What Is a Buccal Facial? The Ultimate Guide to Lift, Sculpt, and Glow

A buccal facial is a unique massaging technique in which an expert aesthetician massages the muscles of your face from both inside and outside the mouth. 

But how does it help you? This treatment isn’t another ordinary massage, but is specially backed by science; its collagen-boosting, facial contouring, and tension-releasing properties are grabbing global celebrities' attention.

This guide will reveal the buccal technique’s origin, the science behind it, proven benefits, and how Sommetbeauty’s signature Buccal Boost transforms your glow from within.

Table of Contents

1. Buccal Facial Basics: Definition and Origins
2. The Science Behind Buccal: How Muscle Meets Skin
3. 8 Proven Benefits of a Buccal Facial
4. Who Is (and Isn’t) an Ideal Candidate?
5. Sommetbeauty’s Signature Buccal Boost Experience
6. Results Timeline: What Our NYC Clients See (PROJECTED RESULTS)
7. Buccal Facial vs. Other Lift-and-Sculpt Options
8. Aftercare & At-Home Maintenance
9. Expert Insight
10. Comprehensive FAQ
11. Cluster Gateway Links
12. Conclusion

Buccal Facial Basics: Definition and Origins

The buccal facial massage, also known as intraoral massage, involves massaging your muscles from both inside and outside the mouth to release the tension in fascia. It targets mainly the buccinator muscles and other muscles like the orbicularis oris muscle, which helps in releasing stress, improving facial contours, and giving your face a more sculpted look.

The concept of someone massaging inside your mouth might sound intimidating. Yet, the experience is truly rewarding when you achieve that red-carpet-worthy natural facelift and radiance that conventional facial massages simply cannot provide.

The word “buccal” comes from the Latin word “bucca,” which means cheek. This facial massage technique originated in Eastern Europe, particularly among Russian and French aestheticians who emphasized natural lifting remedies that avoided the use of needles. It is often presented as a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, anti-aging, and releasing years of tension in cheeks and jaws. Once kept a celebrity secret, it has now become a global sensation, with many celebs emphasizing its miraculous benefits and how it feels like a personal face workout.

The Science Behind Buccal: How Muscle Meets Skin

The buccinator muscle is located in the cheeks and is responsible for keeping tension balanced in facial expressions and while talking. On the other hand, the masseter muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the body and helps in chewing. When these muscles are overused, the chronic stress settles in them and causes aging, puffiness, and even jaw pain. 

Buccal cheek massage reaches these muscles, releasing the built-up tension and muscle knots. Think of your face like a stitched silk dress; if the threads beneath are tangled, the surface will look wrinkled. The buccal facial will reach beneath and smooth them from the inside out.

Deep tissue cheek massage can also stimulate blood circulation by widening blood vessels that, in turn, improve the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the cheek area. Buccal facials are also considered a form of MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) and help in removing lymphatic fluid and toxins from the cheek and jaw area. Studies indicate that this technique of cheek massage can activate fibroblast cells (skin's collagen builders), especially with consistent sessions. Hence, each stroke of buccal facial will not just give you smoother skin but also renew your skin from within.

8 Proven Benefits of a Buccal Facial

But is buccal facial just a hype made by celebrities, or does it actually work? Let’s discuss its eight science-backed benefits and reasons why you should consider a buccal facial:

1. Facial Contouring Precision: Buccal facial targets deep facial muscles, which help in defining your jaw and cheeks while improving facial contouring naturally without surgical interventions or fillers.
2. Jaw Tension Relief: People often overgrind their teeth during stress, without knowing that it is building tension in the jaw muscles. Buccal facial massage reaches the masseter muscle (source of clenching) and releases stress and tightness, reducing jaw tension.
3. Improved Product Penetration: When your facial muscles are well-oxygenated and have better blood circulation, products like moisturizers or serums absorb more deeply into your skin tissues, enhancing their effectiveness.
4. Emotional Release: This technique views the face as the emotional map and addresses muscles that hold tension through releasing years of trauma, ultimately making you feel more relaxed.
5. Better Lymphatic Drainage: Think of it like unclogging a blocked pipe; the water flows clearly and easily. Similarly, draining waste and toxins from the buccal facial muscles facilitates smooth blood circulation.
6. Boosted Blood Circulation: The glow after the buccal facial isn’t just from the massage. It’s actually your body stimulating better oxygen and nutrient flow to your face.
7. Natural Anti-Aging Effect: Buccal facial is more like a skin workout. Better collagen production helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
8. Eye strain relief: Long screen time can cause tension in the muscles around the eyes. Buccal massage boosts circulation in facial muscles, including those around the eyes, reducing eye strain.

After months of work and life stresses, a buccal facial rejuvenates and provides relief to you and your face. 

Who Is (and Isn’t) an Ideal Candidate?

Buccal massage is undoubtedly a miracle, but it’s not for everyone. While this massage works amazingly on some, others should consider the following conditions before going for it.

Ideal For:

• Buccal massage is excellent for those with jaw tension and puffiness, as it targets the facial muscles from both inside and out and releases jaw tension while stimulating lymphatic drainage.
• Facing mild skin sagging? This technique enhances your facial contours and lifts your face, helping to reduce sagging.

Not Ideal For: 

• Dealing with cold sores? It’s best to avoid buccal massage, as cold sores are contagious and can cause outbreaks after massage. Take time to heal, and then reschedule your appointment.
• Are you a teen with braces? Braces make it almost impossible to access the buccal area, and the session may be uncomfortable for both the client and the practitioners. 
• Acne-prone skin is sensitive. A buccal massage can worsen the acne due to stretching and pressure during the buccal massage. It’s best to wait until your skin is acne-free and calm.
• It can be beneficial for people with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) who have jaw tension, but if the pain phase is acute, it can worsen the symptoms.
• If you got fillers recently, it is recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks to avoid displacing the fillers under the massage pressure.

Along with the advantages of buccal facials, it's essential to know which conditions are best suited for them to work and give maximum results.

Sommetbeauty’s Signature Buccal Boost Experience