Jona, our resident Buccal Facial expert, as well as our body treatment expert, takes us on a deep dive to help us better understand the ins and outs of this facial method and why you should quickly book your next appointment with her at our UES studio.
1) What is a buccal facial and what are the benefits?
The Buccal/Sculptural Face Lifting massage is a unique technique developed by holistic practitioner Yakov Gershkovich. This powerful method involves massaging the facial muscles from both the inside and outside of the mouth to naturally lift, sculpt, and tone the face.
Additional benefits include:
• Lymphatic drainage
• Improved circulation, which supports collagen production
• Release of deep physical and emotional tension held in the face
You’ll leave the session feeling deeply relaxed with a visibly more lifted and toned appearance. Results are cumulative—a series of 10 sessions is recommended for long-lasting, noticeable effects.
2) Can you tell us more about lymphatic drainage and its benefits for the face as well as the body?
I am certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) using the Vodder technique. Unlike the vigorous styles often shown on social media, true MLD is a very gentle and precise method that uses light pumping, circular, and spiral movements to stimulate the natural flow of lymph throughout the body.
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in keeping the body clean, balanced, and defended, forming a vital part of both the immune and circulatory systems. However, factors like poor diet and lack of movement can cause lymph fluid to stagnate, leading to swelling, breakouts, and even illness.
Because the lymphatic system lacks its own pump, it relies on movement, deep breathing, dry brushing, and manual techniques like MLD to move excess fluid out of the tissues and into functioning lymph vessels and nodes—where toxins and waste can be properly eliminated.
Lymphatic facial work helps to de-puff, clear, and brighten the skin from within, while the body treatments are deeply calming, detoxifying, and immune-boosting. When paired with a clean, anti-inflammatory diet, MLD can help reduce inflammation, support circulation, and unburden the entire system, promoting overall health and vitality.
3) How did you get into this work? Who did you train with?
My passion for holistic beauty and natural medicine began in my teenage years. After healing myself from debilitating asthma through a whole-food, plant-based diet, I experienced firsthand the incredible resilience and healing power of the body.
I grew up as a professional dancer, which sparked a lifelong fascination with the human body and its potential. That passion led me to become a licensed massage therapist over 20 years ago, and later a holistic esthetician, completing a full-circle approach to body wellness and skincare.
I’m deeply committed to supporting the body’s natural ability to rejuvenate and restore itself—without the use of fillers, Botox, pharmaceuticals, or surgery. I believe these interventions can often accelerate aging and create imbalances over time, rather than promote true wellness.
I am a graduate of the Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy and the Aveda Institute for Esthetics. I trained directly under Yakov Gershkovich, the founder of the Sculptural Face Lifting (SFL) and Buccal method, and I’m certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) through the renowned Vodder School.
My work integrates all of these disciplines to offer a deeply restorative, natural approach to beauty and wellness—from the inside out.
4) How do you get your glow? What is your AM and PM skincare routines?
I begin each day with a facial massage, using only the cleanest, most natural products I can find (my philosophy: if I wouldn’t eat it, I won’t put it on my skin). My favorite lines I use include Dr. Alkaitis, De Mamiel, and Tammy Fender, having discovered them at Sommetbeauty. I exfoliate a few times a week, apply targeted serums and nourishing oils, and use richer moisturizers at night, when the skin goes into repair mode.
To support full-body detox and circulation, I dry brush every morning and regularly take contrast showers (alternating hot and cold water), which I find to be incredibly energizing and effective for lymphatic drainage.
5) What Sommetbeauty brands do you love the most?
I’m obsessed with the entire Dr. Alkaitis line. Also love Tammy Fender, such a beautiful thoughtful brand. The Intensive Repair Balm is phenomenal.
6) What is something you practice for your overall health and wellness outside of the studio?
I’m passionate about maintaining my health through daily movement, including weight training, cardio, and yoga. Supporting my lymphatic system is a non-negotiable part of my routine—10,000 steps a day is my baseline—because I believe that a well-functioning lymphatic system is key to overall health and radiant skin (our body’s largest organ).
I follow a 100% organic, clean diet about 99% of the time. It seems to be working—I haven’t had a cold in over eight years, and I’m often told I don’t look my age.
In addition to the physical and nutritional practices I follow, I strongly believe in the power of a positive, empowered mindset. I don’t subscribe to the idea that age should limit or define us. The body is constantly regenerating and renewing, and we have the ability to grow, heal, and improve at any stage of life.
I believe in honoring that truth—no limitations, only potential. Let’s embrace the incredible, ever-evolving miracle that is the human body.