'I Tried a Buccal Massage To See What the Hype Was About—and the Results Shocked Me'

I love facials, especially anything incorporating cutting-edge, high-tech devices like microneeding and radiofrequency, or super hydrating, glow-inducing treatments with lots of masks and serums. 

I've already tried dermaplaning (that removes peach fuzz with a tiny scalpel instrument); hydra facials (that involve a lot of steam and moisture) and chemical peels, so when I was talking to another self-care-loving friend recently and she brought up buccal massages, I was all ears. I had never had a buccal facial massage before but was immediately intrigued after she told me about its lifting, and sculpting benefits. 

At first, the idea sounded a bit wacky. I mean, the thought of having my cheeks massaged inside my mouth was definitely a little weird. Did it hurt? What if they stretch my mouth too wide?! But curiosity got the best of me, and I figured, why not? Anything that keeps my skin taut and looking its best is A-okay with me, so I booked an appointment to see what all the hype was about.

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What Is a Buccal Massage?

When I arrived at Attune Med Spa in Stamford, Connecticut, my medical aesthetician Veronica Prado asked me if I had any temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, explaining buccal massage is especially helpful for jaw pain since it focuses on the buccal area inside of the mouth and the surrounding facial tissues. 

"This technique involves the manipulation of facial muscles and tissues through both external and internal massage, aiming to promote relaxation, enhance facial contours and improve overall skin health," she says.

Although it's particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from TMJ disorders, bruxism (teeth grinding) and poor lymphatic drainage, it's also popular for reduced puffiness and improved elasticity—two things I wanted to address.

And then there's the whole sculpting perk. It's also supposed to tighten and tone your face and jawline, lifting and raising everything—no needles or Botox required.

I was all in.

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How It Works

The facial started as most do. Prado cleansed my skin, applying makeup remover and a series of hydrating serums, massaging my neck and using upward motions to gently start the process.

"I'm using lymphatic drainage techniques to reduce swelling and improve circulation," she told me in between soft rhythmic movements. "First, we do the external massage to warm up the muscles of the face, and then we start with the intraoral internal massage. This is when I start stretching and releasing tension inside the muscles of the mouth in the lower and upper parts of the face. Especially the buccinator muscles because they carry a lot of tension."

So far so good. Until I heard her pull on the rubber gloves. Here we go, I thought. I have a tiny mouth to the point where they had to fit me for a new retainer size once my braces came off because I didn't fit the typical molds. I started thinking maybe buccal isn't for everyone, including my tiny mouth—but too late now.

The next thing I knew, she opened my mouth and started massaging inside and around my lips and cheeks, between the buccal muscle fat and my teeth. Much to my (pleasant) surprise it didn't hurt per se, but it was definitely unlike any facial I'd ever received before.

Then came the stretching. Using her thumbs, Prado started to gently pull the sides of my mouth outward and upward to the point where I must have looked like a cheeky Cheshire Cat. My mouth was gaped open that wide.

At the same time, she moved her index fingers up to stretch my eyebrows to their max position so my entire face was as stretched in every way as possible.

I can see why people love this, I thought. External facials could never—as far as lifting and sculpting from the inside out. This was unlike anything I'd experienced.

More intra-oral techniques commenced as she moved her hands around every crevice inside my face, creating space between the folds and gum lines.

When the gloves came off, the rest of the facial was familiar territory—including the application of masks, moisturizers and eye cream (adding extra layers of glow-inducing products to further enhance the jaw and cheek-defining work that had just been done).

Then, Prado handed me a mirror.

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I was stunned. The puffiness has disappeared. The inflamed rosy cheeks were minimized and replaced by dewy luminous skin that looked chiseled and defined. Contours I didn't know existed stared back at me.

"I get it now..." was all I could reply. This facial was on another level. 

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What's the Difference Between Gua Sha and Buccal Massage?

"Buccal massage works inside the mouth to target deeper facial muscles, relieving tension (such as TMJ), softening facial lines and lifting the face by addressing the muscles from the inside out," explains Micaela Rios-O'Leary, the lead lymphatic therapist and trainer at Sage + Sound, another wellness studio I happen to frequent in New York City. "Gua sha, on the other hand, is a tool-based technique that promotes lymphatic drainage, boosts circulation, reduces puffiness and sculpts the face."

Although these treatments are often performed independently, they can be coupled for the ultimate refresh.

"At Sage + Sound, we often combine them to target both the muscular and lymphatic systems for a comprehensive anti-aging effect—it’s all about lifting and sculpting from the inside out," she adds.

It's also worth pointing out, as someone who has now done both, gua sha is very easy to administer on yourself. Buccal on the other hand? I can't imagine trying to do this to myself. The exterior part, sure. Maybe even a little interior massaging with just the thumbs on around the upper lip and inside. But the whole stretching and kneading from overhead seems rather impossible. 

(Plus, it's always more enjoyable when someone is doing the heavy lifting for you, rather than having to DIY it yourself.)

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How Long Do Buccal Massage Results Last?

According to Prado, results can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your lifestyle, skin type and how often you schedule follow-up treatments. This is one of those facials that tends to show better the more you do it, which is why she recommends clients undergo buccal massage sessions once a week for about six weeks. 

"After this initial period, maintenance sessions can be scheduled every month or as needed," she says, adding that facial exercises can be done post-treatment to strengthen the muscles—but the best way to make your facial last and last is to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet (as well as a proper skincare routine).

Although I only did one session, my results lasted well beyond five days. The immediate glow was megawatt for the first 24 to 48 hours after and the sculpted effect hung around even longer.

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Post-Treatment Tips

Prado stresses the importance of a good skincare routine to help maintain the treatment results. She likes hyaluronic acid, peptides and an antioxidant serum like Alastin C Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum to help hydrate, plump and brighten the skin after the treatment, followed by a good moisturizer and SPF.

She also recommends drinking tons of water, which is one of the biggest things I noticed—how thirsty I was later that day and night. With all the moving of things inside your face, I found myself parched afterward and reaching for sip after sip. 

Lastly, she encourages facial exercises at home to strengthen the muscles—"facial yoga," if you will.

Should Anyone Avoid Buccal Massages?

Although a buccal massage is generally safe, certain contraindications should be considered. Prado explains that anyone taking Accutane or similar medications shouldn't receive buccal, along with anyone who's had cosmetic injections within one week or someone who recently had dental work done. 

Luckily, I scheduled this facial a few weeks before I was supposed to have a crown replaced. Given the amount of massaging around your teeth and gums, I wouldn't want anything to shake loose in that department.

Prado also says you should avoid buccal if you've had facial or waxing treatments within 7 to 14 days, have cancerous moles or lesions with suspected malignancy, have open cold sores, an active sunburn, or acne that's in stages III and IV. Massaging your mouth and skin from the inside out can tend to exacerbate all of these conditions. 

Related: Here's What 'Toasted Skin Syndrome' Is—and Signs You Might Have It

How Much Does a Buccal Massage Cost?

Cost really comes down to where you live and the level and/or length of the treatment performed. A 30-minute buccal facial starts around $100 in certain parts of the country, while a 60-minute treatment with extra bells and whistles could run you $500. 

For reference, this facial costs $165 at Attune in Connecticut, where I had it done, and $300 at Sage & Sound in Manhattan.

It's a bit of a splurge, but given how long the results last, it's well worth the money, if you ask me—especially if you have a big event coming up or an occasion where you want to look your best, like right before wedding photos or a milestone birthday.

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