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28 August 2026

What is a lymphatic drainage facial?

Lymphatic drainage facial at Fern & Soul Innaloo, a therapist's fingertips resting lightly along a relaxed client's jawline.

People look up a lymphatic drainage facial expecting a skincare treatment. It is not one. No products, no steam, no extractions: it is massage, taken over the face.

What a lymphatic drainage facial involves

It is the same technique as the rest of a lymphatic session, worked over a smaller and more delicate area. Your therapist uses very light, slow, repetitive strokes that follow the body's natural pathways, through the jaw, the cheeks, around the eyes and down the sides of the neck. The pressure is barely there.

The order matters more than the pressure does. The work follows a set sequence rather than going wherever feels tight, which is what separates it from the face and scalp work in a facial and head massage.

Where the facial sits in the 75 minute session

We do not sell it on its own. It is built into the 75 minute session, between the 60 and 90 minute options on our lymphatic drainage massage in Innaloo page.

That is deliberate: the neck and collarbone area is part of the same sequence, so the face is not treated in isolation from everything below it. If the face and scalp are all you want, the shorter facial and head massage is the honest option and it costs less.

Fern & Soul lymphatic drainage facial studio in Innaloo, folded cream linen and a small terracotta bowl on a timber bench beside a treatment table

How a lymphatic drainage facial feels

Light, slow and quite repetitive, which sounds underwhelming and tends not to be. Most people find the rhythm easy to switch off to, and plenty drift off. There is one client in the studio at a time, so nothing runs to somebody else's clock.

You stay draped and comfortable throughout. If you have not been here before, what to expect at your first massage covers the practical side, and the technique is explained more fully in what lymphatic drainage massage involves.

Being straight about what it does

This is where we part company with how the treatment is usually advertised. Lymphatic drainage used cosmetically has no high-quality randomised evidence behind it. Not weak evidence: none that we could find. We have published the evidence behind lymphatic drainage massage in full, including the parts that do not suit us.

So we will not promise a change in how your face looks. What we can offer is a genuinely calming treatment delivered carefully, by a therapist who is an ANTA member. Book it because an hour and a quarter of that sounds good, not because of a before and after photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Is a lymphatic drainage facial the same as a normal facial?

No. A beauty facial is a skincare treatment built around products, cleansing and extraction. A lymphatic drainage facial is massage: light, rhythmic strokes over the face, jaw and neck, with no products involved.

Can I book the facial on its own?

Not as a standalone. It is included in the 75 minute lymphatic drainage session. If the face and scalp are what you are after, book a facial and head massage instead, which starts at 30 minutes.

Does a lymphatic drainage facial hurt?

No. It is one of the lightest treatments we offer. The pressure is very soft throughout and the rhythm is the point rather than the depth.

Will it de-puff my face?

We would not sell it to you on that basis. There is no high-quality randomised evidence for lymphatic drainage used cosmetically, so treat before and after photographs accordingly. It is a calm, pleasant treatment and that is reason enough on its own.

How much is the 75 minute session?

All three session lengths and prices are on the full treatment menu and prices. Health fund claims from recognised Australian funds can be processed on the spot through HICAPS, depending on your level of extras cover.

If it sounds like the right thing for you, check availability online whenever you are ready.

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Unit 2, 39 King George Street, Innaloo WA 6018. Free off-street parking.Get directions →

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What people say after a treatment

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“What an incredible experience! Amy’s attention to detail, her obvious high level of training and knowledge, and the beautiful premises made for what was one of the best, if not the best, remedial massages I have ever had. I have had a lot of massages in my time and this was something else. The only downside is that I had to leave. Thanks Amy, I know your practice is going to get quite popular!”
Mark O
“Such a great experience at Fern & Soul. The clinic itself is modern and beautifully presented, with a calm and relaxing atmosphere from the moment you walk in. Amy was incredibly welcoming and made me feel comfortable straight away. I had a remedial massage and was really impressed with her technique — she clearly knows what she’s doing and worked on exactly the areas that needed attention. I left feeling so much better and will definitely be back. Highly recommend Amy and Fern & Soul if you’re looking for a great remedial massage in a welcoming, calming space.”
Sian N
“I had a remedial massage with Amy and it was fantastic. She hit all the right spots with just the right amount of pressure, and I left feeling energized and refreshed. The facilities were modern, clean, well-appointed, and lovely overall. I’d highly recommend Fern & Soul to anyone in need of musculoskeletal remediation or energy work — great experience from start to finish.”
Andrew W
“Amy is very qualified, knowledgeable and extremely handy when it comes to massage. She knows exactly what and where to target to immediately produce positive outcomes. One of the best if not the best treatments I've had so far. Well done and thanks Amy”
Drago
“Beautiful massage and a good eye for injuries and body compensation. It was a good mix of relaxing and exactly what my body needed.”
hayley w
“Beautiful calm space and an excellent massage. Highly recommend this clean, quiet, relaxing business for some time out to de-stress.”
Anna M
“Had the best deep tissue massage with Amy! I will be a repeat customer for sure! I workout a lot and she knew exactly which trigger points needed to be worked on! Highly recommend!”
Krissy K
“Awesome remedial massage already booked a second session!”
James P
“Beautiful! Everything smelt amazing and massage was wonderful. Can't wait to go back”
Emma R
“Excellent massage! Brand new establishment, very warm and welcoming and left feeling great. Look forward to going back again soon.. 100% recommend.”
Jesse G
“Amy was very experienced, listened to what my concerns were and tailored the treatment The clinic is very clean and well presented.”
Anna G
“Amy provides excellent service and has profound knowledge.”
Kevin O
“Amy is magic!”
Andrea D
“Amy did an amazing job of working out some tension on my neck and back. Amy was so lovely and made my visit very comfortable. Definitely one of the best massages I have had. Thank you! 🤩”
Indya L
“Very professional, clean and understanding!”
Sam L
“Amy has great hands! She’s very professional and intuitive.”
Daniela K
“Everything Amy is the best”
lisa t
“Nice peaceful atmosphere and an excellent massage”
Terence O
“Relief from post op swelling my knees. Beautiful choice oils to be used. Great demeanor of a very professional massage therapist.”
Sue F
“Very clean and calming environment. Amy provided excellent service and I will definitely be back.”
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Ten of the 54 reviews clients have left after a completed appointment. Read every review on Fresha