Facial lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle, flowing movements to help your body move excess fluid away from your face, head, and neck. This technique can bring relief if you’re dealing with swelling from conditions like lymphedema, sinus congestion, allergies, or blood circulation issues.

Here’s a simple lymphatic drainage massage face, head, and neck routine, explained by a lymphatic specialist and a certified lymphedema therapist, Kelly Sturm. You can also use it to reduce everyday puffiness and support your general lymphatic health.

This is Day 9 of LYMPH RESET 21: your free 3-Week Lymphatic Drainage and Exercise Plan.

What Is a Lymphatic Drainage Facial Massage?

Lymphatic drainage facial massage is a hands-on technique that helps move stagnant lymphatic fluid in your face and neck.

Your lymphatic system’s job is to clear waste and maintain fluid balance in your body. When this system gets overwhelmed or damaged (for example, with lymphedema), you might notice puffiness around your eyes, a heavy feeling in your face, or persistent swelling.

Lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to encourage this stuck fluid to flow toward your lymph nodes, where it can be filtered and eliminated. Traditionally, it’s been used to treat medical conditions like lymphedema and post-surgical swelling.

But recently, it’s taken the wellness and beauty industry by storm, with influencers and beauty bloggers raving about its ability to improve complexion, depuff your face, and give you a more sculpted jawline.

All of these benefits of face lymphatic drainage massage are real, but as a lymphatic specialist and certified lymphedema therapist (CLT-LANA), I’ve seen it done incorrectly. Here’s a DIY lymphatic drainage routine you can follow to safely reduce facial puffiness and swelling.

How to Do a Lymphatic Drainage Massage on Face & Neck

You can use this lymphatic drainage massage face and neck to reduce swelling with lymphedema, sinus congestion, and allergies, as well as for general immune system support and beauty purposes.

1. Stimulate Your Deep Lymph Nodes

Many lymphatic drainage routines jump straight to the face, but it’s important to start with your core lymph nodes first.

1. Place one hand on your belly.
2. Take a deep breath and let your abdomen expand into your hand.
3. Slowly exhale.
4. Repeat this for four breaths to activate your core lymph nodes and prepare your body for effective drainage.

2. Stimulate Lymph Nodes in the Armpits

These lymphatic channels drain stagnant fluid in your upper body, including your head and neck.

1. Place your entire hand in one armpit and gently make large circular motions.
2. Do this 8–10 times in each armpit, applying light pressure.

3. Stimulate Lymph Nodes Around the Clavicle

The lymph vessels and nodes near your collarbone are essential for draining fluid from your head, neck, and face.

1. Place your hand over your collarbone and use gentle, circular motions.
2. Do 8–10 circles on each side.

4. Stimulate Lymph Nodes Below the Ears

These nodes help clear fluid from your face and head.

1. Spread your fingers and place them on either side of your ears.
2. Make gentle circular motions with your fingers positioned on the sides of your neck.
3. Repeat 8–10 circles on both sides.

5. Begin Draining Fluid from the Neck

This step clears the lower pathways before moving to your face.

1. Using your whole hand, start at the base of your ear and gently stroke downward toward your collarbone.
2. Do 5–8 strokes.
3. Wrap your fingers around the back of your neck if needed, especially if there’s fluid buildup there.

6. Move Fluid from the Jawline and Face 

This is where you’ll see the most visible results for reducing swelling on your face.

1. Starting in the middle of your face, gently guide the fluid outward toward the base of your ears.
2. Use a “seven” or reverse “seven” motion depending on which side you’re working on.
3. Work the fluid outward in sections, from your lower jaw, across your cheeks, then from your forehead toward your temples and ears.
4. Repeat each motion 5–8 times per area.

7. Address the Eyes and Forehead

The delicate eye area needs extra gentle care.

1. For fluid buildup around your eyes, gently move your fingers under your eyebrow and guide the fluid toward the sides of your face.
2. Be very gentle since the skin here is delicate.
3. Repeat 5–8 strokes or more as needed, making sure the fluid moves toward your ears for proper drainage.

8. Finish with the Neck Again

This ensures any fluid you’ve cleared from your face has a clear path out.

1. After working through your face, return to your neck and do 5–8 downward strokes from the base of your ear to your collarbone.

9. End with Deep Breathing

This final step helps reset your system and encourages lymphatic flow throughout your body.

1. Place your hand back on your abdomen and take four more deep breaths.

The entire routine takes you just 5-10 minutes, and you don’t need any special equipment and can just use your hands (although some people enjoy using a gua sha tool and face oil).

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Face and Neck

Regular lymphatic drainage massage for your face and neck can help with both medical conditions, such as lymphedema, and wellness & beauty goals.

Benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include:

• Reduces lymphedema swelling in the face and neck
• Relieves sinus congestion and pressure
• Helps manage allergy-related facial puffiness
• Improves circulation issues that cause facial swelling
• Supports recovery after facial or neck surgery
• Reduces morning puffiness and under-eye bags
• Creates a more sculpted jawline and cheekbones
• Improves skin tone and complexion
• Promotes lymphatic system function
• Helps flush out toxins from your tissues

If you have skin conditions or other medical concerns, it’s important to ask your healthcare provider if lymphatic drainage massage for face and neck is safe for you or if you should try a different treatment.

FAQs

How often should you do lymphatic drainage massage on your face?

For general wellness and beauty benefits, you can do facial lymphatic drainage massage daily or every other day. If you’re managing a medical condition like lymphedema, your frequency may be different depending on how severe your swelling is. I recommend experimenting and seeing what frequency makes the most positive difference for your skin type, swelling, and appearance.

How long do lymphatic drainage massage results last?

It depends. In my experience, the results from lymphatic drainage facial massage can last anywhere between 1 to 8 hours, which is why many people prefer to do it in the morning. If you stay consistent over weeks and months, you’ll start to see longer-lasting improvements in your baseline puffiness, skin tone, and overall facial contours.

How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage in my face?

For general wellness, common signs include waking up with puffy eyes or a swollen face, feeling heaviness or tightness in your facial tissues, having persistent under-eye bags, or noticing that your face looks more swollen at certain times of day. If you have sinus issues, allergies, or have been diagnosed with lymphedema, lymphatic drainage massage can be very helpful in reducing swelling.

When should I avoid lymphatic massage?

Avoid lymphatic massage if you have an active infection, fever, blood clots, heart problems, or cancer that hasn’t been cleared by your doctor. Don’t do it over areas with open wounds, severe acne, or active skin conditions. If you have any doubts about whether you should avoid lymphatic drainage massage, it’s best to ask your healthcare provider before starting to do it.

Want More Lymphatic Health Resources?

Lymphatic drainage massage for face and neck is an effective way to reduce swelling and puffiness. You can use it to manage a chronic condition like lymphedema or for general health and beauty purposes.

For more resources on lymphatic drainage, download my 3-Week Lymphatic Health Drainage and Exercise Plan!