Facial massage

What is facial massage and how does it work?

Stroking, kneading, stretching and pressure warm the tissues, stimulate local blood and lymph flow and relax tense expression muscles. Techniques differ in depth and firmness:

• Classic facial massage – gentle movements on the skin and superficial muscles, focused on relaxation.
• Plastic and lifting massage – firmer pressure, stretching, kneading and lifting movements that also reach deeper muscles.
• Buccal Sculpting – deep-tissue massage from outside the face and inside the mouth, on the cheek muscles, jaw and mouth area.
• Biomechanical stimulation (BMS) – electrodes on the face send small impulses that make the muscles contract and relax in turn.

Facial massage at Melior Clinics

• BUCCAL SCULPTING™ deep-tissue facial massage – external and intraoral, 90 minutes.
• Plastic facial massage – face, neck and décolleté, 45 minutes or 60 with a mask.
• Lifting facial massage – 45 minutes or 60 with a mask.
• Classic facial massage – 45 minutes, or 60 with neck and décolleté work and a mask.
• Biomechanical stimulation Sharm – muscle stimulation, 45 or 60 minutes.
• Prices – the full price list.

What happens during the treatment?

The specialist first asks about your health, skin conditions and recent aesthetic treatments. After make-up removal the massage follows, with pressure adjusted to your sensitivity; the longer version ends with a mask.

• Duration: usually 45–60 minutes; Buccal Sculpting 90 minutes.
• Sessions: one massage is a relaxing treatment. Classic facial massage is usually a course of 6–10 sessions, once or twice a week, and BMS typically 6–10 sessions, up to twice a week at first. Otherwise the specialist sets the frequency.
• How it feels: classic massage is relaxing, plastic and lifting massage firm but comfortable; BMS can feel slightly uncomfortable.

Who should not have facial massage?

• acute inflammation, infection, pustules or a cold sore on the face;
• fever or an acute viral illness;
• rosacea or highly reactive blood vessels;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• bleeding disorders;
• recent fillers, surgery or other invasive procedures.

BMS is also not done during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with a pacemaker, implants in the area or high blood pressure. Buccal massage is not done during pregnancy or with mouth inflammation, epilepsy, thyroid disease or severe hypertension. The final decision is made by the specialist at the consultation.

After the treatment

The skin may stay pink for a few hours; after BMS, brief redness or mild puffiness is possible. Saunas, heat and hard exercise are best avoided that day, with no other facial treatments. After lifting massage, pressure on the face, such as sleeping face-down, is avoided for 12 hours. Sun protection is advised after BMS.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a facial massage after injections?

Not straight away: the usual gap is at least 2 weeks after botulinum injections and 2–4 weeks after dermal fillers (3–4 weeks for plastic massage). The specialist needs to know about recent injections.

Does facial massage hurt?

Classic massage is gentle. Plastic and lifting massage are firmer, but most clients find them comfortable. Buccal massage can feel unusual, and very tense muscles may be tender at first.

What is buccal massage?

A deep-tissue technique done from outside the face and from inside the mouth, working on the cheek muscles, jaw and the area around the mouth. It is meant, among others, for jaw or cheek tension, including teeth grinding.

Can facial massage replace injections?

No. It does not replace fillers or botulinum injections; it is a separate treatment for muscle tension, skin and circulation.

The service is provided by Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ, Estonian Health Board licence L04198), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn, Stockmann department store, 5th floor.