Facial Massage in Kyiv

A professional facial massage is hands-on work with the muscles, fascia and lymphatic flow that reduces puffiness, releases tension in the jaw muscles and refreshes the complexion. At UKRMED Cosmetology, the massage is performed by Nataliia Tarhonska, a periodontist and cosmetologist. She assesses where swelling collects and which muscles are overworked, then tailors the technique to your face.

What a facial massage treatment gives

• less morning puffiness;
• relaxed jaw and forehead muscles;
• better circulation and a brighter complexion;
• a more defined facial outline as swelling goes down;
• a sense of lightness and rest.

To be honest, research on facial massage is still limited. A small 2025 randomised trial found that regular facial roller and gua sha massage improved facial contour, muscle tone and skin elasticity. But massage does not replace injectable or device-based treatments for deep wrinkles.

Techniques

Lymphatic drainage facial massage

Light rhythmic movements along the lymphatic vessels speed up fluid drainage. It is the best facial massage for puffiness, whether after sleep, a flight or salty food.

Myofascial face massage

Deep work on muscles and fascia: the cosmetologist finds tension points, releases them and restores tissue mobility. Useful for people who clench their teeth or have tight jaw muscles and a "heavy" face.

Facial sculpting massage

Intensive techniques work the deeper layers and accentuate the cheekbones and jawline. Combined with lymphatic drainage, the effect is visible straight after the session.

Buccal massage

An intraoral technique: the cosmetologist works on the cheek muscles from inside the mouth wearing disposable gloves. It relaxes jaw muscles that are hard to reach from outside. Because it touches the mucosa, gum inflammation and dental problems should be ruled out first — at UKRMED, a dentist can help if needed.

A lifting facial massage or anti-aging facial massage is not a separate method but a combination of these techniques aimed at tone and contour.

Facial massage for wrinkles

Massage improves tone and the look of the skin and softens fine dehydration lines, but it does not remove deep expression lines. For those, botulinum therapy and dermal fillers are more effective, and biorevitalisation improves skin quality. Massage combines well with these treatments, but the cosmetologist decides the order and intervals.

Safety

Massage seems harmless, but excessive force can cause damage: a 2024 case report described a rupture of the platysma (a neck muscle) after long-term vigorous facial massage with a wooden block. Deep techniques should therefore be done by a specialist who knows the anatomy.

Massage is postponed:

• during acute inflammation, rashes or a cold sore;
• with broken skin;
• in the first weeks after filler or botulinum injections;
• during a rosacea flare;
• with a fever.

Lymphatic techniques are not automatically prescribed for people with heart, kidney or lymphatic conditions. If swelling is constant, find its cause with a doctor first.

The session

1. Consultation and examination of the skin and tissues.
2. Cleansing.
3. Massage with the chosen technique, 40–60 minutes.
4. Finishing care — a mask or cream for your skin type.

One session or a course

A professional facial massage gives a noticeable effect after the first session, but a more stable result comes after a course of 8–10 treatments once or twice a week. After that, one session every two to four weeks maintains it.

Facial massage and the jaw muscles

People who clench or grind their teeth often have overworked jaw muscles: the lower face looks wider, and the jaw or temples ache in the morning. Myofascial and buccal massage help relax these muscles. But if clenching is constant, massage only relieves the symptoms — a dental check-up is needed, as a night guard or bite correction may be required. At UKRMED, cosmetology and dentistry work side by side, so the problem can be solved as a whole.

Self-massage between sessions

The cosmetologist can show you simple self-massage techniques to maintain the result at home: clean hands, a cream or oil for glide, and gentle movements from the centre of the face outwards and down the neck. Do not press hard or use hard tools with excessive force — intense pressure can injure the tissues.

Possible side effects

• Redness right after the session — it fades within an hour or two.
• Mild muscle soreness after deep myofascial and buccal techniques — like after exercise, for up to one or two days.
• Bruising — rare, more likely if you bruise easily or take anticoagulants or aspirin. Tell the cosmetologist.
• Breakouts — sometimes from oil or cream; non-comedogenic products are used for acne-prone skin.
• Rosacea flare — intense massage and heat can trigger redness, so a gentle technique is chosen.
• Jaw joint discomfort — with jaw joint disorders, intraoral work on the chewing muscles is agreed with a doctor.

When massage is not advised until checked by a doctor

• skin lesions on the face not yet examined by a doctor;
• cancer, unless the doctor allows it;
• bleeding disorders;
• thrombosis or acute facial nerve inflammation;
• unexplained facial swelling.

Facial massage price at UKRMED

The price depends on the technique, session length and number of treatments — the cosmetologist confirms the exact cost when you book. Massage can be combined with skincare treatments:

Sources

1. Ahn S. H., Hwang U. J., Han H. S. et al. Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Cosmet Dermatol, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70236
2. Jung K. H., Yang E. J., Lee W. Unilateral Platysma Muscle Rupture as an Effect of Using a Hard Wooden Block for Facial Massage. Arch Plast Surg, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2175-8052