Benefits of Face, Neck and Scalp Lymphatic Drainage Massage
- Jeanine Mewburn
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
For various reasons, swelling can occur in the scalp, face, and neck. It may be mild or severe, temporary or chronic, as seen in lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema—other than primary lymphoedema—usually occurs secondary to cancer treatment. We most commonly hear about lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment, and somewhat less about lymphoedema after thyroid or other cancers such as those affecting the mouth, throat, or salivary glands. Lymphatic drainage massage is considered the gold standard for gently moving stagnant fluid, softening scar tissue, and improving range of movement. Exercise is also an important part of decongestive therapy, along with compression therapy.
Temporary swelling may be caused by insect bites or cosmetic and dental procedures. For example, a deep or extensive facelift can cause significant disruption to the lymphatic system and result in considerable swelling. The post-operative phase is particularly important. Lymphatic drainage massage is usually recommended 3–5 days following the procedure, and then 2 to 3 times per week for a period of 3 to 4 weeks. This approach can promote a smoother recovery and help ensure patient satisfaction with the outcome.
Some studies also suggest that if swelling and pain following a dental extraction are not treated promptly, complications such as deep neck infection may occur. Lymphatic drainage massage can assist in reducing swelling and supporting recovery.
Interestingly, the glymphatic system—a relatively recent discovery—plays a role in clearing metabolic waste from the central nervous system, much like the lymphatic system clears excess fluid and waste from the body. One of the ways to assist the glymphatic system mechanically is through manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD), a specialised technique that supports the circulation of lymphatic and blood fluids. It has also been found to help reduce swelling and intracranial pressure.
Recent studies have demonstrated that repeated MLD of the head and neck may improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is established that certain toxic proteins, normally cleared via the glymphatic system, can accumulate in the brain if not efficiently removed. These glymphatic pathways connect to superficial and deep lymphatic vessels and nodes in the cervical region. While manual lymphatic drainage massage has traditionally been used to reduce fluid accumulation in lymphoedema, it has also been shown to be safe in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and may contribute to improved cognitive function.
Everybody holds their own capacity to heal when given the right support. Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply seeking to support your body’s natural processes, this specialised care offers a calm and effective path forward. I invite you to begin your journey toward better health—please feel free to call when you are ready.
References
Albina Tyker, F. J. (n.d.). Treatment for lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy: A systematic review. American Journal of Otolaryngology, 40(5), 761-769. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2019.05.024
Grandi, R. (2026). The Glymphatic System and its Critical Role in Brain Detoxification. Webinar: Australian Traditional Medicine Society-ATMS.
Hsing-Yin Li, F.-C. C.-P. (2025, July). The manual lymphatic drainage of physical therapy for care of the facial swelling and pain after oral and maxillofacial surgery. Journal of Dental Sciences, 20(3), 1934-1936. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2025.03.006
Mitchell J BartletRobert P Erickson, J. F. (2025, August 08). Manual lymph drainage massage of the head and neck improves cognition and reduces pathological biomarkers in the 5x-FAD mouse model of Alzheimers disease. NIH National Library of Medicine. doi:10.1101/2025.08.08.669361
Ricardo A. Meade, M. ,. (2012, January 1). Facelift and Patterns of Lymphatic Drainage. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 32(1), 39-45. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X11430683
Troy Marxen, B. ,. (2023, February 28). The Utility of Lymphatic Massage in Cosmetic Procedures . Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad023
Tsai, K.-Y. D., Liao, S.-F. M., Chen, K.-L. M., Tang, H.-W. M., & Huang, H.-Y. (2022, October 21). Effect of early interventions with manual lymphatic drainage and rehabilitation exercise on morbidity and lymphedema in patients with oral cavity cancer. Research Article - Clinical Trial - Experimental study. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000030910
Wilmer Danilo Esparza, A. R.-G.-H. (2023, May 18). The Effect of Craniofacial Manual Lymphatic Drainage after Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury. Healthcare Basel. 10.3390/healthcare11101474
I am the author of this blog with the assistance of ChatGPT to proofreading and polishing.
Comments