time when you are not seeing patients?

I love to study! Even after completing my master’s degree this past May, I’m constantly learning—whether through podcasts, research articles, or new skills. I’ve also been studying Spanish for the past two years and am close to being considered bilingual.

What three words best describe you?

Driven, easygoing, empathetic.

What mentors do you currently have, or have you had, during your career, who made a lasting impact on you?

My former boss, Angie Hammer, remains a huge inspiration. She encouraged my professional growth, even sending me to become certified in lymphatic drainage. She led with positivity, resilience, and a genuine desire for everyone’s success—not just her own.

Why do patients choose you, and what makes you different and unique?

I believe patients choose me because I truly connect with them. If I’ve been through a similar experience, I relate; if not, I empathize deeply. I take pride in building strong professional relationships and remembering the small details that matter to each person. If you tell me your birthday, I’ll never forget it!

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DrSkin Voted Best of Gilbert 2026

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