“Where do I start?” How to choose your first facial service with me…

I get this question a lot, as you might easily assume. Before I go any further, I must emphasize right here that I have learned what TL;DR means, and if it is best for you, scroll down to the bottom, and you will see me finally getting to the point.

In most cases, unless you have any contraindications, which are conditions or circumstances that suggest or indicate that a particular technique or product should not be used, you really can’t go wrong with any choice you make. Contraindications are typically listed below my treatment descriptions, but if you have questions, please contact me directly for assistance. If something readily draws your attention, I tend to believe that would be the facial to book. Sometimes we just know. Sometimes we learn about something that has gotten much press, and we are intrigued with very good reason, such as with buccal massage, microcurrent, and gua sha. I realize several choices can be confusing and overwhelming. If you have read this far, and you want a quick answer as to what your first treatment should be, then I say go for the Replenish Ritual or the Signature Rejuvenating Facial. The main difference between the two is the duration of the service and the Signature treatment additionally offering a facial mask along with a neck, chest, and décolleté massage. If you are coming to me with acne, I will assess in person if you will receive gua sha or manual lymphatic drainage, or a combination of the two. If you desire to receive extractions for acne and/or facial congestion, you will have a 15-minute add-on option after choosing your facial.

Buccal massage (aka intraoral massage) has been my highest booked service. When I first heard about this method that was getting headlines, it honestly sounded odd, yet it also made sense. We work so much from the outside, but with repeated expressions, movements, chewing, clenching, grinding, and more, there is so much going on inside the mouth and facial areas “behind the curtain”, and you get a much more in-depth lifting, contouring, and tension-releasing effect by working from the inside out. Non-latex gloves are worn, and I promise it is not like a dental appointment. My clients have told me how amazing and relaxing it feels, and some have even fallen or remained asleep during the process. When receiving buccal massage for the first time, especially if you hold a lot of tension in the jaw, there is an initial discomfort from me manipulating tight areas. Rest assured the sensation gets better as we proceed. There is no proper way to put into words how exceptional the actual treatment is. It’s one of those “where have you been all my life?” modalities.

If you came to me curious about buccal massage, as my facials page states, please note the following contraindications: cystic or inflammatory acne, bruises, open wounds, active herpes, skin and/or oral infections, fever, pregnancy, and acute dermatological diseases or allergic reactions. Please wait two weeks post Botox and four weeks post filler to receive this treatment. *Note- if you have minimal to moderate acne along the jawline, feel free to proceed with your booking.

If you are ready to get started with buccal massage, you can dive right into any of my Sculpting + Lifting facials, or you can choose the buccal massage add-on with any other facial. I make it very accessible because people love it and greatly benefit from it.

How does one choose between a Sculpting + Lifting facial and/or a microcurrent add-on? Read further to learn about these similar options that are provided by a machine or human hands to see what speaks to you. As well, based on the contraindications I have shared here and on my facials page, maybe you cannot receive treatment via electrical current, yet you can achieve results more safely from a stimulating, focused massage.

From my understanding through the research I have done, microcurrent was developed in the 1970s but was gaining popularity in the 1980s after it was successfully used to stimulate the muscles of the face in people with Bell’s Palsy. As the face-lifting side effects became apparent, microcurrent started trending in facials. Over time, celebrities and beauty editors were singing its praises, and more and more people wanted to see what microcurrent was all about. I sing its praises as well! The level of current offered by professional machines is higher than what is offered in at-home devices, though there are some fantastic home devices which I recommend on my favorites page under my “resources” tab. Microcurrent is now a cult classic treatment, with noticeable results to support its popularity. Microcurrent is a fantastic complement to any facial.

The Sculptural Face Lifting Technique taught by Yakov Gershkovich has been steadily gaining exposure and popularity since the early 2000s. The protocol, which is combined with buccal intraoral massage, has my clients in awe with both the noticeable difference in how they feel and with what they see in a mirror after they receive their treatment from me. I trained with and achieved Level 2 certification in Sculptural Face Lifting plus Intraoral Massage from Yakov Gershkovich, and I followed that up with other advanced lifting and buccal massage techniques through Anastasia Talan of Kosha Spa, Los Angeles. I am passionate about buccal intraoral massage and various face and neck lifting massage techniques. The more I perform these treatments, the more I love them, and the more I am fascinated with the entire human structure and how systems work together and impact each other. I will happily educate you how to perform some simple buccal massage moves on yourself at home, as I do on myself regularly.

The various modalities I offer are effective on their own, with each facial yielding results after just one treatment, and the positive results becoming cumulative with repeated timely treatments. I created a few multi-modality facials as well as add-ons so that you have the flexibility to create whatever you desire.

TL;DR-

Acne and/or congestion? Choose the Replenish Ritual or Signature Rejuvenating Facial, then decide if you want to add on 15 minutes of extractions

Want to experience buccal intraoral massage? Choose one of the Sculptural + Intraoral facials or add buccal massage to the Signature Rejuvenating Facial or Replenish Ritual

Wanting microcurrent? Add it to any facial

Big event coming up? Signature Sculpting + Lifting Facial

Big event on a budget or build-your-own? Replenish Ritual + add on microcurrent, buccal massage, and/or LED light therapy

I hope that taking a dive into some things then wrapping up with some quick options has been helpful. Please feel free to fill out my form on the main page (click the logo or appointments tab) with any questions. Make sure to check both your inbox and spam folder for my response. I am excited for you to experience any treatment of your choosing!