Facial Contouring

As we age, we lose fat below the skin (the subcutaneous layer), we have bone loss, we experience breakdown of elastin fibers in the skin, and decreased collagen production all of which together visibly change the appearance of our skin.

This loss of structural support leads to wrinkling, loss of elasticity and skin laxity which can result in a poorly defined jawline, jowls, sagging cheeks and heaviness under the chin.  New treatments and nonsurgical procedures can help rejuvenate the aging face for a more youthful appearance.

What is facial contouring?

There are a variety of noninvasive procedures available to restore or improve the contours of your face.  If you desire to improve the look of your facial contours, your first step is to contact your board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Using Botox for facial contouring

Botox can help slim the lower face and jaw by relaxing the masseter muscle, one of the muscles of mastication (chewing). This muscle can become enlarged in people who often clench their teeth or grind their jaw and can eventually give their face a squarer appearance.

Botox temporarily causes muscle paralysis.  When injected into the jaw muscle, it blocks the chemical signals that cause the muscles to contract and acts to weaken the masseter muscle.  The muscle eventually shrinks in size, leading to a slimmer and narrower jawline.

Using Kybella for facial contouring

If you are looking for a more sculpted jawline and tighter facial profile, Kybella is likely your best option.  It is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment used to improve the appearance of a “double chin”, also known as submental fat.  Submental fullness can be due to genetics, aging, or weight gain.  Some patients find that submental fullness is not improved by diet or exercise, leading them to consider other options.

The active ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid.  Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found in the body, which breaks down and absorbs dietary fats.  When injected into the fat under the skin, the cells are destroyed and can no longer accumulate fat. The tissue that is broken down during this process is naturally removed by the body over a period of a few weeks.  With less fat underneath the chin, patients are left with a slimmer profile and the jawline may look more defined. Patients typically need 3 to 6 treatments (spaced a month apart) for optimal results.

Using threads for facial contouring

A thread lift uses absorbable sutures to lift and tighten the face.  It produces three effects in the skin, the first being a mechanical lift where the barbed sutures are placed.  Secondly, the threads induce a selective inflammatory response, which stimulates the production of collagen.  Finally, it causes the fat tissue to contract, which produces a slimming effect.

The combination of repositioned skin, new collagen and decreased fat production lead to a more contoured look.  Patients who have a thread lift will experience progressive improvement, as the new collagen thickens, strengthens, and hydrates the skin. A thread lift can last one to three years, and additional treatments can extend the results even further.

Interested in learning more about facial contouring, make an appointment with Dr. Jenna Queller today!