Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

On which area of the face is petrissage typically performed?

1. Forehead

2. Cheeks

3. Nose

4. Chin

The correct answer is: Cheeks

Petrissage is a massage technique that involves kneading and rolling the skin and underlying tissues. It is particularly effective in areas of the face that have more muscle and underlying structure, making the cheeks an ideal area for this type of manipulation. The cheeks have a substantial amount of muscle and subcutaneous tissue, allowing for effective stimulation of the lymphatic system and improved blood circulation through this kneading motion. This can be beneficial for reducing tension, enhancing relaxation, and promoting a healthy complexion. In contrast, areas like the forehead, nose, and chin have less muscular structure, making them less suitable for petrissage. The forehead can be treated differently as it often requires lighter techniques to avoid discomfort. The nose and chin do not have enough muscle mass to benefit significantly from the kneading action that petrissage offers. Therefore, the cheeks stand out as the area where petrissage is most commonly and effectively performed.