Non-Surgical Facial Reshaping

WHY DOES THE SHAPE OF THE FACE CHANGE?

There are several muscles in the face and neck that are responsible for shaping the face  including the small muscles that pull the corners of the mouth down to give a ‘sad’ expression to other muscles which are used to chew food and grind the teeth. These muscles can grow and create bulges on the outer part of the lower face to give the face a square appearance.

Some muscles are made up of strap-like bands that extend all the way from the chest to the jawline. These muscles enhance jowls and give a sagging look to the lower face.

Many of these muscle groups are working to create a certain shape or feature on the face from a young age. Combine this with natural aging and a face can take on features that are not flattering and can make a person look sad and older than they are.

The areas where non-surgical facial reshaping treatments can be performed:

• Eye area – there are 2 circular muscles around the eyes very similar to the one around the mouth. They create the ‘scrunched’ look around the eyes when we squint to form what is commonly called ‘crow’s feet’. They also pull down the outer, more lateral part of the eyebrow so when injections are done in this area you can get a ‘lateral eyebrow lift’ to create a beautiful natural high arch.
• Lip and mouth area – there is one large circular muscle around the mouth which creates a pursed movement to form vertical lip wrinkles on the upper and lower lip as well as narrowing the lips. These can be treated to help create fullness in the lips.
• Marionette area – there are muscles that pull the corner of the mouth down to create a ‘down-turned’ smile and deep grooves that run from the corner of the mouth to the jawline. When treated you will see the outer edges of the upper lip turn upwards.
• Cheeks – the cheek muscles or ‘masseters’ are responsible for some of the chewing actions in the face. Some of us clench our jaw and grind our teeth when under stress and these muscles help us do that too. Interestingly, jaw clenching is caused by the action of the muscles and this in turn makes the muscles grow, which causes more jaw clenching! It is a vicious circle of events. When these bulging chewing muscles are relaxed you will often see a change in the shape of the face from a square shape to an oval shape. It is a popular treatment in Chinese women to soften their square jawline.
• Jowls – there are muscles that pull the corners of the mouth down and create a pouch of skin on the jawline known as a jowl effect.
• Prominent neck muscles – these ‘bands’ of muscle pop out from the neck when it is tensed. It can look like a ‘frilly lizard’ and is especially noticeable in thinner persons.
• Lower face and neck lift – the ‘Nefertiti’ or injectable face lift was developed several years ago. It involves the use of muscle relaxant injections to treat several areas on the mid to lower face and neck. A large muscle known as the platysma is injected at several sites on the neck and the jawline to relax this muscle and stop it from pulling down the lower face and neck. When this is done, other muscles that help lift the lower face and neck can work more freely and generate a non-surgical face & neck lift. Amazing!

WHAT IS NON-SURGICAL FACIAL RESHAPING?

Non-surgical facial reshaping treatments involve the use of Botulinum Toxin A. This is a natural protein that is released by a bacteria known as Clostridium Botulinum and we all know the potential nasty effects of this protein when it is released in large quantities after the bacteria is ingested – a condition known as ‘Botulism’. Botulism is a serious condition because the protein is what they call a ‘neurotoxin’ i.e. it affects the nerves and can at its worst cause paralysis of the body where excessive quantities have affected the body’s nervous system.

Botulinum Toxin A was isolated by scientists over 5 decades ago and since then it has been a recognised method of treating many conditions including migraines, muscle spasms in cerebral palsy and strokes, jaw clenching (known as Bruxism), excessive sweating (known as Hyperhidrosis), involuntary muscle contractions and just recently irritable bladder syndrome. Its effects as a neurotoxin, ultimately led to its effective use in many recognised medical conditions. When injected in specific diluted doses its effects are predictable and easily controlled.

When injected into a muscle it works as a temporary block to the transfer of impulses from the brain to the muscle via nerves. This stops the muscle from contracting so strongly and acts as a muscle relaxant to prevent a wrinkle, crease, groove or bulge on the skin.

MORE DETAILS ABOUT NON SURGICAL FACIAL RESHAPING TREATMENTS

Yes, this treatment does involve the use of tiny little needles and there is a very small amount of discomfort involved with the injection. But trust me, it is worth it and the minimal discomfort is over in an instant!

It is extremely rare to get any bruising from the injection but try not to take any medications or natural supplements for a day or so before the treatment that might encourage bruising e.g. Nurofen, Aspirin and Fish Oils. You can put makeup on immediately after and no one would even know that you are one of the millions of people enjoying the benefits of this treatment right now all over the world! You can go right back to what you were doing be it work or play!

The non-surgical facial reshaping effect from Botulinum Toxin A injections occurs 2-3 days after the injection and reaches its peak effect after about 10-14 days. The effect lasts a few months gradually wearing off from around 2 months onwards. It is advisable to repeat the injections every 3 months to achieve the best results otherwise the full effects will usually wear off after 4-6 months depending on the dose used and the area injected.