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How does facial contouring work, does filler make you look younger and how much does it cost?
11 December 2019, 11:06 | Updated: 11 December 2019, 12:59
Each procedure is tailored to the client and it'll make your appearance seem sharpened, while still looking natural.
Fillers can seem rather daunting if you're new to the game - but facial contour, a type of procedure offered by a number of aesthetic clinics can transform your appearance in a matter of minutes and has zero downtime.
A variety of clinics offer the special blend of cheek, jaw and chin filler which is a tailor-made package depending on what the client's desires and wishes are.
Heart spoke to a number of doctors, one of which is Dr Rupert Critchley, Founder of VIVA Skin Clinics and aesthetics expert for more information on the procedure and how it all works.
What is facial contouring?
Facial contouring is the name given when a combination of different dermal filler procedures are used together in order to create a natural-looking contour to the face.
The areas are typically the cheeks, chin and jawline but not every case will need all three done and the amount of filler needed for each person can vary completely.
Dr Jane Leonard, the resident Doctor at Beyond Medispa who have clinics across the UK also spoke to Heart and revealed that "facial contouring is a non-surgical way to enhance and define the natural angles, outlines and facial structure to give a fresher, streamlined look and to beautify facial features."
She continued: "It is mostly achieved using combination of dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections (Botox)."
Dr Critchley added: "Using dermal fillers to improve facial proportions, definition and contour creates natural looking aesthetic harmony.
"The treatment involves careful placement of hyaluronic acid based dermal filler."
He explains that it also "helps improve skin structure, tone and hydration."
What does the procedure entail?
As the treatment uses needles, it's important to numb the areas that'll be injected with a topical numbing cream beforehand as it helps minimise pain.
Dr Jane explains: "Dermal fillers are clear gels containing hyaluronic acid.
"This is a naturally occurring protein in the dermis of the skin and fillers vary in their own structure and consistency.
"Different types of HA fillers are used in facial contouring to add or replace volume to the face."
Dr Rupert explains: "The treatment is carried out using a small needle or cannula (or blunt needle) as the product needs to be placed under the skin."
Cheek filler is usually injected with a small needle in three separate marks on the highest part of the cheekbone in order to lift the face and give the appearance of naturally contoured cheekbones.
Jawline filler is placed along where the natural jawline is (or would be, as some don't have a strong jawline at all) typically with a cannula, and gets rid of the appearance of a round, undefined face.
Chin filler is injected with a cannula at VIVA Skin Clinics, and can make a face seem fully symmetrical by giving a face that perfect, sharp, upside down triangle shape called "the golden triangle" ratio.
"Local anaesthetic is applied to the skin and the product also contains local anaesthetic which helps to numb and reduce discomfort."
Between 3-4ml of the product is usually injected over different areas of the face, and although it can be quite painful when the filler is being injected, there is zero pain afterwards.
How long does the procedure take?
It's possible to get the treatment done in your lunch break as Rupert explains: "It takes around 45 minutes per session".
However, it's not all just the injecting as that takes only a few minutes: "Most of this time is preparation of local anaesthetic, before and after photos and treatment planning".
How much downtime is there?
There is little to no downtime to this treatment but Dr Rupert explains that "there is always a small risk of a blemish or bruise."
The effects show instantly, and it's visible in the before and afters taken, but "it can take around 7-10 days for the full results to show as the product softens and settles in, so it’s great seeing results get even better."
How long will the effects last?
Results last up to a year sometimes longer however I review my dermal filler clients every 6 months for a little tweaking.
How much does facial contouring cost?
Dr Rupert charges £400 per ml and he may use up to 3-4 for full face perfection. Remember 5ml is a teaspoon and this can be divided into sessions to suit budget.
Dr Jane commented that "Prices vary depending on the type and amount of dermal filler needed but generally start at £350."
