What is Facial Contouring?
Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Commonly treated areas include the cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, jawline, and under-eye areas. The most popular fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin, which provides hydration and volume. Fillers can also be used for non-surgical nose reshaping (liquid rhinoplasty) and chin augmentation.
Botox and Other Neuromodulators: Botox and similar neuromodulators (such as Dysport and Xeomin) are used to relax specific facial muscles that cause wrinkles and lines, particularly in the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and around the eyes (crow’s feet). By reducing muscle activity, these treatments smooth the skin and can subtly contour the face, creating a more relaxed and youthful appearance.
Kybella: Kybella is an injectable treatment specifically designed to reduce submental fat, commonly known as a double chin. The active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, breaks down fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. This treatment can help contour the jawline and improve the definition of the neck area.
Thread Lifts: Thread lifts are a minimally invasive procedure that uses absorbable sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin. This treatment can be used on various areas of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The threads not only lift the skin but also stimulate collagen production, providing long-term benefits.
Laser Skin Tightening Laser skin tightening uses targeted laser energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin. This treatment is effective for reducing sagging and improving the firmness and texture of the skin, particularly in the lower face and neck.
Radiofrequency (RF) and Ultrasound Treatments: RF and ultrasound treatments, such as Ultherapy or Thermage, use energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and tightening the skin. These treatments can be used to lift and contour the face, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
Fat Transfer: Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, involves harvesting fat from another part of the body and injecting it into the face to restore volume and contour. This procedure can be used to enhance the cheeks, lips, and jawline, and to fill in deep wrinkles or hollows.
Chemical Peels and Microneedling: Chemical peels and microneedling can improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. While these treatments are not specifically for contouring, they enhance the overall appearance of the skin, making the contours of the face appear more defined and youthful.
Jawline and Chin Augmentation: Non-surgical jawline and chin augmentation can be achieved with dermal fillers or other injectables. This treatment helps define and sharpen the jawline, enhance chin projection, and balance facial proportions.
Non-Surgical Nose Reshaping (Liquid Rhinoplasty) Liquid rhinoplasty involves using dermal fillers to reshape the nose without surgery. This treatment can smooth out bumps, refine the nasal tip, and improve symmetry.
Considerations and Consultation: Before undergoing any facial contouring treatment, it’s important to have a thorough consultation with a qualified Xage practitioner. They will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most suitable treatments based on your individual needs.
Additionally, they will explain the expected results, potential risks, and post-treatment care instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Who Qualifies For Facial Contouring?
A good candidate for facial contouring at a medical spa is typically someone who meets the following criteria:
Desire for Enhanced Facial Features:
Individuals seeking to enhance or refine specific facial features, such as the cheeks, jawline, lips, or nose, are good candidates. They may want to add volume, improve symmetry, or achieve a more youthful appearance.
Mild to Moderate Skin Laxity or Volume Loss:
Candidates with mild to moderate skin laxity or volume loss, which can occur due to aging, weight loss, or other factors, may benefit from facial contouring treatments like dermal fillers, thread lifts, or skin tightening procedures.
Non-Surgical Preference:
Those who prefer non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments over surgical procedures are ideal candidates. Facial contouring at a medical spa typically involves minimal downtime and fewer risks compared to surgical options.
Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good general health, with no serious medical conditions that could interfere with the treatment or recovery process. A thorough medical evaluation will help determine eligibility.
Realistic Expectations: It’s important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of facial contouring treatments. While these procedures can enhance facial features and improve appearance, they may not produce dramatic changes comparable to surgical options.
Stable Weight: Individuals who have maintained a stable weight are often good candidates, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of contouring treatments.
Age Consideration:
There is no strict age limit for facial contouring, but candidates are typically adults. Younger individuals may seek contouring for features like the lips or cheeks, while older candidates may address concerns related to aging, such as volume loss and sagging skin.
No Active Skin Infections or Conditions:
Candidates should not have active skin infections, severe acne, or other skin conditions that could be exacerbated by the treatments.
Non-Smokers or Willing to Quit:
Smoking can impair healing and affect the outcomes of treatments. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking during the treatment and recovery period are better candidates.
Commitment to Aftercare:
Good candidates are willing to follow post-treatment care instructions provided by the medical spa. This may include avoiding sun exposure, following a skincare regimen, and attending follow-up appointments.
No Recent Cosmetic Procedures:
Candidates who have recently undergone other cosmetic procedures, especially those involving the face, may need to wait until they have fully healed before undergoing additional treatments.
Consultation and Personalized Assessment:
A consultation with a qualified Xage staff member is essential to determine if a candidate is suitable for facial contouring.
During this consultation, the provider will assess the candidate’s facial anatomy, discuss their goals and expectations, review their medical history, and recommend the most appropriate treatments.
This personalized assessment ensures that the chosen procedures align with the candidate’s desired outcomes and overall health status.
After Your Facial Contouring Treatment
Post-treatment instructions after receiving facial contouring treatments at a medical spa are crucial for ensuring optimal results and minimizing potential side effects. While specific instructions can vary depending on the type of treatment received, here are some general post-treatment guidelines commonly recommended:
Dermal Fillers
- Avoid Touching the Treated Area: Refrain from touching, pressing, or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours to avoid disturbing the filler placement.
- Cold Compresses: Apply cold compresses or ice packs gently to reduce swelling and bruising. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
- Avoid Heat Exposure: For the first 24-48 hours, avoid excessive heat exposure, such as hot baths, saunas, or sunbathing.
- Avoid Strenuous Exercise: Avoid vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours post-treatment, as increased blood flow can exacerbate swelling and bruising.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help the body heal and maintain the hydration of the treated area.
- No Makeup or Skincare Products: Avoid applying makeup or skincare products to the treated area for at least 24 hours, unless otherwise advised by your provider.
Botox and Other Neuromodulators
- No Rubbing or Massaging: Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 4 hours to prevent the product from migrating to unintended areas.
- Stay Upright: Remain upright and avoid lying down for 4-6 hours after treatment to allow the product to settle properly.
- Avoid Heat and Exercise: Similar to dermal fillers, avoid heat exposure and strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid Alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol for 24 hours, as it can increase the risk of bruising.
Kybella
- Ice Packs: Use ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
- Avoid Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24-48 hours post-treatment.
- Keep Head Elevated: Sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken if needed, but avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin unless prescribed.
Thread Lifts
- Avoid Facial Movements: Limit facial movements and avoid expressions that may strain the treated area for a few days.
- Sleep Position: Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few nights to avoid putting pressure on the threads.
- Avoid Massaging: Do not massage or rub the treated area to avoid dislodging the threads.
- Avoid Intense Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and facial massages for at least a week.
Laser Skin Tightening and RF Treatments
- Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoid sun exposure to prevent pigmentation changes.
- Gentle Skincare: Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid harsh exfoliants or irritating products for a few days.
- Hydration: Keep the skin well-moisturized to aid in the healing process.
Fat Transfer
- Avoid Pressure: Refrain from applying pressure to the treated areas to ensure the fat grafts take hold properly.
- Follow Dietary Guidelines: Follow any dietary recommendations provided by your provider to support healing.
General Post-Treatment Care
- Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can impede the healing process.
- Monitor for Complications: Keep an eye on the treated areas for any signs of complications, such as excessive swelling, pain, or unusual changes. Contact your provider if you have any concerns.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to assess the progress and discuss any additional treatments if necessary.
It’s important to closely follow the specific instructions provided after your treatment.
Proper post-treatment care helps ensure the best possible results and minimizes the risk of side effects or complications.