Lymphatic drainage. You’ve probably heard of it, and you’ve probably even been recommended a product that offers to help you do it. But, do you really know what it is? Well, if you didn’t before, you will now, because I’ve done some research and I’m here to share it with you.
As with a lot of popular beauty trends, lymphatic drainage was an effective medical solution first. It began as a medical treatment for Lymphedema, a “severe debilitating disease characterised by the accumulation of excessive protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space.” What that means is chronic swelling in specific areas of the body. It’s an issue because the lymphatic system helps with your immune system, and when there’s a buildup, it risks bacterial growth and infections. Now, it has entered the beauty sphere! Lymphatic drainage has become a treatment that anyone can partake in, both at beauty clinics and at home. And if you need a helping hand, then don’t fear, because there are tools that can help you: mini massagers, sculpting tools, and wellness lymphatic drops, among them. Influencers swear by them, beauty clinics now offer them as treatments, and it’s the latest craze online.
What does a lymphatic drainage look like in a beauty setting? With light, regular movements and pressure, your lymph nodes will be massaged, with the key target areas being the head, neck, armpits, groin, and chest. It isn’t just encouraged as an everyday massage or treatment, though. Some places, such as Kat & Co, encourage Manual Lymphatic Drainage after certain plastic surgery, such as facelifts or tummy tucks, as it can help with swelling. They recommend 6 sessions over a 2-week period, and teach their clients how to self-administer Simple Lymphatic Drainage, which, as it sounds, is just a simplified version of the massage.
Prices tend to vary from £80 to £120 for a 60-minute session across London, which aligns with other massage treatments, but it varies depending on location.
Does it work, though? Healthline’s verdict is: “Although some therapists state that facial lymphatic drainage can produce results resembling a miniature facelift, the evidence so far is mainly anecdotal, meaning it comes only from those who’ve tried it (or those who offer it).” Does this mean it doesn’t have benefits? Not necessarily. If you notice or suspect you have lymphatic swelling, the first step is to go to the doctor. There, they can tell you if you have Lymphedema. If you don’t, chances are you don’t need lymphatic drainage, and getting it done won’t make much difference to the shape of your face. However, in terms of beauty, a lymphatic drainage is a massage, so you’ll be pulling all the benefits you’d get from a regular massage.
There are lots of benefits to massage treatments in general: a decrease in stress, a decrease in muscle tension, improved sleep and improved circulation. Massages can also be good for your skin because of the products used. They can hydrate, balance or exfoliate, and this does help to keep your skin youthful and bouncy. If you can afford to, regularly getting treatments done will positively impact your face, body, or skin. Temporarily, you might see lifting or sculpting, but unless you go regularly, there’s a low chance this will hold up.
If you want to look after your skin, de-puff, look glowy and have a sculpted face, go back to basics! Plenty of water, a good diet, exercise, moisturiser and my favourite, SPF, will make a world of difference. Massages, facials and if you choose, plastic surgery, can all complement these, but if you don’t have the basics down, the rest won’t be able to do much for you!
For more info on Lymphedema and Lymphatic drainage, see here.