What's Really Happening When People Do Lymphatic Drainage Massages?

A beauty trend called lymphatic drainage massage has gone viral on TikTok and other social media apps. People who try it claim it makes their stomachs look flatter and helps them feel less puffy and bloated. The technique was originally used by doctors to treat medical conditions, but now millions of people are trying it at home. Experts say it is important to understand what this type of massage can and cannot actually do.

One person who enjoys the trend is Abbey Alexandra. She uses body oil and a wooden roller to massage her stomach a couple of times each week. She has a condition called endometriosis, which can make her feel bloated, and she says the massage helps her feel lighter and more comfortable. Abbey shares before-and-after videos of her routines online and says her stomach looks a bit more defined after the massage.

Some famous people also say they love the trend. Celebrity Maya Jama shares videos of her clinic sessions, and actress Hailey Bieber told Time magazine, 'I swear by them.' These celebrity endorsements have helped make the trend even more popular. But popularity alone doesn't mean something is supported by science.

The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body. It helps fight infection, remove extra fluid, and keep your body's fluid levels balanced. Think of it like a drain that also supports your immune system — the part of your body that fights off illness. Doctor Xand van Tulleken explains that when the lymphatic system doesn't work properly, it can cause swelling, a condition called lymphoedema.

Medical professionals do use a real treatment called manual lymphatic drainage. It uses light pressure and special massage techniques to move extra fluid toward the lymph nodes, which are found in the armpits, neck, and groin. This can safely help people with conditions like lymphoedema feel better. However, Dr. Xand says this medical treatment is very different from what most people are doing at home after watching social media videos.

When it comes to healthy people, doctors say there is little strong evidence that these massages make a real or lasting difference. Dr. Xand clearly stated that the massages do not cause fat loss. For most healthy people, he says regular exercise, movement, and drinking enough water are all you need to keep your lymphatic system working well. He added that unless someone has a diagnosed lymphatic condition, routine lymphatic drainage treatments are not necessary.

Health experts also warn that the before-and-after videos you see online may not be totally honest. Dr. Ella Guest, a health psychologist at the University of the West of England, says many images could be changed using photo-editing apps, filters, or special lighting — and some could even be AI-generated. She urges people to stop and question whether what they are seeing is realistic. 'If something looks too good to be true, it probably is,' she said.

Dr. Guest also warns that trends like this can make people feel bad about their own bodies. When people compare themselves to what they see online, they often become more critical of how they look and feel less satisfied with their appearance. She reminds people that healthy bodies naturally come in all different shapes and sizes. Chasing an online beauty standard can feed into insecurities rather than improve wellbeing.