Inside the Trend: Trying a Buccal Massage Facial in Sydney

I’ve been deep in the world of facial massage for a while now. Gua Sha, lymphatic drainage, you name it, I’ve tried it. If it promises lifted cheekbones, glowing skin and a calm nervous system, I’m interested. So when intraoral massage (aka buccal massage) started trending across my feed - those oddly satisfying videos of therapists working inside the mouth to release jaw tension and sculpt the face - I was all in. Enter the Neo Lifting Facial at Ana Troccoli Aesthetics, a 90-minute treatment designed to lift, contour and de-puff the face from the inside out. 

Described as a fusion of facial sculpting, buccal massage, breathwork and cranial release, this 90-minute treatment promises to lift and tone the skin, release stored tension, reduce puffiness and calm the nervous system.  

Hidden in a small side street in Woollahra, the space itself is calm and minimal, with a boutique feel. My therapist Blaise was instantly reassuring. With a background in both beauty therapy and remedial massage, she blends clinical skill with a nurturing presence that elevated the entire experience. 

I was ushered into the treatment room, where I was welcomed by a bed covered in fluffy warm blankets. Once I was comfortable, a heat pack was placed gently on my belly, providing me with an instant sense of grounding. Blaise started by cleansing my skin, then moved into a dry massage across my shoulders, neck and scalp. The combination of firm pressure and grounding touch had me melting into the bed. From there, she transitioned into a rich oil-based massage, focusing on muscle release and fascia work. I carry a lot of tension in my jaw, and she picked up on it instantly, spending additional time softening the area with slow, targeted pressure. I was really looking forward to the cranial release (huge fan of a head massage!), It definitely delivered on tension relief, using a firmer technique with hair pulling. If you're not into that kind of sensation, it’s something to keep in mind. 

Next came the buccal massage which Blaise explained thoroughly beforehand. Using gloved hands, she gently massaged the inside of my cheeks and jaw. At first, it felt a little strange, but I was not uncomfortable. If anything, it was deeply satisfying. There were pressure points in my cheeks I didn’t even know existed, and the release was immediate, subtle but powerful.  

Afterwards, Blaise moved into more detailed sculptural massage techniques. She worked slowly around the face, lifting and toning with precise movements designed to increase circulation and promote lymphatic flow. 

Next came gentle exfoliation, followed by LED light therapy using a mixture of light to boost collagen and reduce redness. While the LED worked its magic, Blaise treated me to a slow and intentional foot massage, a thoughtful touch that made the entire experience feel full body. 

The treatment finished with a vitamin-infused mask to nourish and soothe the skin. By the end of the 90 minutes, I felt relaxed and importantly, my face looked noticeably more sculpted and de-puffed, my skin brighter, and my jaw tension reduced. 

At $250, the Neo Lifting Facial is a treat-yourself moment - designed less as a classic facial and more as a massage-forward experience with skincare touches. If you’re after tension relief and facial sculpting, this one delivers a thoughtful, hands-on approach that feels new and energising. If you experience jaw tension, sinus congestion or general puffiness or just want a facial that does more than deliver a glow, this treatment is worth a try.