Choosing the Right Facial Contouring Procedure for You

May 3, 2016


Choosing the Right Facial Contouring Procedure for YouWhen it comes to facial contouring, you have plenty of good options today. So many, in fact, you may have a difficult time determining which procedure will provide you with the best results. The first step in choosing a facial contouring procedure is to educate yourself about the different options available, including how they work and the precise results they offer. At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, we have a number of facial contouring procedures to choose from today.

Injectable Treatments

For subtle lift and minor changes to your facial profile, injectable dermal fillers can be a good solution. These procedures feature a number of different formulations that allow us to tailor your procedure to your specific needs. While dermal fillers are primarily known for their ability to smooth away facial creases, they are also effective in restoring youthful volume to these areas:

  • Midface and cheekbones
  • Under the eyes
  • Around the brow and forehead
  • Along the jawline
  • In the lips

Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can be used to enhance contours of larger areas like the cheeks or smaller areas like the lips, depending on the specific formulations used. The injections take just a few minutes to perform and patients are able to return to their regular activities as soon as the procedure is over. Results can be seen right away and will continue to improve in the days following the procedure.

The biggest drawback to dermal fillers is that they only offer temporary results. In order to maintain positive results, you will need to repeat your procedures periodically. The specific duration of the treatment will depend on the formulation used and the area in which it was injected. Most dermal filler treatments last anywhere from 6-12 months before a touch-up treatment is required. There are some products that can last up to 2 years depending on a patient’s individual biochemical response and the location of injection.

Kybella

Kybella is another injectable treatment used for facial contouring, but it differs considerably in how it actually works. This product contains deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally produced by the body to aid in fat absorption. When the synthetic version is injected into submental fat underneath the chin, it can destroy fat cells that give the appearance of a double chin.

Submental fat is as much a concern for many adults today as the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles. This accumulation under the chin can make you look older than you feel and make you appear as though you have gained weight when you haven’t added a pound. By eliminating the fat cells that reside in this area, we can enhance your facial profile and add youthful definition to your jawline.

During your procedure, multiple Kybella injections will be placed underneath the chin using a very fine needle. Some patients find a topical numbing cream prior to treatment ensures comfort throughout the procedure. Injections only take a few minutes to complete and you can return to your daily activities right away. Patients typically need more than one treatment session to achieve their full results, but once those results are attained, they are considered permanent.

CoolMini

The CoolMini can also be used to eliminate extra fat underneath the jawline to reduce the appearance of a double chin. This non-invasive procedure uses an innovative technology known as cryolipolysis or “fat freezing” to eradicate unwanted fat cells. The procedure has been popular for body contouring for some time, but a new, smaller applicator has now made the technology available for smaller areas like the neck and chin.

During a CoolMini procedure, you will lie comfortably while the applicator is placed underneath your chin. You will feel cold sensations as the targeted cooling is delivered to the fat cells underneath the skin’s surface, but the cold sensations subside as the procedure continues. Treatment typically takes less than one hour and patients are able to return to their daily activities as soon as the procedure is over.

Results from a CoolMini procedure will develop subtly in the weeks following the procedure. You will notice a visible reduction in submental fat and an enhanced definition to the jawline. Most patients achieve full results after just two treatment sessions spaced one month apart. Once those results are achieved, they are considered permanent since the fat cells are completely destroyed and eliminated by the body.

ThermiTight

ThermiTight is non-surgical method for tightening and firming the skin to improve facial laxity. This procedure delivers thermal energy into the underlying dermal tissue, which stimulates the body’s production of collagen and elastin leading to natural and long-lasting results.

The ThermiTight device is inserted underneath the skin’s surface, delivering thermal energy into the underlying skin structure where it can have the greatest benefit. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and patients are usually able to return to regular activities right away. Mild swelling or redness can occur in the treatment area, but this will subside within a day or two.

Results of ThermiTight can be evident soon after the procedure, but the most significant changes are seen after 3-4 months following the procedure. A single treatment session using ThermiTight can give you the results you are hoping for, which will likely last for many years. At some point, age and gravity may once again take its toll and you may require another treatment to maintain your positive results.

Surgical Lift

For patients with significant skin laxity that are wanting dramatic facial contouring results, a surgical procedure may be the best solution. Dr. Andrews performs a variety of facelift techniques, which can be customized to the unique needs and desired results of each individual patient. Facelifts can provide the following benefits:

  • Erase facial creases around the nose, mouth and chin
  • Firm and smooths loose facial skin
  • Restore definition to the cheekbones
  • Reduce the appearance of jowls
  • Address neck laxity and platysmal banding

Facelifts are usually performed on an outpatient basis, using general anesthesia. During the procedure, excess skin and tissue is removed from the mid and lower face, while the underlying facial muscles are tightened for a natural appearance. The procedure does involve incisions, which are usually carefully hidden inside the hairline or in the natural creases around the ears.

Most patients are able to return to work and other activities within 2-3 weeks after a facelift, although more strenuous activities may be restricted for longer while the face fully heals. The results of a facelift can be dramatic and can last 8-10 years or longer for some patients.

If you are looking for a way to enhance your facial profile, you have many choices today. To find out which of these procedures might best meet your needs, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery at 319-800-6877.

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
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2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
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