Popular with celebs, this “inner facial” lifts, tones, and contours.

Buccal massage and the sculpted cheekbones it delivers are having a capital M moment. Maybe you’ve seen the headlines about Jennifer Lopez and Megan Markle’s preferred facial or a TikTok or two of a gloved esthetician stretching a relaxed-looking person’s lips from the inside out. You might wonder why a person willingly allows a stranger’s fingers in their mouth—it’s weird, right? Buccal massage is also a fabulous way to lift and define your face and, in some instances, provide relief from jaw issues. Don’t knock it until you try it.

But First, What Is Buccal Massage? How Does It Work?
This specialized massage technique targets the muscles inside the mouth and the surrounding facial areas, particularly the cheeks, jawline, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), using soft, controlled movements inside the mouth.

A trained professional, typically an esthetician, massage therapist, or bodyworker, often begins with an external warm-up, massaging the neck, shoulders, and face to relax the muscles and prepare you for the mouth massage. Then, with your mouth open, the therapist carefully works on the muscles using specific techniques, applying pressure to release tension and improve circulation. Your therapist may gently stretch and manipulate your face to alleviate tightness and increase the range of motion in the jaw and facial muscles.

Is Buccal Massage Similar to a Facial Massage?
Yes and no. Sure, you can get a buccal or facial massage for stress management and rejuvenation. But a buccal massage focuses more on the shape of your face than the skin tone. Typical facial massages target the surface muscles of the face. In contrast, a buccal massage delves a layer deeper, which can make your face look more lifted and help alleviate pain from issues related to oral health and facial tension. Mostly, it comes down to preference. Some people find buccal massage deeply relaxing; others would rather avoid it.

Buccal Massage and Safety
Is buccal massage safe? Yes! That said, finding a trusted, certified professional you’re comfortable with is the first step in ensuring the utmost care and precision. Know who and what you’re comfortable with—after all, it’s not too often you’ll have a massage therapist’s hands inside your mouth.

Patients with specific dental or health concerns should consult their healthcare provider before opting for this massage technique.

Buccal Massage Therapy Results
Buccal massage therapy can offer many benefits, including enhanced facial contours, relief from headaches, reduced tension, and an overall sense of well-being. By targeting the buccinator muscles, a buccal massage can even improve circulation in your body, leading to healthier-looking skin and a natural glow that shouts, “I’m relaxed!”

Does Buccal Massage Treat TMJ?
Buccal massage isn’t a direct treatment for TMJ, but it can play a role in holistic symptom management for TMJ disorders. By easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, it helps relieve jaw pain and improve mobility. To address the root cause of a TMJ disorder, it’s best to work with a dental or medical professional to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan might incorporate buccal massage as a complementary therapy to improve overall effectiveness.

How Often Should You Get Buccal Massage?
Like any form of therapy, your particular therapeutic path depends on your goals. Do you want long-term aesthetic rejuvenation? Pain management? Do you simply want to relax before a big event? Some people benefit from occasional sessions, while others opt for regular treatments as part of their holistic wellness routine. It’s up to you. A qualified professional can assess your requirements and recommend a treatment plan.

Want to try a buccal massage for yourself? Book an Organic Facial with Head Esthetician Maro, and she can work with you to customize your treatment.