A Guide to Noninvasive Facial Sculpting Services

A lifted look doesn’t have to be invasive. 

From at-home devices to in-office services, there are a slew of sculpting treatments to choose from. 

When it comes to lifting, most people have similar goals in mind, according to Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, formerly the lead aesthetician at Joanna Czech’s New York studio who recently founded her own venture called Raquel New York — her clients include celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Paloma Elsesser. 

“Everyone always wants cheeks and jawline,” she says. “That’s a universal desire to have those sharp and lifted.”

Whatever the sculpting goal, starting with a hands-on massage is key, she says.   

“Helping to relax those muscles through the massage is really effective because once they’re relaxed, you’re getting better blood flow, better lymphatic flow,” Medina-Cleghorn says. “You can really do a lot of sculpting.” 

Facial massage, which has become increasingly popular especially as intraoral buccal massages have become mainstream, can ease tension and boost lymphatic drainage for a depuffing effect. 

From here, many experts opt for microcurrent, a modality that sends electric current to the facial muscles to stimulate and tone them. While the treatment shows some benefits right away, consistency is key. 

“Each time you do [microcurrent] it just accumulates over time,” says Shamara Bondaroff, a New York- and Miami-based aesthetician who specializes in microcurrent facials. “It’s the same concept of going to the gym. I would love to go to the gym once every six months. That’s not going to do it.”

Although most people are seeking out microcurrent for its toning effects, since it prompts cell turnover, additional benefits, like reduction in acne, are also possible. 

For Dr. Macrene Alexiades, a New York-based dermatologist who holds three Harvard degrees, and Ivan Pol, a celebrity facialist, the best sculpting treatment comes in the form of radio frequency.

“Radio frequency is a noninvasive treatment that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by focusing energy waves on the targeting spots to tighten and tone the skin,” Pol says. “I use a proprietary combination of radio frequency, stacked like a sandwich, to elevate, sculpt and define the appearance of facial contours.”

Alexiades adds: “What’s unique about these technologies is their ability to up-regulate elastin and it’s the loss of elastin that causes the skin to lose its sculpted look.” 

While these two modalities are the most common when it comes to sculpting, trademarked, designer treatments and machines that use these and other technologies are also available.

For example, the Biologique Recherche Remodeling Face Machine employs sponge paddles, which transmit several currents, ranging in frequency, for sculpting and galvanic current, a direct electricity that acts as a conductor so products absorb more effectively. 

Emface, a noninvasive treatment by Emsculpt, combines radio frequency with high intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation, another modality that stimulates muscle tissue. Results include reduced appearance of wrinkles and a more contoured look. 

Then there’s the Tracie Martyn Resculptor machine, which uses a proprietary form of microcurrent. Tracie Martyn’s celeb-loved Red Carpet Facial, priced starting at $450, can also feature the brand’s radio frequency device for more dramatic results. 

“It’s a great synergy between the two [technologies],” said Tracie Martyn chief executive officer and cofounder Marius Morariu. “A lot of people do the two treatments together.” 

While these two treatments are safe together and separately, experts don’t recommend them for pregnant people or those with pacemakers. 

Although in-office treatments feature stronger versions of sculpting technologies, experts say that at-home devices are beneficial for those seeking minimal changes, those in between services striving for maintenance or those who can’t come in for a treatment. At-home microcurrent options include NuFace, starting at $250; Ziip Halo, $349; Therabody TheraFace Pro, $399, and the MyoLift Mini Microcurrent Device, $329. For tools like these, celebrity aesthetician Aida Bicaj says “you need to use it at least 10 minutes a day” for best results. 

Sculpting Spots

Here, a look at spas across the U.S. offering facial toning services, from massages to microcurrent.