Lymphatic Drainage Massage
A gentle, rhythmic manual technique for the body or face, to help reduce swelling.
Lymphatic drainage is a very specific manual technique: slow, gentle, rhythmic movements that follow the natural path of the lymphatic system. It has nothing to do with a deep-pressure massage — too much force is actually counterproductive.
It can be done on the body or the face. Body drainage focuses mainly on the legs, the abdomen and the feeling of heaviness. Facial drainage works on puffiness around the eyes and the facial contour, and has its own page with all the details.
At Glow Esthetic, in Lisbon, lymphatic drainage massage is performed by a professional trained in physiotherapy and nursing — which matters when checking contraindications and adapting the technique to each person.
What lymphatic drainage helps with
- Less swelling and fluid retention
- Relief from the feeling of heavy legs
- A more defined facial contour, with facial drainage
- Support for the body's natural elimination
- An overall feeling of lightness and relaxation
What happens in the session
- A short chat about the area to work on and your goal.
- Check for contraindications.
- Slow, rhythmic movements following the lymphatic pathways.
- Work area by area, starting with the drainage lymph nodes.
- Advice on hydration for the following hours.
Who it is for
Anyone with fluid retention or swelling in the legs or face, people who spend long hours sitting or standing, and as support during recovery. There are contraindications — kidney or heart conditions, active infections, thrombosis — that are always checked before the first session.
Body lymphatic drainage: the areas most worked on
- Legs and ankles, for heaviness and swelling at the end of the day.
- Abdomen, when there is bloating and retention.
- Arms, as needed.
- Full body, in a more complete session.
Combinations that work well
Manual drainage combines well with pressotherapy, which continues the work mechanically, and with body sculpting massage when the goal includes body contour. The plan is agreed with you, based on what you want.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage in Lisbon
Glow Esthetic is at Rua Rodrigues Sampaio 146, 1st floor left, in central Lisbon, a few minutes' walk from Marquês de Pombal and Avenida da Liberdade — the nearest metro stations are Marquês de Pombal and Avenida. We are open Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 19:00, and booking ahead by WhatsApp or phone is recommended.
Questions about Lymphatic Drainage
Both. Facial drainage uses the same technique adapted to the face and neck, and is mostly booked for puffiness in the facial contour and around the eyes. Let us know which one you want when you book.
A single session already brings a feeling of lightness, but the effect is temporary. For a consistent result, drainage works best as a series of sessions close together.
No. It reduces swelling and fluid retention, which can make you feel and look less bloated, but it does not remove fat. Anyone telling you otherwise is selling you something else.
No. It is a slow, gentle technique and most people find it relaxing. A painful drainage is being done with too much pressure.
About 60 minutes. It can vary slightly depending on the areas worked on.