Non-Surgical Facial Contouring: The Secret to a Defined Look

Non surgical facial contouring treatments provide a safe and convenient alternative for those seeking a more youthful or defined appearance. Whether you’re experiencing the effects of ageing or simply want to enhance your features, these treatments offer a way to achieve your desired look without undergoing surgery.

Non Surgical Facial Contouring

Thanks to advancements in cosmetic procedures, there is now a wide range of non-surgical options available that deliver excellent results with little to no downtime and minimal risk. From injectables like fillers to cutting-edge laser treatments and rejuvenating facials, you can easily achieve a contoured look that makes others wonder if you’ve had work done.

What Is Non Surgical Facial Contouring?

Non invasive face contouring treatments can address various issues, including fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, loss of volume in the cheeks, and facial asymmetry or irregularity. Non-surgical face contouring treatment can help you achieve your goals. Whether you are seeking a subtle makeover or a more drastic transformation.

These treatments are minimally invasive, do not require incisions or general anaesthesia and typically involve only a few injections or the topical application of a product. Consequently, they are frequently quicker, less expensive, and safer than conventional surgical procedures.

Image source: Instagram @toftfacialplasticsurgery

Types Of Non Surgical Facial Contouring

These are the several procedures this treatment includes:

Dermal Fillers

As we age, our skin experiences a decline in collagen, a crucial substance in our body. This leads to a loss of elasticity, causing the skin to appear saggy and thin. Facial contouring or dermal fillers address the issue of skin ageing by improving the appearance and texture of the skin and enhancing facial features.

A qualified professional uses a fine needle to inject these fillers, made from synthetic materials or naturally produced substances like fat, into various areas of the face. This can result in improved and symmetrical facial features, plumper and more defined lips and cheekbones, smoothed-out wrinkles, and restored volume to sagging areas.

These substances are commonly used in dermal fillers to add volume and enhance facial features. The type of filler used will depend on the specific needs and goals of each patient.

  1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – This is a temporary filler naturally present in the skin. It typically lasts for 6 to 12 months.
  2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) – This is another temporary filler from a naturally occurring substance found in bones. It can last for up to one year for most patients.
  3. Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic material used as a semi-permanent filler. The effects of this substance can last up to two years.
  4. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a permanent filler made from a biocompatible, synthetic substance. Its effects can last up to five years.

People recognize synthetic fillers as lasting longer than naturally occurring substances because the body does not absorb them. However, the longevity of the results can still vary based on the area and type of substance injected. The denser the substance, the longer it tends to last when injected into the skin. PMMA fillers, in particular, are non-biodegradable and considered permanent as they remain in place for years after treatment.

Image source: Instagram @peachskinlaser

Botox

Botox is a type of neurotoxin that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles in the face. By relaxing the muscles, it can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. Botox can also be used to reshape the face by relaxing specific muscles, such as the masseter muscle, which can help to create a slimmer jawline.

Many people view face contouring surgery as solely a physical improvement, but they are missing out on the medical benefits of Botox treatments. Botox has been used in cosmetic surgery since 1987 and is a minimally invasive procedure that temporarily freezes and relaxes contracting muscles using the botulinum toxin type A protein.

Botox can treat 11 medical conditions, such as overactive bladder, excessive sweating, muscle contractions, chronic migraines, and eyelid twitching. The Botox procedure usually takes about 10 minutes, depending on the treated area.

No downtime is required after the treatment, but the best results may become visible 2 to 7 days later. To ensure optimal results, your cosmetic surgeon may advise you to keep your head upright, avoid lying down or bending over for a few hours after the treatment uses, and refrain from massaging the treated area for 24 hours. This minimizes the risk of displaced toxins spreading to other areas.

Botox injections minimize the signs of ageing in areas of the face that commonly develop fine lines and wrinkles prematurely, such as:

  1. Neck and nasal apex
  2. Forehead
  3. The mouth’s corners and nasolabial fold
  4. The area around the eyes, also known as the crow’s feet
  5. Over the lips or along the smoker’s lines
  6. In between the eyebrows, commonly referred to as frown lines.

Kybella

Kybella is a non-surgical facial contouring treatment that involves injecting a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a bile acid that destroys fat cells. The cosmetic surgeon will first mark the injection sites and may numb the area with topical anaesthesia or an ice pack. During each session, 20 to 50 punctures are administered.

Kybella targets moderate to severe submental fat. The number of treatment sessions required varies based on the individual patient’s condition, with a maximum of six sessions spaced one month apart. After completing the entire course of treatment, the contouring effects will be permanent.

Although Kybella is a non-invasive procedure, side effects such as swelling, bruising, pain in the injected areas, and uneven smile may still occur. Careful monitoring of these minor side effects is necessary to prevent more serious side effects such as facial muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, and nerve or tissue damage.

Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting uses a revolutionary fat removal technique called cryolipolysis to prevent and eliminate facial fat accumulation. The process involves two panels that attach to the desired fat loss area and suction it. Despite its appearance, the operation of Coolsculpting is straightforward.

The panels cool rapidly, freezing and removing the fat cells. Coolsculpting not only shapes the body but also eliminates double chin, defines the jawline, and firms the skin on the neck when applied to the lower face.

Each Coolsculpting session typically lasts between half an hour to an hour. The first session targets 20-25% of fat, and the lymphatic system releases this substance in a few weeks or months. This procedure is quick, painless, and non-invasive, as no cutting or injecting is involved. During the treatment plan, however, the vacuum-like device gets very cold, which can feel like tingling or numbness and slightly pulling on the skin.

Unlike liposuction, the results of coolsculpting are visible and dramatic, with changes in the shape of the face appearing within a few months of the first or second session. You must wait 30 days to four months before undergoing another fat-freezing procedure. However, since it doesn’t involve surgery, there are fewer risks and minimal recovery time. The results of Coolsculpting can last up to six years, but maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle will help preserve the contour over time.

Ultrasound and Radiofrequency Treatments

Dermatologists commonly use radiofrequency technology in treatments such as Thermage, Thermi, Exilis, and Profound RF to tighten skin and contour the face. They utilize radiofrequency to tone, sculpt, and enhance the appearance of the face and body without the need for needles or incisions.

The treatment involves using a device resembling a wand connected to a machine that supplies the frequency. A conductive or radiofrequency gel is applied to the skin to ensure a smooth glide and cooling effect. The device penetrates deep into the soft tissues and delivers controlled heat between 122 and 167 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating fat and stimulating collagen production.

Radiofrequency treatments can rejuvenate and tighten the skin, shape and slim the face and neck, make new collagen, and eliminate cellulite. The procedure usually takes an hour, is almost painless, and has few side effects like redness, swelling, and tingling.

Benefits Of Non-Surgical Facial Contouring

Some benefits of non surgical face contouring procedures are the followings:

  1. Minimal invasiveness
  2. Quick recovery time
  3. Cost-effective
  4. Minimal side effects
  5. Customizable results
  6. Non-permanent results
  7. Pain-free experience
Image source: Instagram @luma_medical_aesthetics

Non-Surgical Facial Contouring Conclusion

In conclusion, non-surgical facial contouring is safe and more convenient than facial contouring surgery for individuals who desire a more youthful and revitalized appearance. Non-surgical jawline contouring offer a variety of options to help you achieve your desired results. Whether you wish to eliminate a double chin, define your jawline, or tighten your skin. Therefore, if you are considering facial contouring, you should consult a qualified provider to learn more about your options.

FAQ’s

1. Can Non-Surgical Facial Contouring Really Deliver the Same Results as Surgery?

Non-surgical facial contouring can produce significant results, but they may not be identical to surgical options. Variable and typically temporary, whereas surgical procedures can produce longer-lasting effects. It depends on the individual’s needs, objectives, and expectations.

2. How Quickly Can You Expect Results From Non-Surgical Facial Contouring?

The results of non-surgical facial contouring can vary. Still, most treatments offer immediate or near-immediate results, with the full effects visible in a few days to weeks. The duration can vary depending on the type of treatment and the individual’s skin condition. Before receiving treatment, it is advisable to discuss expectations with a physician.

3. How Long Do The Effects Of Facial Contouring Fillers Last?

The effects of most facial contouring fillers typically last between six months and two years. Some fillers, such as those composed of hyaluronic acid, are degraded by the body over time, necessitating additional treatments to maintain the desired results. Other fillers, such as poly-L-lactic acid, may only need to be re-administered once or twice a year.