When 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.
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