Touch TECHNIQUE

Facial sculpting’s star continues to rise in the beauty industry, with a growing number of clients gravitating towards more natural, non-invasive treatments to achieve a lifted and contoured look.

“Facial sculpting is a specialised massage that stimulates collagen production and enhances the elasticity of the skin to create a more defined look,” explains Sophia Woods, owner of The Facialist by Sophia Woods in Ranelagh in Dublin. “Specific massage techniques are performed to target facial muscles and tissues to enhance the natural contours of the face and neck. It often combines different massage methods, such as lymphatic drainage, kneading and gentle lifting strokes, to help improve circulation, reduce puffiness and promote relaxation.”

It’s a treatment that has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. “Clients are moving away from aesthetic injectable treatments and fillers,” explains Andrea Simpson, who runs the Andrea Simpson Facialist clinic in Derbyshire in the UK. “They are concerned about the long-term effects of fillers and Botox, and they want what I call ‘positive, elegant ageing’ facials.”

“The growing interest in holistic approaches and non-invasive alternatives has contributed to the increased popularity of facial sculpting,” says Woods. “Many clients are looking for subtle, natural looking enhancements, rather than dramatic changes. As they seek alternatives to more invasive procedures like Botox or facelifts, facial sculpting offers a way to achieve a lifted, contoured look, without the need for needles or surgery.”

“Clients are looking for immediate results, but they’re also drawn to the overall wellness experience – a treatment that combines efficacy with relaxation,” adds Abi Oleck, founder of BeauSkin London in the UK.

Michelle Casey owns Aqua Beauty in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, and has been offering facial sculpting for almost 10 years. While there was a big demand for it from the beginning, she has received more enquiries about it in recent years as clients have read about it on social media.

Casey puts a huge emphasis on the ‘natural’ of the treatment, likening it to a ‘natural facelift’ for those who don’t want to have injectables.

‘The growing interest in holistic approaches and non-invasive alternatives has contributed to the increased popularity of facial sculpting’

“Facial sculpting propels the internal resources of the body for natural rejuvenation and recovery,” she explains. “It improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, increases the micro-circulation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, normalises cellular respiration, and activates metabolism and tissue nourishment. All of these help to tighten and smooth the skin, and prevent wrinkles.”

Human touch
At the heart of facial sculpting lies the power of touch. Simpson believes that no device can replicate the instant feedback that a therapist receives through their hands. “Touch is a powerful human sense,” she says. “It calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure and reduces cortisol levels. Hands-on massage enhances blood flow, oxygenates the skin and makes it look luminous, while optimising skin function.”

“The power of touch in face sculpting can be incredibly beneficial for both physical and emotional well-being,” says Woods. “It's important that the therapist is properly trained and can apply the correct pressure and movements to adapt to each client.

“In essence, the power of touch goes beyond simple physical manipulation – it fosters a holistic approach that enhances both the appearance and the emotional health of the individual. Sometimes we use facial tools like jade rollers, gua sha stones or technologies such as microcurrent and radiofrequency, while others rely purely on manual techniques.”

A central element of Casey’s treatment is buccal massage, which is an inter-oral massage. The term ‘buccal’ comes from the Latin word ‘bucca’, which means ‘cheek’. In buccal massage, the therapist inserts their fingers into the buccal cavity – the space between the teeth and inside of the cheeks – to massage and sculpt the skin from the inside.

Casey says it has numerous benefits. “Buccal massage helps to remove muscle tension and stress, and it improves muscle tone and the skin’s texture. It also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines, and reduce swelling and dark circles under the eyes.”

In addition, it can assist in the release of psycho-emotional blockages that are often associated with everyday stress, and the release of tension associated with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome, she notes.

Touch and tech
Some therapists opt to use technological advancements to add to their facial sculpting offerings. For instance, Simpson integrates Caci microcurrent and A-Lift micro/nanocurrent technologies into her treatments. “Muscle stimulation devices work deeper and at a cellular level, often achieving better results in less time,” she explains.

Devices with dynamic muscle activation (DMA) technology target the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer muscles, providing significant sculpting benefits, adds Simpson. Oleck agrees, noting that “muscle-stimulating devices offer visible lifting and tightening, which manual techniques alone might not achieve”.

Blending technology with hands-on techniques can enhance a treatment, according to both Simpson and Oleck. “The fusion of tech and touch elevates the experience,” says Simpson, whose signature Autograph Facials see her layer different methods to achieve comprehensive results.

“After cleansing, I introduce light connective touch to calm the client and relax the facial muscles,”she explains. “Then I use devices such as CACI for lifting. The hands-on massage acts as a vehicle for product application and confirms the achieved tightening.”

‘Buccal massage helps to remove muscle tension and stress, and it improves muscle tone and the skin’s texture’

Oleck’s Lumière Sculpt treatments follow a similar philosophy. “I often start with LED light therapy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, before incorporating manual massage and cryotherapy for added lift and drainage,” she notes. “Each layer complements the other, delivering immediate and long-term results.”

“Incorporating technology can allow for more customised treatments, addressing specific concerns with greater accuracy,” says Woods, who sometimes adds LED light therapy using the Déesse Pro device to her facial sculpting treatments. “While these innovations can bring added benefits, the human touch remains essential for maintaining the balance of relaxation, emotional connection and overall wellness. Combining both touch and technology can provide a comprehensive approach to facial sculpting, blending the best of both worlds for optimal results.”

Learn to invest
Professionals looking to integrate devices into their practice should educate themselves first, notes Simpson. “Learn the science of the technology,” she advises. “When you understand how it works, you’ll know the right questions to ask when investing in equipment. Always check for clinical evidence and safety parameters.”

It’s also vital to use devices progressively. “Just like exercising, you can’t do too much too quickly. Overstimulation can fatigue the muscles and skin,” she warns. Understanding clients’ lifestyles and health is equally important as medications with muscle-relaxant effects can impact results, she adds.

Oleck emphasises the need to balance technology and touch for a holistic experience. “Consultation is key,” she says. “Each visit should consider the client’s stress levels, hydration and other factors. The balance between tech and touch will shift accordingly.”

Professional guidance
Like any treatment, facial sculpting works best when the client follows instructions from their therapist, particularly when it comes to homecare. Casey recommends her clients do six facial sculpting sessions in total. “Six in a row is better, but they can do one every second week if they want. I also give them home exercises to do in between sessions – these are very important to achieve results.”

“Clients can continue their treatments at home,” says Woods. “There are various at-home microcurrent and radiofrequency devices available that require daily use to maintain results.

Additionally, face yoga or exercising the facial muscles can significantly improve muscle tone and skin health between sessions. These options can help bridge the gap between professional treatments and enhance the results of salon therapies.” Oleck highlights the importance of educating clients about the benefits of combined treatments. “When clients understand the science and artistry behind the methods, they’re more invested in their treatment plans and the results,” she says.