If you are a newbie in the world of aesthetics, then some of these procedures can seem rather daunting. Why? Well, every other day a new procedure with a fancy name seems to pop up! So, to keep you looped in, our favorite plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon in Dubai, Dr. Dragana Spica, decided to step into The Beautiful Lifestyle to shed some light on facial contouring with dermal filler, which, by the way, is not new in the market.

But before we get started, did you know you can transform your facial contours by enhancing your natural beauty in a matter of minutes with fillers? Well, subtly, because if you overdo it you may end up looking like some creature from another space and time.

Customized facial contouring with filler treatment can add volume to flattened or hollow cheeks, the temple areas, the lips, and can also help to improve and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What is facial contouring with filler?

Real Talk: Facial Contouring with Filler — Dr. Dragana Spica – Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon

Facial contouring is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment that uses dermal filler to produce a more appealing and natural-looking contour to the face. “The technique has minimal to no downtime, and if done well, can define and enhance the outlines, and natural angles of the facial structure to facilitate a streamlined and fresher appearance,” says Dr. Dragana, adding that facial contouring with filler also helps in improving the skin tone, structure, and hydration making it an excellent option for reducing early signs of aging.

What are the target areas for non-surgical facial contouring?

Facial contouring with filler targets areas such as the cheeks, chin, and jawline depending on your individual needs since the treatment is tailor-made.

What are the types of dermal fillers?

The most commonly used facial filler include Restylane, Juvederm, Juvederm Voluma XC, Radiesse, Belotero, and Sculptra. Each of the facial fillers offers its own benefits with the results enhancing your natural beauty and turning back the clock. According to Dr. Dragana, some of the common types of fillers include:

Juvéderm voluma: This is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid-based filler that is mostly used to contour and volumize the cheeks (midface). It can also be used on the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and the jowls. It offers immediate results which can last for up to 2 years. It is formulated with a cross-linking technology to create a lifting effect.
Sculptra aesthetic: This is a Poly-L-Lactic acid-based filler and it’s more of a collagen stimulator. It is used to add volume over time in the temple area. The results show after some time and multiple treatment sessions may be required to achieve them.
Radiesse: This is a calcium-based filler that is injected into the deeper facial tissues. It is mostly used to increase volume in larger facial areas such as the cheeks and temples. It offers immediate results which last for about 6 months to one year.

Who is a good candidate for facial contouring with filler?

“In addition to the ideal candidate of facial contouring being both physically and mentally stable, and with reasonable expectations, he/she should have one or more of the following:

Marionette lines
Smile lines
Vertical lines above the lips
Hollowed cheeks and/or temples
Thin lips which lack definition
Tear troughs below the eyes

How is the procedure done?

Facial contouring with filler takes less than an hour per session, meaning it can be done during your lunch hour period. “Before the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to the skin prior to the procedure although some types of fillers also contain a local anesthetic which helps to reduce discomfort during the procedure,” explains Dr. Dragana.

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“The procedure is highly customized, which means one size doesn’t fit all. And if your aesthetic practitioner is worth his salt, he/she will help you in deciding which fillers will best suit your aesthetic goals.”

What about recovery and the expected results?

Generally, states Dr. Dragana, filler treatments are associated with minimal downtime, but they vary slightly depending on the type of filler used. “There is usually some localized swelling and redness, but this disappears within hours or a couple of days for the swelling to go down.”

Maintenance treatments are required, and the results last for about 6 months to 2 years depending on the type of filler used and the area of treatment.

That said, would you, at some point in your life consider having facial contouring with fillers procedure? Well, this is something I’m always asking myself, and so far, I don’t have an answer yet. Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments.