{"id":20639,"date":"2023-08-01T09:35:22","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T14:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20639"},"modified":"2023-08-31T07:09:36","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T12:09:36","slug":"doctors-debate-can-my-gua-sha-replace-a-trip-to-the-derm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/advice\/doctors-debate-can-my-gua-sha-replace-a-trip-to-the-derm\/","title":{"rendered":"Can My Gua Sha Replace a Trip to the Derm?"},"content":{"rendered":"

TikTok is full of videos demonstrating gua sha techniques, jade roller tips and facial massages that claim to promote<\/span> \u201clymphatic drainage\u201d<\/span><\/a> \u2014 a process that reduces swelling from the lymph nodes that, according to some posts on social media, can cause facial puffiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the uninitiated,<\/span> gua sha<\/span><\/a> is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses a smooth tool to scrape the skin in different parts of the body. Gua sha has been a mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and the idea of manually draining the lymph nodes entered Western culture <\/span>in the 19th century<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

But does the average person really need a DIY facial massage to \u201cdrain\u201d their lymph nodes? Are there any risks to performing gua sha at your bathroom counter? And when should you see a doctor for a puffy face?<\/span><\/p>\n

We asked doctors to weigh in on the facial massage trends that promise aesthetic and health benefits \u2014 plus we learned when you should seek help from a professional. Here\u2019s what the experts had to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lymphatic drainage 101<\/h2>\n

The way people talk about lymphatic drainage on social media can be compelling: Simply massage certain spots around your face or neck, <\/span>et voila\u00ad<\/span><\/i>: You can reveal a slimmer, less puffy-looking face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But what exactly is<\/span> lymphatic drainage?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe lymphatic system drains from the lymph nodes in the neck, which go down into the chest,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Babak Azizzadeh<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery at the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, California. \u201cThen that fluid goes back into the circulatory system. \u201cIt\u2019s a very critical component of the healing process, especially when there\u2019s trauma, swelling, surgery, etc.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

So, does the average person need to think about lymphatic drainage if they\u2019re not recovering from a major trauma or procedure?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Azizzadeh says no: \u201cI don\u2019t think it has any role from a cosmetic perspective.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Do gua sha and other facial massage techniques work?<\/h2>\n

If your goal is to slim down your face or in any way alter your appearance: no.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Manual lymphatic massage can be helpful for people with certain medical conditions, however, and when puffiness is the result of a major procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt can decrease edema caused by surgery or illness,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Fadi Nukta<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder and director of NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Ashburn, Virginia. \u201cHowever, it can’t make a face slimmer by changing the anatomy of muscles, bones or fat.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, your evening jade roller routine probably<\/span> isn\u2019t hurting anything. If it helps you wind down and de-stress, it\u2019s generally safe to carry on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/b>If the feeling of it is good, their neck feels better afterwards and they like doing it, that\u2019s fine,\u201d Azizzadeh says. \u201cBut as an anti-aging treatment, I don\u2019t think it really does anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Risks of DIY facial massage<\/h2>\n

Although the risks of a gentle facial massage are minimal, it is possible to overdo it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could potentially irritate the skin and the deeper tissues, so you don\u2019t want to do that,\u201d Azizzadeh says. Signs of irritation include minor abrasions and hyperpigmentation in people with darker skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Jennifer Baron<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in San Jose, California, says she doesn\u2019t recommend DIY facial massage to her own patients or friends. This is due to the risk of spreading infection and the potential to make facial swelling worse, particularly if the swelling is caused by an allergy, medication or disease. Gua sha and jade rollers can also cause <\/span>burst capillaries and bruising<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGently rolling a stone over your face is not specifically harmful if the device is clean,\u201d she says. \u201cHowever, microbes can be introduced and spread to sensitive areas in one pass.\u201d The lips, for example, can tolerate certain bacteria and yeast that would cause irritation if spread to the eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do dermatologists offer lymphatic drainage?<\/h2>\n

For the most part, no.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe refer our patients to a licensed lymphatic drainage massage therapist or a professional wound care center,\u201d Baron says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most therapists who specialize in lymphatic drainage are used to working with patients who have had some kind of surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDermatologists typically do not [specialize in lymphatic drainage],\u201d Azizzadeh says. \u201cIt\u2019s mainly physical therapists who specialize in certain areas, like post\u2013breast surgery, or in the neck, when lymph nodes are removed for cancer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When to see a pro for puffiness<\/h2>\n

If you notice your face is suddenly looking swollen, call your dermatologist or primary care doctor right away.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFacial puffiness as a presenting symptom can be a marker for several medical concerns,\u201d Baron says. Possible causes of puffiness include medications, hormone or electrolyte imbalances, diseases and some tumors. A dermatologist can help determine the cause of puffiness and refer you to the right specialist, if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your concerns are aesthetic, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can help you find the right approach for your goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes all you need is really good skincare and maybe laser resurfacing,\u201d Azizzadeh says. \u201cSometimes you can solve your concern with fillers. And then sometimes you\u2019ve got to go to [cosmetic] surgery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, it comes down to what you\u2019re trying to accomplish. Get an expert opinion (or multiple) before booking a major cosmetic procedure. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to jump into surgery before you need to,\u201d Azizzadeh says.<\/span><\/p>\n

The final word on DIY facial massage<\/h2>\n

If you can\u2019t imagine parting ways with your beloved jade roller or gua sha stone, you don\u2019t have to \u2014 just keep your expectations in check. DIY massage can offer a relaxing routine to help relieve stress, but it won\u2019t deliver a dramatic before-and-after for your face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLymphatic drainage at home is a low-risk, low-reward procedure,\u201d Nukta says. \u201cUnless someone is completely misusing the tools, I see no significant harm to patients. The reward, likewise, is probably modest at best and short-lived.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Need a doctor’s appointment? Find one on Zocdoc.<\/a><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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