FAQ's

Let me put your mind at ease and answer your frequently asked questions.

Buccal Massage

1. What is Buccal Massage?

Buccal refers to the cheek, from the Latin word "bucca". This massage involves accessing the muscles in the cheek area both internally (inside the mouth, aka intraoral) and externally.

2. Who is Buccal Massage for?

Unless contraindicated, this treatment is essential for everyone. Buccal massage is deeply beneficial for jaw clenching, teeth grinding, TMJD, stress, and tension. It also lifts and sculpts the face, acting as an alternative to injectables and surgeries, as well as a compliment to them. Further benefits and indications are:

Lowers stress levels and supports healing of trauma stored in facial tissues
Relieves sinus congestion and pain
Helps release restrictions that contribute to difficulty expressing emotions
Improves facial contour and muscle tone
Softens the appearance of fine lines and chronic expressions
Reduces puffiness and heaviness in the face
Enhances circulation and glow
Addresses aesthetic concerns such as facial symmetry, wrinkles, and sagging
Improves lymphatic flow and function
Emotional and physical stress manifesting in your face and head
General stagnation and puffiness due to sluggish lymphatic flow
Post dental-work tension with appropriate timing and clearance by your physician
Difficulty with facial expression or mobility, ie. Bell's palsy.

3. Who should not receive Buccal Massage?

Active cold sores—for those with a history of cold sores, the use of prophylactic medication is advised
Recent skin treatments such as lasers—including hair removal, high level peels, Micro-needling, tattoos
Lymph node removal, lymph infection, or blockage in the head, neck
Pregnant or trying to conceive may receive external Buccal Massage only
Epilepsy
Undergoing cancer treatment
Infectious disease
Use of medicine/herbs that cause blood thinning—consult your physician and provide written consent, any pressure may cause bruising while on blood thinners
Recent Botox fillers/threads in head/face—see the next question
Recent facial, head, scalp, neck or oral injury or surgery (injury, bacteria, irritation)—see the next question

4. How long should I wait after I receive fillers, injectables, or surgery?

Injections such as Botox: 2-4 weeks
Injectable fillers: 4 weeks is fine to begin light work
Threads: wait 6 months before any work
Recent facial, head, scalp, neck, or oral injury or surgery (injury, bacteria, irritation) must wait for a health care providers clearance. Stitches should be healed/removed; meds for pain and infection should be finished; there should be no pain, tenderness, oozing of fluids, fever or other signs that massage should be avoided.

5. Do you have to massage inside the mouth?

No! We can still accomplish release and beautiful results working externally only. If you have anxiety around intraoral work, let's talk about it! Your comfort is my top priority, and we never have to do anything you don't feel safe or comfortable doing.

6. Does Buccal Massage hurt?

'Ah, or Ow'? Buccal massage should not be painful, although you may experience some therapeutic discomfort in tender areas during the intraoral work. Throughout the intraoral portion I will check on your comfort level; if at any time you do experience pain, you have full control to stop the session. I will go into this further with you before we start your treatment.

7. How quickly will I see/feel results?

This is dependent on each individual, but clients usually experience results after the first session. Over the following days your tissues will continue to relax into their new position, further enhancing your results.

8. How long will my results last, and how many sessions will I need?

The length of results will be dependent on each individual. The amount of sessions is based on your tissues response, and your needs and goals—see the Time Release Ritual page for more details.

9. What is aftercare like? Are there any side effects?

You may resume your day as normal, but do plan on taking it easy the rest of the day. Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and waste. If you experience any referred pain, you may take an anti-inflammatory, ice, or apply a warm compress to the area. You may experience some fatigue, or emotional release.

Custom Facials

1. Should I discontinue the use of my retinol or tretinoin leading up to my appointment?

Generally, ceasing use of exfoliating topicals in encouraged 3-5 days prior to your treatment. If you do not discontinue those products, do not stress; we will discuss your current routine, and a thorough examination of your skin will determine the ingredients I will use that day.

2. I don't see any add-on options for your facials, what if I want LED, microcurrent, dermaplaning, or nano-needling?

I crafted my facial services with the intention and understanding that the skin deserves what it needs. For this reason, my treatments are all-inclusive and customized. Your facial will be crafted based on our consultation and your current skin needs. If you have a special request for a modality, let's discuss it and decide together what is right for you.

3. Do I need to wash my face before I come to my appointment?

Absolutely not! You will receive a beautiful double cleanse, so no need to remove your makeup beforehand, I encourage you to come as you are!

4. How often should I come for a facial?

Once every four to six weeks is ideal for most clients, but once every season is a great way to begin your skin care journey. Conditions such as acne, or skin concerns such as pigmentation, or fine lines and wrinkles may require a series of once a week or bi-weekly appointments for some time. This is where home care is essential for up-keep in between facial appointments, and where you'll get most of your results from.

5. My skin is very sensitive; I'm a little nervous about my session. Will the products you use be gentle enough for me?

Sensitive, compromised, and immunocompromised skin is my jam! The best part of my arsenal is my ability to provide a gentle and safe experience for your skin. My organic backbar makes it easy to provide you with an amazing experience using single and minimal ingredients.

Energy Healing

1. I don't know if I believe in energy work, but I'm still interested in trying it. Is that ok?

Yes it is! The energy will work as long as you have an open mind and are willing to receive the energy.

2. I am worried the energy work will conflict with my religion.

The channels of energy I use are a life force energy, compatible with all religions; there is no affiliation to any religion, and no dogma. In fact, it is common to experience greater spiritual connection following a session.

3. How often should I receive energy work?

This is completely up to you. We can do sessions every week, once a month, or once a year. However you feel you need to be supported, I'm here for you every step of the way.

4. Do you only offer energy work in your Aura Lift facial?

No! I also offer individual sessions that can be done in-office, or remotely. You can add a session onto any of my other services, including my Buccal Massage facial, scalp treatment, or back treatment. You may choose 30 or 60 minutes.