Lymphatic drainage of the face - the fight for youth and freshness (TOP techniques)

Facial lymphatic drainage – what is it?

Over the years, the skin loses its elasticity and freshness, which becomes noticeable in appearance, and especially on the face. This is expressed by the appearance of puffiness, swelling, bags under the eyes, etc.

Deficiencies arise due to disturbed water-salt balance in the body, which leads to the accumulation of toxins and excess liquid substance. They are eliminated using the lymphatic system.

In this case, lymphatic drainage massage can help speed up this process.

For lymphatic drainage disorders, those types that lead to normal functioning of the lymphatic system are useful. Let's talk about everything in order.

Indications for testing

The functioning of the lymphatic system is negatively affected by many factors that modern people face: poor ecology, unbalanced nutrition, metabolic disorders, chronic diseases and, of course, age-related changes. As a result, the body loses the ability to quickly get rid of harmful substances and transport glucose and proteins. Therefore, toxic compounds gradually accumulate, and this has a corresponding effect on the appearance. A low lymph flow rate is indicated by swelling, puffiness, and a bluish or jaundiced complexion.

As a rule, a concomitant problem is poor circulation, which leads to the formation of blood clots in the vessels and deterioration of skin regeneration processes. Against this background, wrinkles actively form, the upper layer of the epidermis becomes coarser, the complexion becomes dull, etc. The lymphatic drainage massage procedure helps to cope with the above problems.

Main indications:

• swelling of the face;
• swelling of the skin of the cheeks, cheekbones, eyelids;
• dark circles under the eyes;
• bluish, icteric complexion;
• small expression wrinkles;
• skin ptosis, double chin.

Prohibitions to the procedure (11 contraindications)

There are several reasons for refusing facial lymphatic drainage.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

1. under 16 years of age;
2. there are wounds, herpes, acne in the treatment area;
3. there are malfunctions in the functioning of the lymphatic system, inflammatory manifestations in the lymph nodes in the facial area;
4. abnormalities in blood clotting;
5. existing or previously suffered colds, especially ENT varieties;
6. symptoms of hypertension, diseases of the cardiovascular system;
7. excessive emaciation of the face;
8. cancer;
9. menstrual cycle;
10. pregnancy and breastfeeding;
11. chronic fatigue, long-term depression.

To avoid unforeseen complications, before lymphatic drainage massage sessions, you should consult a specialist for advice.

If you have undergone contouring and previously had regular massages, you should wait at least two weeks after the session before massaging your face. After all, you can worsen the final result.

Dermatologic surgeon Corey Frucht

Lymphatic drainage massage technique for swelling

Each of the above mentioned lymphatic drainage facial massage techniques is suitable for swelling. The only caveat is that we perform movements with our hands to prevent swelling under the eyes. Massagers and scrapers can only do harm here due to the thinness and tenderness of the skin around the eyes.

It is more important to choose the right massage product for swelling. It definitely shouldn't retain moisture. (Castor oil is not suitable) You can try hemorrhoid cream. Oddly enough, it helps reduce swelling, and is even recommended by famous researchers. Read more about this in our article:

How to get rid of bags under the eyes ->>

What complications are possible?

After lymphatic drainage, you may encounter troubles. But they are easy to avoid. Namely:

1. Rashes . It is necessary to change the massage oil and clean the skin better after the massage is completed.
2. Swelling. You will need to eliminate excessively oily massage compounds and move the time of the procedure from evening to morning.
3. Sagging that has not disappeared. Consequently, the pressure was applied lightly and an insufficient amount of massage product was used.

With severe facial weight loss, you need to reduce the number of massages performed and ease the pressure.

For those who suffer from rosacea (and it is on the list of contraindications for lymphatic drainage), but really want to use the procedure to improve their appearance, it is recommended:

• go around the problematic area;
• apply a massage composition with hesperidin;
• concentrate on healthy eating and include more products with silicon in the menu;
• do not use scrubs;
• exclude visits to baths and saunas.

If any complication occurs, you must immediately find out the cause of its occurrence and take measures to eliminate it.

Contraindications

There are not many of them, but still there are contraindications. These include:

• infectious diseases;
• oncological diseases;
• allergies or intolerance to the components used;
• taking blood thinning medications;
• blood diseases;
• heat;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• skin injuries or inflammation in the correction area.

It is also better not to do biorevitalization during menstruation.

During the consultation, the specialist will ask you the necessary questions to make sure there are no risks.

Ways to perform facial lymphatic drainage

There are 2 types of lymphatic drainage.

1. Hardware is performed using special devices.
2. Manual is done by hand.

The methods can be used both separately and in tandem with each other. It is generally accepted that manual massaging is most effective.

To be effective, professionals use various devices and objects, for example, jars and metal balls intended for massage.

Massage is also commonly used to reduce pain and speed up recovery after plastic surgery as it relaxes the soft tissue. However, do not resort to massaging without consulting your doctor.

Plastic surgeon Charles Nduka

Hardware lymphatic drainage

A similar procedure involves influencing the epidermis with microcurrent, vacuum, pressure changes, and ultrasound.

The following hardware lymphatic drainage technologies exist:

• electrogalvanized is accomplished by a weak galvanic current. It stimulates cell function and collagen production;
• Vacuum accelerates lymphatic drainage due to the effect of negative pressure on the epidermis. As a result, swelling decreases after the first manipulation;
• Microcurrent is done by penetrating a weak current into the muscle fibers. The tissues contract, affecting the smoothing of deep wrinkles, moisturizing the skin by normalizing the functioning of the fat glands;
• pressotherapy – massage comes from compressed air supplied by a special mask using a pulse wave. In this procedure, the computer monitors the degree of pressure and pulse wave and adjusts them according to the specified strength and time of application. The manipulation activates circulation and speeds up the removal of liquid substances from the body.

Microcurrent therapy is gaining popularity. It is performed with special conductive gloves. They are also called “magic pens”. But to achieve results, it is worth conducting about 10 sessions.

Dermatologist Deborah Longwill

Manual lymphatic drainage

A manual procedure is performed using force on the facial muscles, as a result of which it relaxes.

The manipulation is carried out both in a salon setting by a specialist and at home with your own hands, but only after studying the implementation of the chosen technique.

As a rule, the effect of a massage after a professional is always more noticeable. However, even a home procedure, if you try, will give the desired result.

Of the 2 manual facial lymphatic drainage methods, Japanese and hemolymphatic drainage are distinguished. The first is based on point acupuncture, the second acts in all layers of the epidermis.

Manual lymphatic drainage massages are divided into 3 types:

• superficial - only skin cells are treated with it;
• median - all epidermal layers are located in the affected area;
• deep - with it the emphasis is on the facial muscles and lymphatic vessels.

You need to start performing the manipulation yourself after studying the massage directions on the face.

It must be done in a cleansed and relaxed state. Otherwise, it is not difficult to get a negative effect from the pseudo-procedure.

Whatever technique is chosen, the doctor first examines the patient and cleanses the face before and after the sessions. A session costs more than 800 rubles.

Types of procedure

There are many facial massage techniques: from original ones, for example, Japanese Zogan massage, to classical medical ones. Techniques are divided into three types according to the degree of impact:

• superficial – refreshes the skin on the face, removes puffiness, tones;
• deep – stimulates metabolic processes, eliminates age-related lymphostasis;
• projection – aimed at lymph and lymph flow.

In addition to manual massage, there are hardware techniques. Physiotherapeutic devices influence the lymphatic vessels using vacuum, currents, and ultrasound. Hardware techniques include:

1. Electrophoresis is a procedure in which a drug applied to the patient’s face is injected into the deep layers of the dermis under the influence of current. Weak discharges are painless. They feel like a slight tickling and tingling sensation. Electrophoresis improves local blood circulation and permeability of cell membranes.
2. Galvanization – facial massage with low-frequency current. The method stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, accelerates lymph flow and metabolism.
3. Microcurrents are an electrical effect on the epidermis from different sides, accelerating blood circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid.
4. Vacuum hardware massage is an effect on the skin using a compressor with a flask, the pressure inside of which is constantly changing. Soft tissues are drawn into the flask and relax. Vacuum is especially effective for restoring lymph outflow in patients over 45 years of age.

Manual and hardware massage techniques bring the same benefits. The choice of technique depends on the doctor’s prescription and patient preferences.

Technique for performing facial lymphatic drainage (8 stages)

It requires the use of a cream that will facilitate the manipulation and nourish the epidermis with useful substances.

1. Using the pads of the fingers (index, middle, ring) of both hands, press in the middle of the forehead and gradually move towards the temples with stroking movements. This will smooth out forehead wrinkles.
2. Move your fingers along the upper eyelid from the outer to the inner edge and back. The movements go first above the eyelash line, then under the eyebrows.
3. Apply pressure along the lower eyelid, starting from the bridge of the nose and ending at the temples. The return path is above the upper eyelid.
4. Smooth out the nasolabial furrows by running your fingers along the contour of the furrows and applying gentle pressure in centimeter increments.
5. Tone the cheek muscles by using your palms to massage the central area from the jaw area to the eyes in a circular motion.
6. Eliminate sagging cheeks by pressing the bottom of the back of your palm onto the sides of the chin, gradually moving upward.
7. Trace the contour of your lips with 2 tightly pressed fingers, which will help in the fight against lip wrinkles.
8. Move the bottom of the back of your hand (pressing it firmly) from the center of the chin to the temples. This will reduce the appearance of a double chin.

Each episode is repeated 8–10 times with gentle strokes and gentle pressure movements.

During a facial plastic surgery or SMAS facelift procedure

In general, a facelift involves tightening the skin and tightening the deep facial structures and muscles. Fat on the face and neck can be redistributed, removed, or additionally introduced into separate areas - facial lipofilling. The facial skin is then reapplied to the newly positioned facial contours, excess skin is removed, and the wound is sutured or taped.

The incisions used for the procedure depend on the techniques to be used and the patient's preference. Options include:

* Traditional facelift - classic SMAS-lifting begins in the temporal region, continues down and around the front of the auricle and ends behind the ears in the occipital region. A separate small incision can be made under the chin to improve the appearance of the neck, so-called. platysmoplasty.

*A limited incision is a shorter incision that starts at the hairline just above the ear, goes around the front of the ear, but does not extend all the way into the bottom of the scalp.

*The neck elevation incision begins in front of the earlobe and continues around the ear at the bottom of the head. A small incision is also made under the chin - platysmoplasty.

A facelift - a facelift usually takes two to four hours, but may take longer if other cosmetic procedures are being performed at the same time, such as eyelid surgery, forehead surgery, platysmoplasty, facial fat grafting, laser facial resurfacing and other procedures.

Question answer

It will not hurt to use a course of lymphatic drainage in case of vitamin deficiency or loss of skin elasticity in the postoperative period.
Lymphatic drainage will help prevent skin sagging when trying to lose weight.

It is impossible to answer this question precisely, because each type has its own advantages. The doctor chooses which method to prefer when working with a particular patient. It is based on the condition of the epidermis and the desired outcome. In this case, a specialist requires proper qualifications and experience working with lymphatic drainage devices to perform a massage.

Oriental rejuvenation procedures

Anti-aging lymphatic drainage massage by Maeda Tooru (Japan) is particularly effective. All pinching movements are repeated until the skin acquires a pinkish color.

• You need to pinch your chin lightly and often. Advances to the ear are made along the lower part of the face. Pinching will result in a pleasant tingling sensation.
• You should pinch under the chin with your head raised up. Pinching under the chin is carried out from the middle to the ears. The result is a tightened oval face and elastic epidermis.
• Smooth the chin with 3 fingers slowly, pressing lightly from the middle to the ears.
• Smooth the skin of the neck on the right side, turning your head to the left and lifting your chin, using movements with gentle pressure. Turning your head to the right, repeat the same on the left side of your neck.

The duration of such a session is up to 20 minutes. Finish the massage with an ice cube and apply cream to the skin in accordance with its type. This completion of the procedure will add tone to the epidermis.

How to avoid possible complications

Serious complications from lymphatic drainage massage are rare if there are no contraindications before starting the procedures. The consequences of the procedure quickly disappear: for example, if bumps form on the face, then the massage technique was incorrect. If the pastiness increases, it is better to postpone the procedure to the first half of the day. If your face, on the contrary, has lost a lot of weight, you need to massage less often and apply less pressure to the skin.

A complication may be an allergic reaction to a cosmetic product used for massage. Symptoms in this case usually include: redness of the skin, itching, peeling.

Universal massage according to Akhabadze

You can learn how to do it in a few days. With massage it is easy to achieve:

• activation of internal processes (lymph flow, blood movement);
• relaxing muscle tension;
• removal of excess liquid;
• improving the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• strengthening the epidermis and blood vessels.

To prevent age-related changes, 2 sessions per week are sufficient. If the problems are more significant, the course is increased to 5 massages.

The execution scheme fits into several approaches.

1. The neck is treated by stroking the fingers along the lateral lines of the face along the marked dotted line from the sternum to the center of the chin.
2. Stroking the face from the midline with palms spread to the sides. In this case, the middle and index fingers are on the lips.
3. Movements in the mouth area are made clockwise. The free hand is placed to the ear, the working hand makes a circle along the nasolabial folds.
4. Next, the 3 middle fingers move from the wings of the nose to the temples along the cheekbones.
5. A series of circular movements in the eye area from the outer corner along the eyebrow line with the index and middle fingers.
6. A figure eight is drawn in the eye area with your fingers. The working hand comes from the outer corner, the free hand lies on the temple.
7. Using movements with vibration, the fingers move along the eye socket from the outside upward, while the circle does not end, but the eyebrows are skipped.
8. On the forehead, the palms of the hands move with stroking from the bridge of the nose to the hair.
9. Vibration is performed alternately across the face with the fingers. Movements go from the center of the forehead, the wings of the nose, the corners of the lips, the middle of the chin to the sides.

For prevention, 3 - 5 repetitions are necessary, to get rid of the resulting changes - 5 - 7. The short-term effect is visible immediately. To prolong the result, a course of treatment is necessary.

We recommend watching a video where facial lymphatic drainage is performed at home:

What is lymphatic drainage facial massage

Facial massage, which stimulates lymph flow, is a physiotherapeutic procedure. Lymph is an intercellular fluid that collects toxins and waste, disposing of them in the lymph nodes. The amount of lymph in the body is regulated by internal systems, but in some pathologies the outflow of fluid may increase: for example, with kidney damage and endocrine pathology myxedema. In this case, massages will be ineffective and massive swelling will persist until the necessary treatment is applied.

But lymph flow can slow down even in a healthy person. Unlike blood flow, which is maintained by the heart, lymph flow is slow. After 25 years, its rate decreases even more, and after 40 years, lymphostasis can develop. You can notice the first signs of a problem in the morning: with age, the face becomes more pasty, the eyelids swell.

As a result of this, a person not only looks older, he actually ages faster. Due to the slow circulation of intercellular fluid, toxins are not eliminated in the required volume, and local metabolism deteriorates. Due to a lack of collagen and elastin, the skin that stretches due to swelling causes sagging, and impaired blood supply spoils the complexion.

Lymphomassage, unlike classic massage, acts exclusively on lymph without significantly affecting blood flow. Movements should be light, soft, and massage patterns should be different, since the goal of manual intervention is to accelerate the transport of fluid to the nearest lymph node.

For the procedure, you need to know the anatomy of the face well: if you press on the wrong points, you can provoke the development of local edema in the form of bumps and bumps.

Reviews

Let's read reviews about different massages:

SVETLANA, 54 YEARS OLD:

“I’ve been doing Maeda Tooru massage for 4 years now.
At first the effect is amazing, and then you get used to your normal face. People around me notice my rejuvenated appearance and are surprised. I massage every 2-3 days. Long breaks are undesirable, since systematicity is only for the benefit of aging skin.”

ZINAIDA, 41 YEARS OLD:

“For a facial massage according to Akhabadze, I first went to a beauty salon.
A competent master carried out the procedure with a bang. My skin really liked it - it glows. The specialist told everything about the massage and showed the basic movements. And I, having studied information on the Internet, do everything myself. But you can’t do it without effort.”

NADEZHDA, 29 YEARS OLD:

“At first I did microcurrent massage in a salon.
I liked it - the skin was fresher, the oval improved. The result appeared after 4 sessions. But each procedure is long - about 1 hour. I purchased a device for home therapy for moisturized skin. But I do not keep the procedure duration to 40 minutes. It only takes me 10-15 minutes, and I do it regularly every other day. The result is pleasing."

Expert opinion

• Cosmetologist
• Surgeon

Michelle Ellern

practicing cosmetologist-dermatologist

Many people underestimate the properties of massage. It would seem what benefits stroking and massaging the skin of the face can bring. But this method improves blood circulation, skin turgor, and light lifting occurs due to muscle strengthening. And even better results can be achieved using hardware techniques.

Aisha Baron

plastic surgeon

I would advise you to pay attention to microcurrent therapy.
With its help you can really get excellent results. But manual techniques also have a positive effect on the condition of the skin. Below is another effective technique. As you can see, the variety of facial lymphatic drainage allows older women to smooth out the changes that appear on the epidermis, and for young women to delay the period of withering.

The salon will select your preferred option. After consultation with a specialist, it is possible to carry out the procedures at home.