The red carpet’s quiet essential: why lymphatic drainage has become part of Hollywood’s pre-event routine
- Sona Times - Editorial
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Wellness specialist explains how the technique is gaining prominence among celebrities preparing for high-profile appearances
Behind every red carpet appearance lies months of preparation. From skincare treatments to fitness regimens, celebrities invest heavily in routines designed to ensure they look their best under the spotlight. Increasingly, one wellness practice has become a staple in the lead-up to major events: lymphatic drainage.
Used to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and enhance body contouring, the technique has become a regular part of pre-event routines for many in the entertainment industry.
According to Juliana Cortes Nogueira, founder of Detox & Relax by Juliana, interest in the therapy has grown significantly among clients preparing for major public appearances.
Her studio, often referred to by clients as a hub for lymphatic-focused treatments in Southern California, has helped popularize the practice as both a wellness and recovery ritual.
A growing presence before major events
In recent years, lymphatic drainage has become widely associated with celebrity beauty routines before events such as the Met Gala and the Academy Awards.
Public figures including Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber have previously referenced the technique as part of their preparation process, often highlighting its role in reducing puffiness and enhancing body definition before high-profile appearances.
For practitioners like Nogueira, however, the treatment extends beyond aesthetics.
“In a city like Los Angeles, where the pressure to be camera-ready is constant, we focus on the science of balance and the art of flow,” she says. “The goal is not only appearance, but helping the body return to its natural rhythm.”
How the technique works
Lymphatic drainage is a manual therapy designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in the body’s immune function and in removing excess fluids and metabolic waste.
The method widely practiced in Southern California wellness clinics involves rhythmic manual movements that encourage the movement of interstitial fluids toward lymph nodes, where they can be filtered and eliminated.
Practitioners say the treatment may help:
stimulate lymphatic circulation
reduce inflammation and water retention
improve temporary body contour and muscle definition
Because the lymphatic system does not have a central pump like the heart, manual stimulation can help support fluid movement throughout the body.
Reported effects and wellness benefits
Clients often seek the treatment before events for its immediate visual effects, particularly the reduction of bloating and swelling.
However, specialists report additional benefits that may include:
improved skin texture through increased microcirculation
faster recovery after physical training
reduced swelling following cosmetic procedures
a general sensation of lightness and relaxation
Some individuals also report improvements in abdominal comfort and breathing, as reduced bloating can relieve pressure in the midsection.
Who typically seeks the treatment
While celebrities have helped popularize the technique, the client base is diverse. According to wellness clinics, lymphatic drainage is commonly used by:
athletes recovering from intense workouts
patients recovering from cosmetic procedures
professionals experiencing fluid retention due to travel or long work hours
individuals seeking general wellness support
Sessions are typically customized to the individual’s needs, whether for aesthetic preparation, recovery, or stress reduction.
How long the effects last
The most visible effects — such as reduced puffiness or temporary slimming — generally last between three and seven days, depending on lifestyle, hydration, and metabolic factors.
Practitioners say regular sessions can help maintain more consistent results over time.
Habits that help maintain results
Experts recommend several habits to support lymphatic circulation between treatments:
adequate hydration, which helps the body eliminate toxins
light physical activity, such as walking or Pilates
reducing salt and alcohol intake shortly after sessions
self-care tools, including gua sha massage tools, vibration platforms, or infrared saunas
These practices may help stimulate circulation and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
From beauty trend to wellness practice
As interest in holistic health continues to grow in places like Southern California, lymphatic drainage has moved beyond a niche beauty treatment and into the broader wellness industry.
For clinics like Detox & Relax by Juliana, the technique now sits at the intersection of recovery therapy, aesthetic preparation, and lifestyle wellness.
Behind the polished silhouettes seen on the red carpet, practitioners say, there is often a quieter routine focused not only on appearance but on circulation, balance, and overall well-being.
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