Buccal Facial

Watch: The Buccal Facial

See the real technique on our team's YouTube channel — the intra-oral massage that lifts and sculpts.

What Is Buccal Massage?

Buccal massage is a hands-on facial technique that works the muscles of the face from both the outside and the inside of the cheek. At HE Med Spa in South Tulsa, it is treated as an advanced facial. Your therapist starts with structural facial massage and lymphatic drainage on the surface of the skin, then puts on gloves and works the buccal area from inside the mouth. That lets her reach the deeper cheek and jaw muscles that a standard facial massage can't reach.

Many clients book it because they hold tension in the jaw and face. Common reasons include clenching, teeth grinding, soreness, and tension headaches. Others want the sculpted, lifted look the massage is known for. Buccal massage is a relaxation and esthetic service, not a medical treatment. If you have a diagnosed TMJ condition or frequent migraines, keep working with your dentist or doctor and consider buccal massage a complement to their care.

Who Performs It

Buccal massage takes specific training, so only two providers at HE Med Spa perform it: esthetician Stephanie Bourget, and Vanessa Luongo, RN/Esthetician. Gloves go on before the intraoral portion every time.

Buccal Facial vs. Buccal Only

Buccal Facial ($160, about 60 minutes): double cleanse, structural facial massage with lymphatic drainage, the gloved buccal massage, another cleanse, then a mask while you enjoy a hand and arm massage. We finish with serum, eye cream, lip cream, moisturizer and SPF. Choose this if you want the full reset and the most pampering.

Buccal Only ($80, about 35 minutes): double cleanse, structural massage with lymphatic drainage, the gloved buccal massage, a cleanse, and serum, moisturizer and SPF. Choose this if you mainly want the tension release and have less time. Package pricing is available and customized to how many sessions you book.

Who It's For

• Adults 25 and older who carry tension in the jaw, cheeks or face
• Clients who clench or grind and want a relaxing, hands-on release
• Anyone who wants a natural, sculpted, lifted look without injectables
• Clients who already love facials and want a deeper massage experience

Who Should Skip It (For Now)

• Pregnant clients, especially in the first and third trimesters
• Active acne or rosacea, or severe skin sensitivity
• Unhealed cuts, burns or bruises on the face
• Recent Botox or fillers. We recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks.

Not sure? Call us at (539) 777-3671 and we'll talk it through before you book.

What to Expect

You'll start with a quick conversation about where you hold tension and what you want to get out of the session. The external massage feels like a deep, sculpting facial massage. During the intraoral portion your provider works slowly, and you can ask her to adjust the pressure at any time. Most clients find it surprisingly relaxing.

Aftercare and Results

It's normal for your facial muscles to feel a little sore afterward, much like after a deep-tissue massage. Clients often tell us they feel the tension release right after the treatment or by the next day. Drink plenty of water, go easy on your face for the rest of the day, and let your provider know if anything feels off. You can reach Stephanie or Vanessa at (539) 777-3671 with any questions after your treatment. Everyone responds differently, and no results are guaranteed. Many clients book a series to keep the benefits going.