Your First Buccal Massage: What to Expect

Buccal massage is the only facial massage that works the cheek and jaw muscles from inside the mouth. If you are booking it for the first time, here is what actually happens, step by step.

All treatments are performed by a California licensed esthetician with professional training in facial massage techniques.

Before the session

Come as you are: makeup will be removed during cleansing. Tell us about dental work, braces, jaw problems, recent fillers or Botox, and any health conditions when booking. Avoid a heavy meal right before the session.

Step by step

1. A short consultation: what bothers you (jaw tension, puffiness, definition) and how you feel about pressure.

2. Cleansing and an external facial massage to warm up the muscles of the face and neck.

3. The intraoral part: wearing new medical gloves, the esthetician works the cheek muscles and the area around the jaw from inside the mouth, one side at a time. You can breathe through your nose and ask for a pause any time.

4. Finishing massage on the face and neck, and an optional hydrating mask.

Does it hurt?

Tight areas can feel intense, especially if you clench your jaw, but it should never be painful. The pressure is adjusted as you go.

After the session

There is no downtime. Your face can look slightly flushed for a short time; most clients see a more lifted, defined face right away. Drink water and avoid very salty food that evening. The cheeks can feel a little tender the next day, like after a workout.

How many sessions do you need?

One session shows the effect. For a longer-lasting result, a series of 5–10 sessions every 1–2 weeks works best; many clients alternate buccal and Kobido. At Satin Skin Studio a 60-minute buccal facial is $149, or from $125 per session in a package.