As demand grows for subtle, non-invasive facial enhancements, practitioners are increasingly exploring holistic techniques that complement medical aesthetics.
One area seeing renewed attention is facial sculpting – a treatment that blends targeted massage with clinically-backed technologies.
While some aesthetic professionals may view massage as rooted in the beauty sector, advocates say it can support skin health, muscular tone and lymphatic drainage when delivered with technical precision.
Here, two award-winning skin specialists – Andrea Simpson and Abi Oleck – share how they combine touch and tech to create results-driven sculpting treatments that align with today’s patient preferences for visible yet natural-looking outcomes.
Why facial sculpting is gaining momentum as a complementary aesthetic treatment
While facial sculpting sits outside the realm of injectables, many aesthetic clinics are now introducing it as a complementary option to support lymphatic health, muscular tone and skin vitality – particularly for patients looking for downtime-free maintenance between more intensive treatments.
Andrea Simpson, a multi-award-winning facialist and educator with over 20 years of experience in advanced skincare who runs the Professional Beauty Award-winning Andrea Simpson Facialist clinic in Derbyshire, notes a “huge increase” in client interest for facial sculpting treatments.
“They want what I call ‘positive, elegant ageing’ facials. These combine science-led devices with an intrinsic skin health approach and holistic influence.”
Simpson attributes this shift to increased awareness driven by social media and articles spotlighting combination treatments.
“My clients are concerned about the long-term effects of fillers and Botox and are seeking preventative treatments,” she adds.
Similarly, Abi Oleck, founder of Beau Skin London, finalist in the PB Awards 2025 Therapist of the Year category, and a celebrity facialist known for bridging results-led skincare with holistic methods, says that “people are looking for immediate results, but they’re also drawn to the overall wellness experience – a treatment that combines efficacy with relaxation”.
Hands-on techniques: do they really make a difference?
At the heart of facial sculpting lies the power of touch. Simpson believes that no device can replicate the instant feedback a practitioner 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.”
Manual techniques like gua sha, cryoballs and facial yoga can also improve muscle tone and reduce puffiness. “These tools are fabulous layers that can enhance results with little or no additional cost,” Simpson says.
She adds that encouraging patients to use these tools at home amplifies treatment outcomes, as “muscles have a memory, and regular facial massage improves results”.
The role of technology in facial sculpting treatments
While touch is invaluable, technological advancements can bring extra precision and depth to facial sculpting.
Simpson integrates technology like microcurrent and nanocurrent into her treatments. “Muscle stimulation devices work deeper and at a cellular level, often achieving better results in less time,” she explains.
Simpsons adds that devices with dynamic muscle activation (DMA) technology target the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer muscles, providing significant sculpting benefits.
Oleck agrees, noting that “muscle-stimulating devices offer visible lifting and tightening, which manual techniques alone might not achieve”.
Tech and touch: why combining modalities enhances results
For both Simpson and Oleck, the magic lies in blending technology with hands-on techniques.
“The fusion of tech and touch elevates the treatment experience,” says Simpson. In her signature Autograph Facials, she layers different methods to achieve comprehensive results.
“After cleansing, I introduce light connective touch to calm the client and relax the facial muscles. Then, I use devices for lifting. The hands-on massage acts as a vehicle for product application and confirms the achieved tightening.”
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 shares.
“Each layer complements the other, delivering immediate and long-term results.”
Patient expectations: balancing results with experience
Patients today are more discerning, looking for treatments that deliver immediate results and long-term benefits all at once.
Simpson says that her clients often arrive with complete trust in her expertise. “They say, ‘I’m loving the result; just do what you need to do’,” she explains.
This trust is built on the layered, bespoke approach that targets individual concerns while providing a holistic experience.
Oleck highlights the importance of educating patients 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 explains.
How to introduce facial sculpting devices into your clinic
For clinicians looking to integrate devices into their practice, Simpson’s first piece of advice is to get educated. “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 patients’ lifestyles and health is equally important. “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 patient’s stress levels, hydration and other factors. The balance between tech and touch will shift accordingly.”
Pricing and promoting facial sculpting services
Pricing these treatments can be challenging, given the costs associated with aesthetic devices.
Simpson uses a tiered pricing model for her Autograph Facials. “Each tier’s cost allows me to use specific devices,” she explains.
“Knowing the exact cost of each device’s treatment is critical to avoid giving too much within a tier.”
Marketing is another crucial aspect. Simpson finds that visual marketing works best. “Videos and images start conversations,” she says.
While many patients consent to share their before-and-after results in the clinic, she also hosts “treatment discovery” evenings. “These invite-only events generate interest and often lead to bookings.”
Oleck echoes this, adding that demonstrating treatments on social media helps build trust and attract new patients.
What’s next for non-invasive facial contouring?
As patients continue to seek non-invasive solutions for their skin concerns, the demand for sculpting treatments combining tech and touch is set to grow.
“Patients want treatments with little to no downtime but significant results,” says Simpson. “They’re also investing in tools like gua sha and LED masks for at-home care.”
Oleck foresees an evolution in the technology available to professionals. “We’re likely to see even more advanced devices that work synergistically with manual techniques, enhancing results further,” she predicts.
For clinics considering the integration of facial sculpting into their non-invasive portfolio, both experts recommend starting with CPD-accredited training and trialling device technologies in partnership with reputable suppliers.
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