Kinesio tapes in aesthetic medicine

Ekaterina Shubina, kinesiotherapist, author of aesthetic kinesiotaping programs Beauty Taping, massage therapist-rehabilitologist, aesthetic rehabilitologist at the Compliment Center for Aesthetic Cosmetology (Ukraine)

With the development of materials and approaches to taping, as well as the revolutionary invention of elastic kinesio tapes by Dr. Kenzo Case, the use of this technique has become more comfortable, gained more opportunities and is very relevant today.

Kinesiology tapes are special cotton tapes with an acrylic thermoactive coating that do not contain latex, similar in elasticity to human skin, which are applied using the kinesiological taping method.

Tapes are designed to ensure adequate muscle function, the course of sanogenetic processes, reducing the pain effect, without limiting movements, and improving blood and lymph flow. They are hypoallergenic, air and moisture permeable. Can be used for 5 days, 24 hours a day, even in water.

Facial taping was used in the form of application of rigid, non-stretchable adhesive plasters to influence facial muscles back in the last century in the treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve.

In cosmetology, dentistry, orthodontics, and speech therapy, tapes are used for:

• relieving swelling;
• preventing the development and elimination of existing hematomas;
• restoration of articulation and fine motor skills;
• relaxation of the chewing muscles and restoration of normal mobility of the TMJ;
• lifting and eliminating fine wrinkles;
• during and after installation of mesothreads;
• after the introduction of lipolytics;
• for neuralgia of the trigeminal and facial nerves.

All kinesio tapes in rolls (kinesio tapes) have elasticity in a certain direction (stretch lengthwise, but not across), and affect receptors in the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints. Some patches are impregnated with medicinal substances, due to which they can perform a number of additional functions:

• improve microcirculation and local blood circulation;
• eliminate pain symptoms and reduce hypersensitivity;
• improve lymph movement;
• relieve muscle tension;
• restore functional activity of muscles;
• optimize afferent impulses at the segmental level.

Kinesio taping on the face works a little differently from taping on the body. The main difference between facial and skeletal muscles is that facial muscles are attached not to the bones, but to the fascia of the face. Consequently, on the face we will pay more attention to the fascial compartments and tighten/relax the muscles depending not so much on the shape of the muscle itself, but on its location in a particular space and the corresponding layer of the facial fascia.

The receptors of the facial muscles are practically no different from those in the skeletal muscles, but they are more sensitive to percutaneous effects due to their more superficial position and greater mobility of the muscles.

Using tapes, we also work with the ligaments of the face and reference points.

What effect can be obtained with aesthetic correction using kinesio tapes:

• accelerated removal of toxins, wastes and breakdown products from tissues and the cellular matrix;
• elimination of small expression lines and first age wrinkles, deep furrows, folds and creases;
• increasing smoothness, elasticity, natural turgor of the skin, filling all layers of the dermis and epidermis with nutrients;
• improving skin elasticity and its resistance to chronological aging processes;
• elimination of puffiness and dark circles under the eyes;
• lightening of age spots and freckles;
• smoothing scars (small scars) and post-acne;
• powerful lymphatic drainage effect;
• prevention of complications after injections;
• prevention of swelling and hematomas after insertion of mesothreads;
• posture correction – postural taping;
• elimination of muscle-fascial pain and triggers;
• for aesthetic correction of the abdomen - improvement of skin turgor, drainage, lifting, volume reduction.

Types of tapes

Nowadays, kinesio tapes are widely used in cosmetology and aesthetic rehabilitation. They are cut and applied in a specific way to achieve the desired result.

Adhesive plasters

Adhesive plaster tension is applied from the healthy side to the sick side, and is carried out by firmly fixing the adhesive plaster to a special helmet. To reduce the palpebral fissure, the adhesive plaster is attached to the skin of the outer edge of the eye and gently stretched upward and outward, attaching the free end to the helmet. The narrower the palpebral fissure is, the easier it is for the eye to close. This technique is also used at night to preserve the cornea. Adhesive plaster tension for the muscles of the middle and lower third of the face is used only during the daytime. In the first days, this method is used for 30–60 minutes 2–3 times a day during active facial actions (when eating, talking). Then the time increases to 2–3 hours.

Surgical microporous plasters

The adhesive bandage technique has evolved into facial taping with narrow strips of surgical microporous plaster according to the method of the Japanese facial therapist and doctor of dentistry Kazuki Reiko.

Facial rejuvenation using the Reiko method deserves special attention. The master has developed a technique that allows you to achieve face lifting using a special non-elastic plaster. As a result of using the patch, the facial muscles are stimulated, and the brain remembers their correct position.

The patches are applied for 30 minutes, fixing the skin in the desired direction. The main condition is to do this procedure daily, for at least a month, and after a facial massage. For each age, Reiko has developed her own sizing scheme.

Cosmetic patches

Margaret Crossen invented cosmetic plasters at the beginning of the twentieth century. The brand still exists, and the products are popular and recognized by satisfied customers. Only natural and hypoallergenic components are used in production. These cosmetic patches are made from unbleached craft paper and impregnated with starch-based glue. Patches are applied to the area where a certain wrinkle or fold needs to be smoothed, a special solution is applied on top, which softens the starch glue, and the patch sticks. As it hardens, it prevents the formation of wrinkles and “educates” facial expressions (photos 1–2).

Tapes with precious metals

In the world of kinesio tapes, special points and facial tapes impregnated with precious metals are also widely known. Japanese scientist Yoshihiro Hirata created a technique for dissolving metal in water (titanium, gold, platinum, silver) and impregnating it with clothes, tapes, and accessories. It is the content of dispersed aquametal that determines the safety of the tape and the possibility of its use on the most sensitive areas of the body. The mechanism of action of such a patch is the ability to relax spasmodic facial muscles, preventing their subsequent overstrain and the formation of wrinkles (photo 3).

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Kinesio taping is a safe and effective procedure, which is why it is considered a revolutionary method in rehabilitation. Thanks to its properties, taping can be successfully used to preserve the health and youth of your patients!

Anton Gritsenko, neurologist, osteopath MD, DO, MF Hom., private medical practice in the Federation of Functional Coaching (Ukraine):

Dear colleagues, for effective and safe work, you should take into account the fact that any type of taping in general and kinesio taping in particular is a full-fledged tool. It can be useful to specialists in many fields: sports medicine, osteopathy, rehabilitation, pediatrics, neurology, anti-age therapy and aesthetic remodeling.

However, we must remember that taping is not a panacea, not a cure, or a placebo, but a tool that will be effective and safe only in the capable hands of an experienced specialist. And, like every tool, influence or manipulation applied to a person as a system with its own neural regulation mechanisms, short-term and long-term effects should be distinguished. The immediate result is achieved directly by the impact itself, but the long-term effect is a reflection of the reaction of the body's regulatory systems to it. It is the ability to purposefully use the body’s own forces and achieve a lasting, self-sustaining systemic effect that is the hallmark of a true professional in his field, whose work is always distinguished by a high level of efficiency and safety.

Photos courtesy of the author

First published: Nouvel Aesthetic 3 (109)/2018