Facial contouring is a procedure that includes improving oneโs face shape or highlighting the facial features. The facial anatomy of a human being is complex; therefore, the soft tissue in the face and even the bones in the face are changed during facial contouring.
As the beauty standards changed over time, facial contouring also evolved to include surgical and non-surgical procedures. The current trends include sharp but balanced features, which can be achieved by fillers, fat grafting, etc.
Stay with us as we explain all the facial contouring techniques, as well as all surgical and non-surgical approaches to it:
๐ฅ ๐ฉบ Surgical facial contouring options
There are a plethora of surgical procedures that allow for facial contouring. Here are some of them:
Cheek implants and augmentation
The purpose of cheek implants is to volumize the cheek area on the face. This procedure is permanent and involves the use of medical-grade silicone implants. The surgeon inserts the implant into the cheek area, giving lift to it and more definition to the face. This helps with cheekbone enhancement and allows the face to look more revitalized while restoring its youthfulness.
Apart from the desire to look younger, some may get cheek implants to fix damage caused by an injury or to improve facial symmetry.
Another method of cheek augmentation is fat grafting. Fat grafting requires taking fat cells from an area where there is too much of them and then injecting them where more fat and volume are needed. In the case of cheek augmentation, fat cells are injected to bring volume and enhancement to the cheek contours.
Chin implants and reshaping
Chin implants are used by surgeons to give a better shape to the chin or to enhance its appearance. Our chin plays a massive role in shaping our overall look, and a prominent chin can improve our facial aesthetics. Chin implants are made of medically safe materials and come in a variety of sizes. This will ensure the patient gets an implant that will give their chin a natural appearance.
Moreover, chin reshaping is the procedure where the surgeon makes changes to the chin bone for facial harmonization.
Jaw contouring and angle reduction
This jawline definition surgery focuses on altering the jaw, whether to enhance or just reshape it, to get the desired appearance. This is achieved by making changes to the bone or maneuvering the soft tissue to help with contouring.
Jaw angle reduction, or Mandibular angle reduction surgery, is done on stronger jawlines or the V-line. This procedure helps with contouring since a wide jawline can make the female face look masculine. These types of patients have a good amount of bone or muscle in the jaw area. Hence, this procedure focuses on reducing the width and prominence of the jawline, making the contour softer and giving the face a feminine touch.ย
Buccal fat removal
This procedure has gained popularity lately due to the current trend of having chiseled features. The area between our cheekbones and jaws includes fat pads. Buccal fat removal involves removing these fat pads. Resultingly, it can attract more attention to the cheekbones and give a more defined and mature look to the face.ย
Combined approaches
At times, combining facial surgeries is not only cheaper but also best to achieve harmonious results:
- A nose job and chin augmentation may be paired together to change the nose shape and alter the chinโs appearance to bring balance to the facial features.
- Furthermore, while a facelift tightens the saggy skin, it may also eliminate some needed volume. Pairing this procedure with a fat transfer can help with that.ย
- Oftentimes, cheek augmentation and lip augmentation are procedures done together to achieve volumized lips and cheeks for a refreshed appearance.ย
๐Have a look at our work regarding body and facial aesthetics with these before-and-after photos of our happy patients!
๐ Non-surgical alternatives
Now letโs explore the non-surgical alternatives to achieving facial contouring:
Injectable fillers
As we age, the collagen production slows down, which affects the skinโs elasticity. Resultingly, this can cause fine lines and wrinkles. Injectable fillers can bring back the skin’s fullness. These fillers are FDA-approved and aid in highlighting the facial features and improving the facial contours.ย
Injectable fillers can help with everything from getting lifted cheeks and plumped lips to even enhancing the jawline.
Thread lifts
Thread lifts are also a minimally invasive technique and are done to address the issue of saggy cheeks and jowls that appear with age. Unlike a facelift, this procedure only lifts the tissue with the help of surgical sutures.
Additionally, this technique pulls the skin to smooth the lines and wrinkles of the skin. In doing this, it also triggers the skinโs collagen-producing ability to accelerate healing.ย
Ultrasound and radiofrequency technologies
Ultrasound and radiofrequency technologies can also be used as non-surgical facial sculpting techniques. The radiofrequency technique uses radio wave energy to enhance collagen production. This helps with tightening the skin and even reduces cellulite.ย
Moreover, the ultrasound technology employs the Ultherapy treatment, where soundwave energy is used to enter the deep layers of our skin. It uses heat to boost collagen production.
Fat-dissolving treatments
Fat-dissolving injections also aid non-surgical face contouring as they help target specific areas where too much fat is built up. These injections include Deoxycholic acid, which can break down and dissolve the stubborn fat.
โ๏ธ Comparing the surgical procedures
| Procedure | Longevity of results | Recovery Time (Full) | Candidacy Factors |
| Cheek Implants | Permanent | 6 to 12 months | Weak cheekbones. |
| Chin Implants | Permanent | 3 to 6 months | Weak chin. |
| Jaw Contouring | Permanent | 6 to 12 months | Asymmetrical or weak jawline. |
| Buccal Fat Removal | Permanent | 3 to 6 months | A lot of fat in the cheek area. |
๐ซ The Estherian approach
At the Estherian Clinic, we have a curated assessment process that includes a physical examination to ensure a customized treatment plan.
Furthermore, we also run extensive checks and go through the patientโs medical history to ensure that their health and lifestyle fit the requirements for the surgery.
And lastly, our doctors are some of the best in the field, which is why they place heavy emphasis on natural results.
๐ฌ ๐ฒ Ready to let our expert staff design a custom surgical roadmap to help you achieve your aesthetic goals? Contact our team today to book your slot to meet our medical professionals.
