Gua Sha Vs. Microcurrent Devices: Dr. Jacono on Glam.com

Information about Gua Sha Treatments and Microcurrent Device Treatments in New York, NY with Dr. Andrew Jacono.

The Age of the Snatched Jawline

These days, having a snatched jawline is all the rage. Celebrities, influencers, and Instagram models flaunt angular chins, cheeks, and jawlines, citing either good genetics or top-quality cosmetic care. According to aesthetic physicians like Dr. Jacono, this isn’t exactly a surprise.

“Having a sleek facial structure has always been in vogue,” says Dr. Jacono, a double board certified plastic surgeon. “That said, some of us have it easier than others in terms of bone structure. Some people have incredibly sculpted faces with sharp angles and good fat distribution. Other people have a more cherubic face—in other words, they have rounder cheeks and more facial fat. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having a plumper facial structure, though in todays’ social media-dominated environment, people want to stand out from the crowd.”

With higher demand for lifted looks comes many new aesthetic interventions. These include fresh makeup combinations, buccal fat removal surgeries, and even injections. The good news is that these treatments are becoming more widespread thanks to testimonials on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. In fact, social media has never been more influential than on the subject of self-care.

“In the last few years, the field of cosmetic surgery has changed,” says Dr. Jacono. “My patients are commonly influenced by what they see on their phones. They want to look like the Hadid’s, the Kardashian-Jenner’s, and other Instagram models. They want to be as striking as possible by whatever means necessary. Work often begins at the jawline and moves toward the middle of the face.”

How Can You Get a Sleeker Jawline?

The most obvious way to get a sleeker jawline is to opt for a cosmetic procedure with a trusted physician. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer injections, like Botox, Juvéderm, and Restylane, as well as surgical treatments, like neck lifts, facelifts, and eyelid lifts. Injectables, on the one hand, add volume to specific areas of the face. They aim to create smoother skin and lasting facial harmony. Surgery, on the other hand, directly manipulates the face’s underlying structures and changes superficial appearance. Recovery time for these treatments is longer, but results are much more dramatic. Outcomes also last many years. A typical facelift, for example, has a shelf-life of about 15 years.

However, patients don’t need to go under the knife to get a sleek, beautiful jawline. Two great at-home solutions have recently made a splash in the beauty sphere: gua sha and microcurrent devices. These options not only lift the face, but contour it in pleasing ways.

Gua sha tools are small, curved pieces of stone, metal, or synthetic material. They hug the contours of the jaw and cheeks for a deep facial massage. Gua sha tools have seen a massive increase in popularity within the last few years, though scraping the skin is not a new idea. In Chinese medicine, gua sha has been in practice for centuries. However, it didn’t always have the reputation it does today.

“Interestingly, gua sha was used to treat two things: the body’s collapse from heatstroke and seasonal diseases like the cold,” says Dr. Jacono. “Only nowadays is it being used to enhance facial appearance. In my opinion, this is a welcome change and an exciting new application of an old technique.”

The benefits of gua sha include reduced puffiness, better-defined facial contours, and improved circulation. Using gua sha tools can be compared to giving the face a workout. This is because they boost oxygen and nutrient absorption within the skin. This process makes the face feel and appear much healthier. Usually, gua sha tools come in natural jade or rose quartz varieties, though some come in plastic and stainless steel. All materials have similar cosmetic benefits. “Gua sha is a fantastic at-home remedy in the fight against aging,” says Dr. Jacono. “It’s no wonder it has become extremely popular in social media circles. We have Instagram, Tiktok, and other applications to thank for its popularity.”

Microcurrent Devices: What Are They?

Microcurrent devices are machines that direct low-level electrical currents into the skin. The earliest of these machines were used to treat chronic pain, but today, they are used as cosmetic treatments.

“Microcurrents tone facial muscles and make the skin glow,” says Dr. Jacono. “They also lift the eyes, tighten the forehead, and smooth the cheeks and jawline. Another benefit of these machines is that they stimulate the body’s production of collagen. Collagen is the most basic building block of the body’s tissues, and promotes the growth of healthier skin.”

Because microcurrent devices are excellent at lifting the skin, they are often compared to facelifts. Even better, these machines can be bought in stores and used at home. These varieties, however, aren’t as strong as those used by professionals. Either way, microcurrent devices are safe, though patients should check with their doctor before treatment. Those with epilepsy or heart conditions may experience complications. Pregnant women should also avoid using microcurrent devices.

Those interested in both gua sha and microcurrent devices don’t have to choose. The two can be effectively paired. Skincare professionals recommend using gua sha first to reset muscle tissue, then using microcurrent devices to tone the area. “Gua sha and microcurrent devices are great new beauty tools,” says Dr. Jacono. “That said, in the end, surgery is usually the most dramatic and comprehensive option to look better. This is because it directly treats underlying structures rather than alleviating superficial problems. Still, for those who aren’t ready for a major surgical leap, at-home remedies are extremely helpful.”