Publications

Background: This study aimed to compare the effects of facial roller and gua sha massage on anthropometric facial contours, muscle tone, and skin elasticity parameters during an 8-week intervention period.

Methods: Thirty-four women aged 20–50 years were randomly assigned to facial roller (n = 17) or gua sha (n = 17) groups. Participants performed the designated massage technique for 10 min, five times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included facial surface distances (subnasale-to-sublobular distance, mid-point distance, labrale superius distance, jawline surface distance), muscle tone parameters (oscillation frequency [F], dynamic stiffness [s]), and skin elasticity indices (gross elasticity [R2], biological elasticity [R7]).

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in facial contour measurements, with reductions ranging from 2.23 to 2.40 mm in the gua sha group (p < 0.001 for all measurements) and 2.75–3.26 mm in the facial roller group (p < 0.001 for all measurements). The gua sha group demonstrated significant reductions in muscle tone parameters (F: −2.02 Hz, p < 0.001; S: −56.46 N/m, p = 0.002), while the facial roller group showed significant improvements in skin elasticity (R2: 8.6%, R7: 7.5%, p < 0.001). The between-group differences were significant for both muscle tone (p < 0.05) and skin elasticity parameters (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Both interventions effectively improved facial contours through distinct physiological mechanisms: gua sha primarily through changes in muscle properties and facial roller through enhanced skin elasticity. These findings support targeted treatment selection based on specific therapeutic goals in facial aesthetic practice.

This study demonstrates that both facial roller and gua sha massage techniques effectively improve facial contours through distinct physiological mechanisms. While gua sha massage primarily influences muscle tone and deeper tissue properties, facial roller treatment predominantly affects skin elasticity and superficial tissue characteristics. Our results reveal that similar aesthetic outcomes can be achieved through different pathways, allowing practitioners to select techniques based on specific treatment targets. These findings have direct clinical implications for treatment selection in aesthetic practice. Practitioners should consider recommending gua sha massage for patients presenting with increased facial muscle tension, masseteric hypertrophy, or conditions where reduced muscle tone would be beneficial. Conversely, facial roller massage would be more appropriate for patients primarily concerned with skin elasticity, early signs of skin laxity, or as part of a preventative regimen focused on maintaining skin firmness. For comprehensive facial rejuvenation, clinicians might consider the sequential application of both techniques, with gua sha addressing deeper tissue restrictions followed by facial roller to enhance superficial skin properties. Future research should investigate the long-term sustainability of these improvements and explore the potential synergistic effects of combining both techniques in integrated treatment protocols.