The SL Directory: Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage is what Flavia Morellato does best. Her cult treatments (for which there’s a three-month waiting list) eliminate all traces of water retention and puffiness to leave you feeling lighter and more streamlined in just one session. Jazzy De Lisser, Ellie Goulding and supermodel Sara Sampaio are all fans.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT: Flavia’s Lymphatic Drainage massage was made for those struggling with digestive issues, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or if you’re just struggling to get back on track after an indulgent holiday. She also offers pregnancy and post-partum treatments designed to aid relaxation and relieve muscular tension.

THE DETAILS: Flavia offers treatments at her clinics in Belgravia, Balham and Harvey Nichols, and pays home visits. There are also three other therapists to choose from if Flavia is fully booked. A classic lymphatic drainage treatment with Flavia costs £280.

Visit FlaviaMorellato.co.uk

The benefits of lymphatic drainage aren’t limited to the body. For therapist Chelseé Lewis – who has been in the industry for nearly 30 years – it’s the perfect way to improve a lacklustre complexion, too. Because the lymphatic system plays a role in immunity and healing, it can help conditions like puffiness, acne, dryness, dullness and even skin sensitivity. Moreover, the highest concentration of lymph nodes is found in your face and neck, meaning facial lymphatic drainage can be seriously effective. Chelseé is the go-to for those in the know – she treats beauty editors, A-list celebrities and even members of the royal family.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT: The L.D Facial Massage uses rhythmic hand movements on the skin to encourage lymphatic flow, helping eliminate toxins and banish puffiness for a serious glow.

THE DETAILS: The L.D Facial Massage costs £140; other treatments start from £70. Chelseé is based in Mayfair – but her clinic is closed on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays.

Visit ChelseeLewis.co.uk

Dimple specialises in face, head and abdominal lymphatic drainage treatments based on Ayurvedic principles. Every treatment is entirely bespoke, starting with a detailed consultation and finishing with a cup of her signature draining tea – a blend of chamomile, ginger and ashwagandha to help boost the immune system and fight off inflammation.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT: Dimple’s Amani Bespoke Body Shaping and Sculpting treatment uses highly specialised body shaping techniques to drain excess fluid, break down cellulite and aid detoxification.

THE DETAILS: Dimple’s signature treatment is £475 for one hour, while her Miracle Velvet Facial, a holistic treatment which instantly lifts, sculpts and defines while boosting collagen production, costs £350. 

Visit Dimple-Amani.com

Better known as ‘The Skin Sculpter’ – and boasting ten years of experience – Guendalina is the name to know for a more youthful glow in minutes. With a roster of celebrity clients on her books, she’s developed her own massage – the Sculptural Face Lift – but also offers buccal massage, an internal, holistic technique that can improve jaw tension and alleviate headaches. She also offers body treatments that are designed to drain toxins, oxygenate muscles and break down the fatty deposits that can lead to cellulite.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT: If you’re looking to wean yourself off Botox, Guendalina’s Sculptural Face Lift will kickstart blood and lymph circulation to improve the appearance of wrinkles, lift sagging skin and improve muscle tone.

THE DETAILS: A 60-minute face treatment costs £135 and the body equivalent costs £320.

Visit GuendalinaTheSkinSculpter.com

Sessions with Tetyana – a former black belt judo champion – involve a combination of manual lymphatic drainage, cupping and a powerful massage. Waist, thigh and arm measurements are taken at the start and end of treatments, and after a few sessions, you’ll see the numbers go down. As well as results-driven drainage massages, Tetyana is also known for effectively reducing the appearance of cellulite by using her signature massage and non-invasive radio frequency technology.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT: Tetyana’s lymphatic drainage treatment is a therapeutic, rhythmical massage that flushes out excess fluids and toxins, while her cellulite-focused treatments are the go-to for beauty insiders like Trinny Woodall. Whichever treatment you choose, you’ll feel instantly lifted and sculpted.

THE DETAILS: Treatments start from £160 for 55 minutes and take place in the Cellulite Slayer clinic on the King’s Road.

Visit CelluliteSlayer.com

Ana started her career as an oncology nurse in Brazil before completing a second postgraduate degree in aesthetics and training as a lymphatic drainage expert. With 18 years of experience under her belt, she’s now based in the UK and is the go-to for those in-the-know looking for enhanced wellbeing or anyone recovering from surgery. Her method – which uses gentle pressure to increase lymph flow around the body – helps to reduce any swelling and minimises the formation of scar tissue.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT: The Ana Trida method will bring your body back into balance, relieving swelling, pain and congestion and eliminating unwanted toxins – book in for her hero lymphatic drainage massage.

THE DETAILS: Treatment pricing is available on request. Ana offers treatments from the comfort of your own home if you’re based in central London. If you’re not in her catchment area, you can book in at her therapy room in Mayfair.

Visit AnaTridaTherapist.co.uk

Chinese medicine practitioner Ada Ooi uses gua sha, cupping and massage to remove stagnant toxins and tension from the body. Combining techniques from eastern and western practices, her drainage technique is loved by Rooney Mara and Ellie Goulding. Expect to feel not only lighter and less puffy but less tense, too – the combination of gua sha and cupping is proven to oxygenate muscles, facilitate toxin drainage, and reset mobility and flexibility to improve muscle tone and alignment.

SIGNATURE TREATMENT: If you can’t get an appointment with Ada, book in with one of her team. The Meri-Lymph Active Circuit Massage is perfect for those in need of some TLC – it combines Chinese medicine work to realign your meridians and lymphatic network with the aim of stimulating, releasing stagnation and promoting drainage.

THE DETAILS: The Active Circuit Massage costs £185 for 60 minutes, or £275 for 90 minutes. Other treatments are also available.

Visit AdaOoi.com