What is a Buccal Facial?

Buccal comes from the Latin word Bucca, which means "cheek".

 

A Buccal massage is a specialised facial technique where both the external and internal muscles are worked to manipulate deeper facial muscles that are hard to reach from the outside.

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The face contains over 40 small muscles that are responsible for expression.  Many, like the masseter (used for chewing) and buccinator (deep cheek) muscles can hold tension just like muscles in the neck or shoulders and can become tight from stress, clenching, or repetitive movement.

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Buccal massage directly targets these deeper muscles and helps release chronic tension (similar to deep tissue elsewhere in the body), and can reduce overactivity linked to jaw tightness/clenching or teeth grinding.

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​What can I expect from a Buccal Facial Treatment?

During your consultation we will discuss the cause of your problem areas (teeth grinding, dental work, jaw pain etc.) and your goals (jaw tension relief, lifting, sculpting, relaxation etc.).

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Your treatment begins with a double cleanse, steam and exfoliation, followed by a décolletage, neck, shoulder & face massage for relaxation. 

The treatment then moves to a deeper facial massage to work the cheeks and jawline to sculpt and relax the outer muscles.

Using sterile gloves, I will then work inside your mouth concentrating on your inner cheek and jaw muscles, nasolabial folds and lower face tension zones.   You will feel a pinch and release, stretching and kneading sensation as the muscles are simultaneously worked from both

inside and outside the mouth.

Your treatment finishes with a Gua Sha stone and cooling ice globe massage to cool and calm the muscles and skin.

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What does it feel like?

As part of the massage is inside the mouth cavity (between the teeth and the cheeks), it can feel unusual at first but it shouldn't be painful. 

Most people describe it as a mix of deep pressure and relief, especially in tight areas. 

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How will I feel after the treatment?

Your face will feel lighter and less tight, lifted and sculpted with reduced jaw tension.  You may feel a little sore and tender in the short term, as you would after a deep tissue massage.​

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What are the key benefits?

• Relieves jaw tension, TMJ discomfort and Bruxism​

• Lifts and sculpts the face

• Softens fine lines

• Reduces puffiness and fluid retention

• Improves circulation and skin glow

• Helps with facial symmetry

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What are the common symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)

 and bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching)?

• Head pain/tension/sensitive scalp

• Pain in cheek muscles

• Clicking, popping or locking of the jaw

• Teeth clenching or grinding (day or night)

• Limited opening of the mouth

• Unable to find your bite

• Tinnitus

• Vertigo or dizziness

• Eye pain/sensitivity to light/dry eyes

• Tension on the neck and shoulders

• Difficult swallowing/frequently clearing the throat 

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If you suffer with any of the above symptoms,

then this treatment is for you!

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Who can have a Buccal Facial?

Anyone can have a Buccal Facial.

However, there are some instances where it may not be appropriate for you, the treatments needs to be adapted, or requires medical consent.  Please let me know prior to your treatment if you;

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Are currently suffering from active mouth infections, have open sores, or had recent dental work.

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Have ever had cheek fillers or facial Botox.

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Have had facial piercings within the last 6 months​

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Are/or think you might be pregnant

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Suffer from any long-term illness (for example, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart conditions), or you are under any treatment from your GP or any other practitioner for any medical condition.

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You are currently receiving cancer treatment (or have been in remission for less than 12 months)

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Have skin allergies or conditions

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Have recently had surgery, or are recovering from an injury

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Are under 18