Lymph Node Massage and Face Slimming -- Could massage actually tighten and reshape your face? (photo)

Question

There's a trend in Japan called lymph node massage that supposedly reshapes your skin around the chin and jawline. Can massage actually do this? And if so, how long do the effects work

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While this is not going to cause you any harm, you will not see any benefit either.  There are no peer reviewed published studies that support this and I can tell you with a high degree of certainty that this will not give you results you are hoping for.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, lymph node massage will not tighten and re shape your face. I have never read a peer reviewed article that supports this.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

There is no scientific evidence that lymph node massage has any effect at all besides making your face feel better from the massage.  It will not reshape or tighten your skin or improve your jawline or neck.  It is a marketing gimmick only.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, lymph node massage (or any type of massage for that matter) will not tighten or reshape the face.  There are many "ideas" and gimmicks, often reported or marketed by salespeople and the media, but none actually produce the results that they report.  I hope this helps.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

I am as big a fan of lymphatic massage as anyone, especially to help reduce swelling after surgery.  It is naive however to think that it can actually tighten skin even temporarily.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

This nonsense you're referring to from Japan is utterly worthless. There is no biologic rationale for it.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Lymphatic massage helps with swelling of an area but it will not lead to facial reshaping and tightening.  There is no double-blinded randomized controlled scientific study evidence to support this.  In theory, by massaging the lymph nodes, the lymph fluid is moved out of the nodes to make room for more lymph fluid to drain into the nodes, thereby reducing the swelling in an area.  Lymphatic massage will not hurt you, but follow the old adage, if it's to good to be true, it probably is.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry this sounds like VooDooThere is no anatomical reason any of this would make a beneficial change.Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Dominic Castellano, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

There is absolutely no published study that can support evidence of this.  Facial surgery or fillers and injectables are still the preferred way of improving your look.

Lymph Node Massage and Face Slimming -- Could massage actually tighten and reshape your face? (photo)

Answers (9)