Alissa de Jongh, a naturopathic doctor, discusses how facial lymphatic drainage can be a beneficial treatment option for cancer survivors.
Disclaimer: Facial lymphatic drainage for cancer survivors should only be performed with appropriate medical clearance and by trained professionals. This article does not substitute for medical advice or diagnosis.
In today’s evolving landscape of esthetics, professional skin therapists are seeking modalities that not only enhance appearance but also promote holistic wellness. Facial lymphatic drainage (FLD) emerges as a powerful treatment that fits this vision perfectly. Derived from the principles of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), FLD employs gentle, precise movements to stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage detoxification, reducing inflammation, and restoring a radiant complexion.
Yet, FLD’s benefits extend well beyond superficial skin improvements. When performed by professionals trained in oncology massage protocols, FLD offers promising support for cancer survivors facing complex post-treatment skin concerns. This development marks a meaningful advancement in esthetics, blending scientific insight, expert technique, and compassionate care.
It all starts with an understanding of the science behind manual lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is an essential component of the body’s immune and circulatory networks. It filters waste, toxins, and excess fluid from tissues, particularly through vessels just beneath the skin’s surface in the face and neck. Factors such as illness, surgery, or chronic stress can impair lymphatic flow, leading to puffiness, dull skin, and inflammation. Through gentle, rhythmic strokes, FLD encourages healthy lymphatic circulation, helping the skin naturally eliminate excess fluid and toxins. Many estheticians and their clients have noticed visible improvements following treatment, such as a reduction in puffiness, particularly around the eyes and jawline, along with a brighter, more balanced complexion. Clients also tend to experience improved product absorption and relief from mild skin sensitivities, including acne and rosacea. The results of enhanced hydration and improved skintone also contribute to an overall healthier appearance. For clients recovering from cancer treatment, these physical benefits often accompany emotional comfort and a renewed sense of self.
Skin therapists should acquire specialized training in oncology esthetics and manual lymphatic drainage techniques to ensure best outcomes for the patient. For those offering these beneficial services to patients who have won the battle against cancer, prioritizing safety is non-negotiable. Cancer survivors often experience lasting side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, or lymph node removal that affect their skin’s sensitivity and healing capacity. FLD can be a valuable supportive therapy when applied with care.
Leading experts and research emphasize that FLD is contraindicated during active cancer, radiation dermatitis, infections, or uncontrolled inflammation. Before initiating treatment, estheticians must secure clearance from the client’s medical team. Equally critical is receiving specialized training in oncology massage or lymphatic drainage techniques to navigate this delicate work safely.
Pressure during FLD should always be extremely light as this is not a deep tissue massage. Areas such as surgical scars, tumor sites, and irradiated skin must be avoided unless fully healed. Open communication with both the client and healthcare providers ensures treatments are integrated thoughtfully and safely into the client’s overall care plan which should consider physiology, the healing process, and emotional wellness.
Research sheds light on how FLD benefits the skin and whole person. Properly administered FLD activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports relaxation and tissue repair. It facilitates lymphatic rerouting following node removal, reduces inflammatory cytokines that exacerbate skin sensitivity, and strengthens emotional resilience. These are crucial factors of consideration for clients coping with body image changes after cancer treatment. By reinforcing the skin’s structural and functional integrity, FLD serves as a bridge between traditional esthetics and integrative therapy, offering both physical and emotional healing which is important in clinical practice.
For estheticians ready to incorporate FLD into their service menu, consistency and good technique matter. Treatments are most effective when performed two to three times per week. The ideal timing is immediately after cleansing and before applying serums or masks. Tools such as fingers, jade rollers, or gua sha can be used, provided all instruments are properly sanitized between clients.
The technique begins at the base of the neck, moving upward with light, sweeping motions that encourage lymph flow without irritation. Aftercare should emphasize hydration, diligent sun protection, and a temporary pause on active exfoliating ingredients for at least 24 hours. Educating clients about the cumulative nature of results is important; regular sessions are key to achieving lasting benefits. Facial lymphatic drainage offers estheticians a unique opportunity to deliver compassionate care that transcends aesthetics, nurturing the whole person. For cancer survivors, it fosters gentle reconnection with their skin and body. For skincare professionals, it opens the door to meaningful, evidence-based treatments that enhance both wellness and beauty.
As the field of esthetics grows in depth and scope, facial lymphatic drainage represents an exciting frontier where intentional touch meets therapeutic outcomes, and every session becomes part of a client’s holistic healing journey.
Alissa de Jongh will be teaching a class at IECSC Florida, "Detox by Design: The Physiology of Lymphatic Massage for Skin Health" on September 28, 2025. To learn about the classes offered at the show, be sure to register to attend IECSC Florida from September 28-29, 2025. What's more, use code AMERICANSPA to get 20% off education classes.