Can small face therapy sculpt your jawline? Here’s what experts say

NGL, the first time I tried this treatment a few years ago, I cried. But I kept telling myself, a little pain for beauty never killed anyone, right? 

Well, glad to say, I didn’t die. But when it came to trying it again, I wasn’t so sure. 

My therapist at Facia Ginza, Reina, looked surprised when I told her about my last experience. “Small Face Care doesn’t hurt,” she said as she walked me through the facial steps. She explained that the “bone squishing” (my words, not hers) only lasts 30 to 40 minutes of the whole 90-minute facial I was about to try. The rest included facial massage, head massage, and lymphatic drainage, which also had a strong impact on the results.

What is Small Face Therapy?

The treatment is based on a method called kogao kyōsei, which translates to “small face correction” in Japanese. It was developed in Japan by orthopaedic doctors with a focus on muscle alignment, fascia release and lymphatic flow. Results are immediate and there is no downtime. “Small Face Care has always had consistent demand,” says Akimitsu Yusuke, CEO Facia Group. “There’s a growing segment of people who still value non-invasive, results-driven methods that respect the skin’s structure and long-term health. One core principle behind our approach is that Japanese facial care avoids extractions, which are believed to cause permanent damage to the skin. From massage techniques to skincare, we follow Japanese values that prioritise skin preservation and internal balance.”

For my treatment, Reina identified that the left side of my face was slightly wider and that my cheekbone was shifted outwards. She also noted my skull bones were very stiff and that the general stiffness in my neck and shoulder could contribute to the sagginess of the skin in my face. I had no idea that so much of your facial symmetry would be affected by these body elements, which were addressed at the beginning of the facial through neck and back massage, followed by a face massage and a head massage. I’d say more but I completely fell asleep – so at the very least, I can tell you it wasn’t painful.

How does Small Face Therapy work?

I did wake up for the Small Face Care portion though, and this was where I was nervous. In the end, although the treatment involved strong pressure, nothing was unmanageable, and it did not cause any pain. Reina taught me how to breathe through the pressure and it was over quite quickly. Later, she told me that the pressure element depends on individual clients. As my face did not require too much adjustment, it also did not need to be too strong.

So did it work in the end? Reina said that most people would need to come once a week at the start for the treatment to “hold”. After that, she would recommend a monthly visit to ensure the bones stay in place. For me, I noticed a slight improvement in the symmetry of my jaw (more V and less U). However, what I took away from the experience was the expert massage and lymphatic drainage, which was both super relaxing and will improve my skin and symmetry. Double win.

If you’re interested in trying the treatment, several spas offering it have emerged in Singapore. But it’s worth finding out where they learned the treatment and how their staff are trained. Says Yusuke, “If someone performs the treatment without proper technique, it’s not harmful, but the results will likely be less visible. It’s like getting a Thai massage that doesn’t hit the right points; it might feel okay, but it won’t fix the underlying tension or imbalance. Unless they are making things up, then it is potentially harmful and dangerous.”

He also notes that a good salon will offer proper aftercare. “[They should] offer advice on posture, daily habits, and self-care tips to maintain and enhance results because long-term beauty requires consistency, not just one-off sessions.”

Five places where you can try Small Face Therapy in Singapore:

1. Facia Ginza

First started almost ten years ago in Japan, Facia Ginza has locations around Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taipei. With one branch now in Singapore, the company prides itself in its excellent and attentive service –the branch is actually directly managed by their HQ team. Small Face Care is their signature treatment, administered in conjunction with a facial treatment to moisturise, brighten, or cleanse pores. First trial is $188, usual price is $300.

2. Healing Touch

Popular massage chain Healing Touch is also offering their own Small face therapy treatment called Korugi Small Face Therapy. They describe the treatment as “physical training” for the muscles and bones in the face which can correct bone alignment and lift the brow ridge, define the jawling and give a more V-shaped face. Their website also offers maintenance exercises and advice for how to maintain your slimmer face. The treatment is 60 mins with a trial price of $98.

3. Kogao Seisakusho

Kogao is directly managed by Japan’s Kogao Seisakusho, who have 13 years of treatment experience. They also have spas in Vietnam and Hong Kong. The treatment process is extensive and consultation is reported to take up to two hours. Customers can choose between the Face Collection and the Premier Face Collection. The Face Collection treatment starts at $900, the salon only takes 15 customers per month.

4. Yakson Aesthetics

Yakson has been in Korea since 1979 and is famous for their trademarked Golki(™) massage which focuses on removing waste products between the bones. The popular Small Face Care treatment results in a more V-shaped face without the use of surgery, needles, diet or medicine. One session is 50 minutes and starts at $288. Multiple sessions are recommended.

5. Ikeda Spa

Recently introduced by Singaporean-run, Japanese-themed Ikeda Spa, Kogao Small Face Correction was created by their master chiropractor. The treatment is touted to be painless and combines acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments to align facial symmetry, reduce water retention and create a more balanced and slimmer-looking face. The treatment is 90 minutes with a promotional price of $348.

6. Syoujin

Syoujin is a facial and massage spa that combines top tier Japanese hospitality with effective Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques to give you a premium wellness experience. With 15 outlets islandwide, Syoujin offers holistic TCM treatments that target the root causes of pain, whether it’s chronic, acute, or stress-related. They since expanded their offerings to include Japanese Small Face Therapy.

Their skilled therapists will use various facial muscle manipulation techniques and facial massage to gentle push the gaps between facial bones together, so that the breadth between the temples, cheeks, ears, and chin are reduced. In addition, the massage techniques used will drain away excess fluids to reduce facial bloating and puffiness.

Currently they have a first time trial promotion of $88nett for 90 mins which is perfect for women are who are looking for an affordable way to try out the treament before signing up for more sessions.