What's really going on in lymphatic drainage beauty videos?

If she's ever feeling bloated, Abbey Alexandra has a go-to routine, using body oil and a wooden roller to perform stomach massages.

She shares before-and-after videos on TikTok, saying she feels the process leaves her depuffed and defined: "You definitely feel a lot better after, they are relaxing."

The technique is a form of lymphatic drainage massage, adapted from a medical treatment and shared as a beauty trend. Celebrity fans include Maya Jama, who shares her clinic sessions, and actress Hailey Bieber, who told Time magazine: "I swear by them."

Whether there is a physical change - or any need for one - is debatable, but fans of the massages claim they help "flatten" and "debloat" and give a "snatched waist" and "sculpted abs". But what's actually happening to their bodies?

What do the videos show?

Many videos on social media promoting lymphatic massage show a woman either standing sideways, facing the front or perhaps lying down with her stomach showing a slight - and very normal - curve outwards.

Then begins the methodical massage in circular motions seemingly draining fluid away. By the end, her stomach appears flatter - if a little red.

But social media body trends should always be viewed with scepticism, says Dr Ella Guest, senior research fellow and health psychologist at the Centre for Appearance Research based at the University of the West of England.

"These images might be altered using photo-editing tools or filters, people standing in particular poses, use of lighting, lots could even be AI-generated," she says.

"I think stopping to reflect on what you see and questioning whether it looks realistic, or if it's very aligned with beauty standards, can be useful. Remember, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is."

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid, according to the NHS.

Dr Xand van Tulleken tells Morning Live that the lymphatic system helps remove excess fluid from tissues and supports the immune system.

"When it is not working properly, it can contribute to swelling, which can be a condition called lymphoedema."

This commonly affects people who have cancers that involve the lymph system or who've had treatment involving the lymph nodes.

It causes swelling in any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs.

"In simple terms, the lymphatic system helps keep your body's fluid levels balanced, cleans up waste, and supports your defences against illness," says van Tulleken.

Draining your lymphatic system

Dr Xand explains how to drain your lymphatic system.

What's the massage doing?

Dr Xand says manual lymphatic drainage is one of a range of treatments used by medical professionals "if your lymphatic system isn't working as it should".

He describes it as using "light pressure" and "strategic massage techniques" to "clear" your lymphatic system.

"They'll coax excess lymph fluid from your swollen tissues toward your lymph nodes, where the lymph can reabsorb," he says - adding lymph nodes are found in the armpits, neck and groin.

He adds that these massages can be a "safe way" to relieve symptoms for conditions like lymphoedema but are not suitable for some people with pre-existing medical conditions.

He stresses: "No one should get their health advice from Instagram - far safer to use the NHS website, or consult your GP."

Abbey, who has endometriosis which she says causes her to feel bloated, began doing her own massage routines twice a week aer seeing social media posts about lymphatic drainage.

"I started using my hands and then I bought some wooden tools as well.

"After doing my routine, I personally feel less puffy and bloated, particularly around my stomach.

"Visually, I notice that my stomach looks a little more defined and I also feel lighter and more comfortable."

Does it work?

Dr Xand says there is "no need" for most people to perform lymphatic drainage treatments at home.

"There is very little high-quality evidence showing they provide meaningful or lasting benefits for healthy individuals, and it does not promote fat loss," he says.

But he does note that lymphatic drainage massages can feel "relaxing" and some people "can notice a temporary reduction in swelling".

"For most healthy people, regular movement, exercise and staying hydrated are all that's needed to support normal lymphatic function," he says.

"Unless someone has a diagnosed lymphatic condition, I don't think anyone needs routine lymphatic drainage treatments, despite the growing popularity of these practices on social media."

For Abbey, it's something she enjoys. "I know the visual difference is temporary... But I do like how I look and feel afterwards so it'll always be a part of my routine."

However, Guest warns striving for a sculpted stomach could "feed into people's insecurities".

"We know that when we compare ourselves online and try to live up to these trends, we tend to scrutinise our appearance more and feel less satisfied with how we look," she says.

"The reality is that healthy bodies come in a wide range of shapes and sizes."