What Is Buccal Massage?
Buccal massage (also called intraoral massage) involves massaging pressure points inside the mouth to stimulate the muscles and ligaments in the buccal fat pad (between the cheeks and the jowls) to tighten and contour the area. When done regularly, this procedure can provide similar results to those of dermal fillers, but without the needles and potential side effects. The treatment typically involves massage of other facial areas as well.
When facial muscles stiffen due to stress, injury, an overactive jaw, or a medical disorder, they obstruct blood flow, lymphatic circulation, and detoxication. Tissues don’t receive enough nutrients and oxygen, resulting in water retention, puffiness, a dull complexion, and drooping cheeks and jowls. Buccal massage resolves theseissues, providing numerous skin benefits.
Buccal Massage Target Areas
During a buccal massage, the therapist massages the following areas:
- Inside of the mouth
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Chin and the area underneath
- Jaw
- Lips and mouth
- Nasolabial folds
- Around the nose
- Eye area
Buccal Massage Benefits
The benefits of buccal massage include:
1. Improved Blood Circulation
Like other types of massage, buccal massage involves applying manual pressure to muscles and ligaments to improve blood flow and circulation.
2. Excess Fluid Removal and Reduced Puffiness
Buccal massage helps drain excess fluids, helping to depuff the mid-face area and reduce dark under-eye circles.
3. Tighter Skin in the Lower Face
Relaxing the muscles in the face and neck that pull down on the jawline can lift the skin and provide a temporary non-surgical facelift effect.
4. Rejuvenated Appearance
Improved blood flow, increased circulation, and a lifted lower face provide a more youthful appearance.
5. Clearer Skin and Reduced Acne
Acne is often the result of poor circulation and a blocked lymphatic system. Buccal massage helps detoxify the area, reducing breakouts and clearing the skin.
6. Decreased Tension in the Lower Face
Buccal massage helps relieve tension in the lower face due to stress and repeated jaw clenching.
7. Reduced Chronic Pain
By relieving jaw tension, buccal massage eases related symptoms such as
headaches and facial pain. The therapy is a helpful aid in managing TMJ
(temporomandibular joint) disorders.
8. Reduced Sinus Discomfort
By increasing circulation and lymphatic flow, buccal massage helps drain out mucus and reduce sinus discomfort.
What Can You Expect During Buccal Massage?
The provider prepares the client for buccal massage by massaging their shoulders and neck to improve lymphatic flow. They then move up toward the chin, the jaw, and around the mouth to stimulate the muscles.
Some providers start from the crease of the nose downward toward the chin,
massaging the muscles around the mouth and lips, and proceeding to the oral cavity.
Before starting the main part of the treatment – the buccal massage – the provider cleans their hands and puts on disposable gloves.
They use circular motions and massage the inside of the mouth using their thumbs and index fingers, at the same time using the other fingers to massage the outside – cheeks, nasolabial folds, around the nose, and around the eyes. The provider also stretches the patient’s lips sideways and pulls them up, holding them for several seconds, and releasing them.
The treatment takes 30-60 minutes. Clients with a lot of jaw tension report feeling some discomfort initially, but most of them enjoy the treatment and feel
overwhelming relief.
Is Buccal Massage Safe?
Buccal massage is safe in the hands of experienced cosmetic professionals.
Inexperienced providers without knowledge of facial anatomy and who don’t use medical gloves may cause irritation, inflammation, and infection in the patient’s mouth. These risks also increase when patients perform the massage at home.
When should I avoid Buccal Massage?
Buccal massage is safe for most people. However, the following clients may need to postpone the treatment:
- If you had Botox or fillers in the previous two weeks
- Client who are feeling unwell – flu symptoms – gum or mouth infection.
- Clients with skin infections, eczema, or psoriasis, active acne breakouts
