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Face sculpting massage is designed to contour and lift the face by stimulating the muscles and tissues through various massage techniques. The goal is to enhance the natural shape of the face, promote relaxation, and improve blood circulation. This massage is used to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and tension.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Lifting and Toning: I will use specific techniques like gentle kneading, tapping, and sweeping motions along the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead to encourage muscle tone and sculpt the face.
2. Drainage: Lymphatic drainage techniques help reduce puffiness and swelling by encouraging the flow of lymph fluid away from the face.
3. Facial Massage Tools: Tools like face cups and gua sha stones are used to enhance the sculpting effect and increase circulation.
4. Relaxation: The massage also helps to relax facial muscles, which can reduce stress and prevent wrinkles caused by facial tension.

The Face Sculpting Massage includes a Buccal Massage, Face Cupping & Gua Sha

Overall, the massage promotes a more defined, youthful look by improving circulation, reducing bloating, and relaxing facial muscles. It is popular as a non-invasive way to "sculpt" the face naturally!

Benefits include:

*Improved or prevented TMJ conditions

​*Facial lifting & softening of lines and wrinkles

*Toning, contouring and sculpting of the lower face, improved jawline

*Increased collagen production

*Improved muscle tone

​*Improved blood flow to the skin

*Stimulate healthy lymphatic drainage on the face

*Supports healthy detox on the facial area

*Improved texture and complexion

*Relax tight muscles

*Reduce puffiness on the cheeks and lower face

*Softens lip lines

*Reduce headaches and migraines from clinching

*Helps remove tension and stress in the muscles

*Help relieve tired eyes, reduce the appearance of undereye bags/puffiness and dark circles

*Improved circulation for a healthy glow!

What is Buccal Massage?

Buccal massage is a deep tissue facial massage technique that targets the muscles inside the cheeks, specifically the buccinator muscles. This massage is designed to improve facial contours, reduce tension, and promote relaxation, especially in the lower face area.

Here’s how it works:

1. Internal and External Techniques: I will use both external and internal methods. Externally, I massage the outer skin of the face (like the jawline, cheekbones, and temples), while internally, I will gently place a finger inside the mouth (inside the cheeks) to apply pressure to the buccinator muscles. This deep internal work helps to release muscle tension that can lead to a more defined jawline and smoother skin.
2. Muscle Relaxation: The deep pressure helps to relax the facial muscles, especially in areas prone to tightness, such as the jaw and cheek areas. This can be particularly beneficial for those with bruxism (teeth grinding) or jaw tension.
3. Enhanced Contouring: The massage works to lift and sculpt the face, especially around the cheeks and jawline. By releasing built-up tension, the face can appear more sculpted and toned. It can also reduce puffiness by promoting lymphatic drainage and encouraging circulation.
4. Stress Reduction: Like other facial massages, buccal massage helps to reduce overall facial tension, which can contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the jawline and mouth.

Buccal massage is popular for those looking to achieve a more contoured, youthful look without resorting to invasive treatments. It is also used to improve the overall health and vitality of the skin by stimulating circulation and promoting relaxation in the face. 

Worried my fingers just inside your mouth will feel uncomfortable? I will place a gloved finger just inside you cheek to massage your jaw and cheeks. I have found as soon as I get going my clients relax into the treatment. Everyone really enjoys the deeper jaw/cheek pressure that this technique allows. However, if you are feeling uncomfortable I promise to stop immediately.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a traditional healing technique originating from China that involves scraping a smooth-edged jade tool across the skin. Gua Sha is used to stimulate the lymphatic system, improve blood circulation, and enhance the flow of energy (also known as Qi) in the body. The gentle scraping motion can help with various skin concerns and promote a natural, glowing complexion. Used on the face and neck to promote circulation, reduce tension, and improve the appearance of the skin. 

During a Gua Sha session I will use the tool to apply gentle, repeated strokes on the skin, with a bit of oil to help the tool glide smoothly. This technique helps with lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness, and enhances skin tone. 

What is Face Cupping?

Face cupping is a skincare treatment that involves the use of small suction cups to create a vacuum effect on the skin of the face. This technique is part of the traditional Chinese medicine practice of cupping, but it has been adapted specifically for facial use. My suction cups are made of silicone and I apply them to areas like the cheeks, jawline, forehead, around the mouth and under the eyes.

The process works by gently pulling the skin upward, which helps to improve blood circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and boost collagen production. As the cups are moved across the face, the vacuum effect stimulates the skin and underlying tissues, which leads to a plumping and lifting effect. Face cupping is used to reduce puffiness, improve skin tone, and promote a healthy glow. It is also helpful for alleviating tension, especially around the jaw or brow area. 

Worried about typical cupping bruising? There is no need to worry! I use small, silicone face cups. They glide across the face with the use of oil. There is no stationary placement that would cause bruising. 

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What can I expect during a face sculpting treatment?

Beginning with a face cleanse, I will then massage a gentle oil into the skin looking for areas of stored tension. I will massage the shoulders and neck to release tension and allow the lymph fluids to flow more freely. I will then massage up the face using sculpting and lifting movements. This is followed by the Buccal Massage, working the face from inside the mouth (deep massage movements and lymphatic drainage are involved during this stage). I will then move to face cupping to boost blood flow and finish with a gentle Gua Sha technique to drain lymphatic fluid released during the massage. I finish with warm towels and day or night cream. Total relaxation!

How many sessions are recommended?

It is advisable to undergo a series of facial massage sessions for optimal outcomes. The precise number of sessions will be determined during your initial visit, considering your skin’s specific condition and characteristics. To maintain the benefits gained from the treatment course, engaging in facial massage periodically throughout the year is recommended. 

For the absolute best results, a recommended series includes 4 to 6 weekly or biweekly treatments, followed by a maintenance treatment once a month. Results can be seen after the first visit, but the difference is more noticeable after the third or fourth treatment as the results are cumulative. 

If you can only come monthly or every other month, you are still going to see results, it will just take longer. Also, if you are just looking for relaxation, feel free to come anytime!

What should I do after a treatment?

It is common to feel deeply relaxed after a session, but your facial muscles might feel a little fatigued. Depending on your level of tension going into the treatment, your face or jaw may feel sore, achy, or tender. If so, apply a warm compress to soothe the muscles. It is important to stay well hydrated after a treatment to help flush any toxins released during the session. It is absolutely fine to carry on with your normal daily activities after a session, but I do recommend that you take it easy for the day. 

You may experience a little fatigue after the treatment which can be normal. In very rare cases clients may experience cold like symptoms such as headache or slight body aches for a few hours after the treatment, which can simply be a sign of your body’s natural healing and detoxification process in action as thing are getting flushed out of the system. In these cases, please increase your water intake for 24 hours. These reactions cease with continued treatments. Pay attention to how your body feels and contact me if there are any questions or concerns.  

Who is NOT a good candidate for Buccal Massage?

Buccal Massage Contraindications:

*High risk pregnancy

*Lactating difficulties (mastitis)

*Severe neck injury or pain

*Thyroid Issues

*Cancer

*Local infection, irritation, wound, lesion, bruise or burn

*Bruises easily

*Severe active Cystic Acne

*Severe active Rosacea

*Lymphatic Issues

*Bell's Palsy

*Cold sore outbreak

*Bleeding gums or recent dental surgery

*Lip fillers

*Botox or Filler in the last two weeks

If you are experiencing any of the following conditions or symptoms' but would still like a treatment, please contact me for further discussion or consult your doctor before booking.

Will it help my TMJ pain?

Yes! Tension in the muscles from clenching, grinding or chewing can increase jaw pain if you suffer with mild to moderate TMJ issues. A Buccal massage is a very effective way to relax and support healthy muscle function in the jaw area and relieve associated TMJ pain. 

NOTE: I am NOT an RMT (this face massage is not covered by insurance benefits)