Nonsurgical facial rejuvenation involves the use of hyaluronic fillers in strategic areas of the face to help rejuvenate the facial features without the need for surgery. It is often referred to as a “liquid facelift”. While nothing is actually being lifted with fillers, the final effect is certainly a youthful, lifted effect. Fillers are used to restore volume and fill superficial lines and wrinkles. The end result should be decreased shadows and the introduction of highlights. Fillers must be used strategically and conservatively so that the face does not appear puffy or overdone. Typically at least 5 vials of filler are used in nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. This may seem like a lot, but 5 vials is equivalent to only one teaspoon of filler. Often times, the injections are spaced out over several appointments to ensure that optimal filling is achieved.
What are some common target areas during nonsurgical facial rejuvenation?
Eyes: While surgery is the gold standard to remove skin from the upper lids and “bags” from beneath the eyes, fillers can have a profound effect on the youthfulness of the aging eye. Fillers cannot only fill in hollowing and shadows but camouflage “bags” so they are less noticeable.
Cheeks: Many patients (and doctors) assume that by placing large amounts of filler in thecheeks, they can lift the lower face. This is a common misconception. In reality, adding volume to the cheeks makes the face appear more heart-like in shape, which is considered youthful. Often times, filling below the cheekbones into the hollows has a much more youthful effect. Filling in this area improves the gaunt look that many people have as they age and lose volume in their face.
Nasolabial folds: Most patients are bothered by nasolabial folds early on in the aging process, as it is one of the first things that begin to age (beginning in our 30s). That being said, it often contributes the least to the overall aging look of patients. However, softening the area around the nose and the mouth can certainly help in the rejuvenation process.
Lips: Although many patients do not wish for bigger lips, adding volume around the lips, to the border of the lips, and to the body of the lips can help the overall rejuvenation process. As we age, the lips deflate and lose structure. Using filler to add structure and volume to the lips helps restore balance to the rest of the face, without giving the patient “big lips”.
Jawline: While a facelift is the gold standard and best approach to restore a straight jawline, fillers can often times be used to improve the jawline. Fillers will not remove jowls, but help camouflage them and straighten and define the jawline.
Temples: The temples are probably the least well known area to fill. Very few patients come to a consultation complaining of loss of volume in this area, however, it can truly transform a nonsurgical rejuvenation by creating a better frame for the eyes. As we age, we lose volume in the temples, contributing to a skeletal look. By filling in the temples, the eyes are framed better, and the overall balance to the face is improved.
As a surgeon, Dr. Rogal is proud to offer her patients both surgical and nonsurgical options for their aesthetic needs. Some patients are anxious about undergoing surgery, and fillers allow them to achieve some of their goals without necessitating a surgical procedure. Other patients are concerned about cost or downtime. Depending on what areas are targeted, nonsurgical rejuvenation is often cheaper, and almost always has a shorter downtime than surgery. The effects are reversible, and while few patients choose to dissolve their filler, it often gives them peace of mind knowing it is not permanent.
If you are interested in nonsurgical rejuvenation, please contact Dr. Rogal’s office to schedule a consultation. If possible, it is helpful to bring a photo of yourself from 10-20 years ago. This can help determine what treatments would be the most significant to your facial rejuvenation.
