‘Zero chance of results’ – Expert claims we’re wasting our time with Gua Sha and face yoga

Face fitness methods have been gaining momentum on social media in recent years and are often touted as the key to facial rejuvenation.

While these methods offer potential advantages for maintaining a youthful appearance, it's crucial to know that there are risks, including accelerated sagging and skin damage.

The phenomenon of face yoga, in particular, has captured the attention of millions, amassing over 2 billion views on TikTok alone.

The trend consists of a number of techniques, including massages, exercises, and yoga routines specifically tailored for the face.

Despite the promise of enhancing facial features and toning muscles, Dr. Gediminas Samulenas, a surgeon at Nordesthetics clinic, said we should be aware that these videos online offer seemingly magical solutions - and a lot of them are promoting misconceptions to drive revenue.

As for whether or not they can provide results over time, Dr. Samulenas said: "There‘s a pure zero chance that these methods could stand next to serious medical procedures."

Facial exercises, when performed in the correct way, can result in modest improvements in muscle tone and appearance, however, the efficacy largely depends on proper execution, he said.

Dr. Samulenas explained that if these exercises are carried out professionally, they are mostly only going to be beneficial for younger people with mild saggyness.

However, as ptosis (sagging) becomes more pronounced with age, surgical interventions such as facelifts would be the only thing to address these deeper structural changes. 

Improper techniques can also strain facial muscles and disrupt connective tissues, leading to adverse effects such as broken capillaries and increased sagging, Dr. Samulenas warned.

He also highlighted the importance of expertise in facial anatomy and physiotherapy for safe and effective practice, and even cautioned against unsupervised attempts. 

Despite the growing popularity of non-surgical facial fitness methods, it’s important to know that the only thing that will yield dramatic anti-ageing effects are surgical procedures - despite what some brands claim.

So, while face fitness methods offer accessible and non-invasive alternatives to surgical procedures, it's important to approach them with caution and realistic expectations.

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