What is Buccal Massage?

Buccal massage (also known as intraoral facial massage) is a specialized sculpting technique performed both externally on the face and inside the mouth.

This allows us to access muscles that commonly hold stress and clenching tension, including:

  • masseter muscles (jaw)
  • buccinator muscles (cheeks)
  • smile line and lower face support muscles
  • fascia that influences contour and expression

These muscles often become tight due to:

  • jaw clenching or grinding
  • stress or screen-related posture
  • talking, chewing, or repetitive motion
  • tension carried through the neck and shoulders

Benefits of Buccal Massage

Every face is different, but clients commonly notice:

  • relief from jaw and facial tension
  • a lighter, more relaxed feeling in the face
  • de-puffing through cheeks and jawline
  • improved facial symmetry and mobility
  • softer expression lines caused by tight muscles
  • more visible cheekbone and contour definition

Some clients choose buccal massage for aesthetics. Others book it for tension relief and comfort.

Both are valid and both are supported here.

When Buccal Massage Should Be Avoided

For safety, we do not perform buccal massage if you have:

  • recent dental surgery or extractions
  • active dental or oral infections
  • cold sores or open lesions inside the mouth
  • uncontrolled TMJ pain
  • acute facial swelling or inflammation
  • recent dermal filler in the mid or lower face (without injector clearance)

Your comfort always comes first and we will review all health history before treatment.

How Many Buccal Massage Sessions Should You Book?

You’ll benefit from a single session especially before events or during periods of high stress.

Clients seeking deeper muscular conditioning often choose:

  • 3–6 sessions spaced over several weeks
  • maintenance treatments monthly or as needed

After Your Treatment

You may experience mild tenderness or warmth in the cheeks or jaw for 24–48 hours, similar to how muscles feel after a good stretch.

We recommend:

  • staying hydrated
  • avoiding gum that day
  • minimizing heavy jaw activity
  • gentle neck and jaw stretching if it feels good

Buccal Facial Massage FAQs

What is buccal massage?

Buccal massage is a sculpting facial technique performed both on the outside of the face and inside the mouth. It allows us to access the jaw and cheek muscles that commonly hold tension from clenching, grinding, stress, or posture. The goal is relaxation, de-puffing, and natural contour support — not forceful manipulation.

What does buccal massage help with?

Clients often book buccal massage for:

  • jaw tightness or facial tension
  • clenching or grinding
  • puffiness through the cheeks or jawline
  • muscle fatigue from stress or screen time
  • sculpting + natural facial contour support

Some notice visible de-puffing and definition, while others feel deep muscle relief and relaxation, both outcomes are common.

Does buccal massage hurt?

No, the treatment should not be painful.

Some areas may feel:

  • tight
  • deeply stretched
  • intense but relieving, similar to stretching a sore muscle.

Your registered massage therapist works slowly and gently, and we stay within your comfort level at all times.

How many sessions do I need?

You’ll still benefit from a single session.

For deeper muscular conditioning, many clients choose:

  • 3–6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart
  • occasional maintenance afterward

Your registered massage therapist can recommend a plan based on your goals.

Who should avoid buccal massage?

We do not perform buccal massage if you have:

  • recent dental work or extractions
  • active oral infection or cold sores
  • open lesions inside the mouth
  • uncontrolled TMJ pain
  • acute swelling or inflammation
  • recent filler in the mid or lower face (unless cleared by your injector)

We’ll review everything during your consultation to ensure the treatment is safe for you.

Is buccal massage good for TMJ?

Buccal massage is not a medical treatment, but many clients with jaw tightness, clenching, or tension-related discomfort find it soothing and supportive.

It may help:

  • relax overworked jaw muscles
  • reduce facial fatigue
  • improve jaw mobility

If you are under medical care, we recommend confirming suitability with your provider.

How will I feel after the treatment?

Most clients feel:

  • lighter through the face
  • relaxed in the jaw and neck
  • less puffy
  • more sculpted or defined

Mild tenderness (like after stretching) may occur for 24–48 hours — this is normal.

We recommend staying hydrated and avoiding gum that day.

Can I combine buccal massage with other treatments?

Yes, it pairs beautifully with:

  • facial lymphatic drainage
  • LED light therapy
  • sculpting gua sha or gentle cupping
  • neck and shoulder tension release

Your registered massage therapist can suggest enhancements based on your priorities.

How is buccal massage different from a regular facial?

Most facials work only externally.

Buccal massage:

  • accesses deeper jaw and cheek muscles
  • supports lymphatic drainage
  • encourages relaxation and contour
  • focuses on functional tension relief

It is more therapeutic and structural than a traditional relaxation facial.

How long do results last?

Immediate results such as:

  • de-puffing
  • relaxation
  • visible softening in tight areas

may be noticed after one session.

Consistency supports longer-term muscle conditioning, similar to body massage.

Is buccal facial massage included as part of the membership discount?

Yes! Beauty Club members receive exclusive discounted rates for buccal or buccal and body massage under 60 minutes.

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