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Frequently Asked Questions

Practical information about Kobido facial massage
What is Kobido and where does it come from?

Kobido is a traditional Japanese art of facial massage, born in the 15th century and known for its natural lifting approach.

It combines precise, rhythmic manoeuvres — smoothing, kneading, percussions, pressures and drainage — to work on the skin, the facial muscles and the tensions of the face.

More than a simple aesthetic treatment, it is a beauty and wellbeing ritual that invites the face and the mind to slow down.

To learn more, see my page dedicated to the Kobido massage and its benefits.

From what age can I have a Kobido massage?

Kobido can be valuable at different ages, with different goals.

From 25 to 30, it can support the prevention of the first signs of tiredness, working mainly on radiance, drainage and the visible quality of the skin.

From 40 to 50 onwards, the work focuses more on tone, the contours of the face, expression lines and muscular tensions.

Each session is adapted to your skin, your age and your goals, for a natural result that respects the expressivity of your face.

What results can I expect from Kobido, and how long do they last?

From the very first session, many clients notice a more radiant complexion, more relaxed features and a feeling of deep calm.

The duration of the benefits depends on several factors: skin quality, age, stress level, sleep, lifestyle and how regularly you receive sessions.

After a single session, the radiance effect and the feeling of a more relaxed face can last a few days. With regular sessions, the benefits tend to settle in progressively — encouraging better tissue vitality over time.

Kobido does not promise a fixed or identical outcome for everyone — it accompanies the face over time with progressive, non-invasive, natural manual work.

How often should I have Kobido for optimal results?

The ideal frequency depends on your goal.

For progressive work, I often recommend a Kobido Journey of 5 or 10 sessions, with closer sessions at the start and more spaced out afterwards. For maintenance, one or two sessions a month can help to preserve radiance, tone and relaxed features.

Every rhythm is adapted to your skin, your age, your availability and your personal goals.

Can Kobido replace aesthetic medicine?

Kobido does not replace aesthetic medicine, dermatology or surgery. It is a manual, natural and non-invasive approach.

Where injections act through medical products or procedures, Kobido works through touch, rhythm, muscle release and drainage — supporting firmness, radiance and tone while preserving the natural expressiveness of the face.

It can also accompany an aesthetic journey, always respecting the necessary safety intervals after any injections or medical treatments.

Is Kobido suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, in most cases Kobido can be adapted to sensitive or reactive skin.

During the session I adapt the pressure, rhythm and depth of the manoeuvres to the state of the skin. Some areas can be worked more gently, others with more tone.

If you have a specific skin condition, active dermatitis, severe inflammatory acne or an ongoing dermatological treatment, it is best to let me know before the session.

What are the emotional benefits of a Kobido massage?

In Japanese tradition, the face is often seen as the mirror of the soul. Kobido works not only on beauty, but also on inner balance.

Through acupressure points, known as Tsubos, and a deeply rhythmic sequence of movements, Kobido invites the body and mind to slow down.

Many clients describe a lighter face, a less clenched jaw and softer features. This is not a medical treatment for stress, anxiety or sleep disorders, but a wellbeing ritual that can help you reconnect with a sense of balance.

What is your cancellation policy?

I work strictly by appointment, and each time slot is reserved for you alone.

In case of cancellation or change, I ask you to let me know as soon as possible, ideally with at least 48 hours' notice, by phone, SMS, WhatsApp or email.

For any serious unforeseen event or exceptional circumstance, please write to me: we will find the most suitable solution together.

Are you available for hen parties, events and private gatherings?

Yes. I offer discovery mini-sessions and Kobido ateliers for special shared moments: hen parties, birthdays with friends, baby showers, wellbeing days or small private events.

I travel within Paris and the nearby western suburbs (Neuilly-sur-Seine, Levallois-Perret and Clichy), to your home, to a private venue, or directly to your workplace. I bring everything needed: treatment linen, official Kobido products and a traditional Japanese soundscape.

I also welcome a small number of clients in Milan on select dates throughout the year — feel free to ask me about upcoming availability.

For a tailored quote, contact me with the date, the number of participants and the format you have in mind.

How long does a Kobido session last?

A Kobido session in my studio lasts, depending on the treatment chosen, 40 or 60 minutes. I recommend allowing an extra 5 to 10 minutes overall so you can enjoy the experience without rushing.

The ritual is not limited to the massage itself. It includes a short welcome time to discuss your needs and the condition of your skin, a preparation phase with facial cleansing and warm oshibori towels, the deep Kobido massage, and a short moment of rest to return gently to the present.

  • Kobido Éclat: 40 minutes.
  • Kobido Signature: 60 minutes.
  • Kobido Journey: 5 or 10 sessions, according to the format chosen.

Durations and prices are detailed on the Treatments page.

Is the Kobido facial massage painful?

No. Kobido is a toning, dynamic and deep treatment, but it should not be painful.

The manoeuvres can be brisk, rhythmic and intense, especially on areas of tension such as the jaw, forehead or cheekbones, but the pressure is always adapted to your sensitivity.

The aim is to work deeply while remaining in a feeling of comfort and ease. Many clients describe the session as a moment of letting go, sometimes drifting off during the treatment.

When should I avoid or postpone a Kobido session?

Kobido is a non-invasive manual treatment, but in some situations it is better to postpone the session or seek medical advice first:

  • Fever, infection or flu-like symptoms.
  • Active herpes, open wounds, lesions or significant inflammation of the face.
  • Severe inflammatory acne, active eczema or skin condition in an acute phase.
  • Recent facial surgery.
  • Recent injections, laser, medical peel or aesthetic treatment.
  • Pregnancy: Kobido may be possible with specific adaptations. Please let me know at the time of booking.
  • Serious medical conditions, coagulation disorders or unstable cardiac issues.

If in doubt, please contact me before booking.

Can I have a Kobido session after injections?

Yes, but it is important to respect a waiting period after Botox, hyaluronic acid or other aesthetic injections.

In general, it is advisable to wait a few weeks before receiving a deep facial massage. The exact time depends on the treatment performed and the guidance of the doctor or practitioner who carried it out.

If you have had recent injections, please let me know before the session.

Is Kobido safe during pregnancy?

Kobido can usually be adapted during pregnancy, but it is important to let me know at the time of booking.

In many cases it can be a moment of relaxation and care for the face, with adapted manoeuvres and a comfortable position. It is often particularly appreciated when there is a feeling of fatigue or a slightly puffy face.

In case of a high-risk pregnancy, specific symptoms or particular medical guidance, it is best to ask your doctor or midwife first.

Are there any side effects after a Kobido session?

After a Kobido session, slight temporary redness may appear, often linked to the manual stimulation and the visible reactivation of the skin. It usually fades quickly.

More rarely, a small temporary breakout can appear the next day, linked to drainage and skin rebalancing. Good hydration helps support the process.

Some clients may also feel a strong sense of relaxation or a brief passing tiredness. If the skin is very sensitive or reactive, I always adapt the intensity of the treatment to limit any risk of discomfort.

What should I prepare for the session?

If possible, come without make-up. This allows us to spend more time on the manual treatment itself.

That said, the session always includes a purifying cleanse of the face. I also recommend avoiding scrubs, peels or aggressive treatments in the 48 hours before the session.

For a home session, please prepare a quiet space, soft lighting and a comfortable bed or sofa.

Can I wear make-up right after a Kobido session?

After the treatment, the skin often looks more radiant and fresh.

When possible, I recommend letting it breathe for a few hours.

If you have a commitment straight after, you can apply light make-up, ideally gentle and non-occlusive.

How do I offer a Kobido massage as a gift?

You can offer a Kobido session as a personalised Kobido Gift Card, valid for 9 months.

You can choose a specific treatment, such as Kobido Éclat or Kobido Signature, or together we can define a tailored amount.

Contact me and I will guide you through preparing the gift card.

Have another question?

If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, feel free to reach out — by WhatsApp, SMS or email.

I will be happy to reply and help you choose the treatment best suited to your needs.

Elena Kobido

Kobido: the art of natural lifting — Japanese facial massage in Paris and Milan

Contact

  • +33 6 52 28 82 17 (SMS or WhatsApp)
  • info{@}elena-kobido.com
  • 12 rue Albert Roussel, 75017 Paris

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