1. Social hype has been driving popularity.
Like with many trends, TikTok and Instagram have been the runways for takeoff.Image by peopleimages.com / Adobe Stock
Social media, Instagram and TikTok mainly, have been allowing lymphatic drainage to soar in popularity with the rise of "lymphfluencers" who've been positioning techniques as a solution for those looking for a more defined jawline and reduced puffiness. Going hand-in-hand with this, celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston have also been vocal about their own positive experiences with lymphatic drainage.
2. People looking for noninvasive solutions love it.
Lymphatic massage provides an alternative to aesthetic procedures in an age where noninvasive solutions are driving demand.Image by dream@do / Adobe Stock.
Lymphatic massage is a popular alternative for those who are looking for alternatives to aesthetic procedures while wanting to achieve a slimmer face and more even skin tone. Those who undergo aesthetic procedures are also big fans, utilizing lymphatic massage to reduce puffiness post-procedure and accelerate healing.
3. Spas are expanding services to include it.
In 2025, service expansion is all about preventative wellness, the latest technology and enhancing the client's experience.Image by alfa27 / Adobe Stock.
As spas key into the growing wellness dialogue, many have been including lymphatic massage alongside nutrition counseling and fitness offerings. The versatile nature of lymphatic massage makes it easy to include in a variety of packages, from bridal offerings to athletic recovery.
4. It's wellness x glamor.
"Glamorous wellness" is primarily characterized by regenerative treatments, the latest tech and science-backed beauty.Image by pavlovski / Adobe Stock.
While it's hard to believe anything with the word "lymph" can be spun as glamorous, somehow lymphatic massage has achieved it. Boosted by celebrity endorsement and how influencers have jumped onto the trend, well-shot short-form videos have allowed fans to show off this treatment's best side, making it easy for those scrolling to take to it.
5. People are looking for natural.
Natural-looking results means finding the harmony between a client's desires and their natural features.Image by K.A./peopleimages.com / Adobe Stock.
Natural results and a natural means to attain them, mostly because it gives the impression that it's less disruptive to people's natural physiology, and because it'll work with consumers' existing appearance while remaining accessible in the upkeep. Lymphatic massage, if effective, is much easier to maintain than filler and less commitment than going under the knife. Products like Cecily Braden Spa & Wellness' lymphatic brush bundle make it easy for clients to continue to reap the benefits of lymphatic massage at home.
6. The rise of medspas = the rise in lymphatic massage.
The rise of medspas is driven by the growing priority of self-care and the demand for noninvasive cosmetic procedures.Image by Amanda / Adobe Stock.
Medspas lock into the specific space the union of aesthetics and wellness is cultivating, a space that lymphatic massage thrives in achieving favorable aesthetic results like a slimmer face and reducing inflammation while improving the body's detox process and circulation.
7. There's a lack of trained specialists who can effectively perform lymphatic massage.
Pros should take advantage of any class opportunities they find with lymphatic massage, while spas should keep a look out for prospective hires with experience and certifications in this type of massage.Image by Drobot Dean / Adobe Stock.
As with everything that becomes trendy, the demand often outpaces the supply, meaning many people leap into trying to turn a profit from lymphatic massage, without carefully considering if it's a service they can and should be offering. As it's newly popular and there isn't a standardized way of performing this treatment, consistent results may be difficult to guarantee.
8. Issues with employee retention create a wrinkle in supply.
Employee retention is bolstered by a healthy, capable work environment that's steady, proactive and built on compassion.Image by STBSTD / Adobe Stock.
Finding and keeping qualified professionals to offer lymphatic massage, both on the medspa and traditional day spa side, makes it difficult for businesses to keep up with demand and maximize the benefits of incorporating lymphatic massage as an offering.
This means that there's a key opportunity for those looking to refine or broaden their skillsets through continued education courses. In some states, a master esthetician license is required to perform lymphatic massage, so be sure to review your state's regulations.
