The invention concerns a massage apparatus operating by suction and mobilisation of the skin tissue, in the form of a manually operated set (1), essentially comprising a housing connected to a suction source and including an inner chamber (4) open on its surface designed to be in contact with the patient's body and means for exerting a mechanical action on the skin fold formed inside said chamber (4) during the massage. The invention is characterised in that the suction chamber extends transversely over the whole width of the housing and is open at its two lateral ends; the means for exerting a mechanical action consist of at least two mobile sets (7, 8) laterally arranged on each housing (3) side, resting sealed against the side walls and obstructing the lateral openings of the suction chamber.