Facial Contouring with Fillers

Facial contouring with fillers, also known as ‘facial contouring,’ has become one of the most sought-after treatments in modern aesthetic medicine. The reason lies in the fact that fillers allow for subtle and natural corrections to the shape of the face, without the need for invasive surgical procedures and with minimal recovery time. Often, just a few injections and the skilled hand of an experienced aesthetician are enough to achieve a fresh, rested, and harmonious appearance that lasts long.

Facial contouring with fillers involves injecting substances (most commonly hyaluronic acid) into specific facial regions to improve proportions, replenish lost volume, and accentuate facial features. Various types of dermal fillers are used, with hyaluronic acid being the most prevalent material due to its biocompatibility, durability, and safety. The result is a subtle, yet noticeable modification of the shape and contours of the face, creating a more harmonious and rejuvenated appearance.

This treatment includes precise injection of fillers into different regions: cheekbones, chin, lower jaw, nasolabial folds, and other points that the doctor, in agreement with the patient, deems key for improving balance and facial aesthetics. Facial contouring with fillers offers a quick solution for various aesthetic concerns, whether it’s sagging cheekbones, a flat or underdeveloped chin, an unclear jawline, or excess skin in the lower part of the face.

Why Opt for Facial Contouring with Fillers?

There are several reasons why many patients choose to contour with fillers, among the most important are:

1. Minimally invasive approach: Unlike surgical procedures such as facelifts or implants, filler treatments do not require general anesthesia, incisions, or a long recovery period.
2. Immediate results: The improvement in appearance is noticeable right after the procedure, and the final result takes shape in the following days as the fillers fully ‘integrate’ with the tissue.
3. Natural look: When the treatment is performed by an experienced professional, the change looks natural – as if the face is rested, refreshed, and rejuvenated, without an ‘overinflated’ or artificial appearance.
4. Reversibility: Hyaluronic fillers can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase, so if for any reason the patient is not satisfied, there is the possibility of correction or removal of the fillers.
5. Aging process control: Hyaluronic fillers partially restore the volume lost during the aging process and thus prevent further skin sagging. The result is a long-lasting freshness and improved facial proportions.
6. Short recovery: Most patients can return to their daily activities immediately after the treatment or at most within a day or two, as any bruising and swelling are generally minimal and temporary

Which Parts of the Face Can Be Treated?

In facial contouring with fillers, the following regions are commonly treated:

Cheekbones (cheeks): By adding fillers to the cheekbones, the face regains freshness and a tight look. Cheekbones are a key point for creating youthful contours, as there is a loss of fatty tissue and sagging of the skin in this region over the years.

Jawline: Defining the lower edge of the jaw with fillers contributes to establishing sharp and attractive contours. This is a popular treatment especially for patients who have an ‘unclear’ or ‘soft’ jawline and want a firmer and more harmonious facial contour.

Chin: With the help of fillers, the shape of the chin can be adjusted, extended, or reduce the visual imbalance if the chin is ‘receded’. This creates a more harmonious profile and a nicer lateral projection.

Temple area: Some people experience volume loss in the temple area, which can give a tired look. Fillers can fill this part and restore balance to the face.

Nasolabial folds: Although this is a popular place for inserting fillers due to smoothing of wrinkles, filling them can also contribute to improving the contours of the lower part of the face.

Under-eye area (tear trough): Adding volume under the eyes can alleviate the appearance of dark circles and a ‘tired’ look. Applying fillers in this region requires great experience from the doctor but can yield excellent results.

What Does the Treatment Look Like?

The first step is always a detailed consultation with an aesthetic expert. They assess the morphology of your face, listen to your desires and suggestions, and then provide their recommendations. Typically, a plan is made and the facial region to be prioritized is determined. Sometimes, filling just one area (such as the cheekbones) is sufficient, while in other situations, a combination of treatments (e.g., cheekbones, chin, and jawline) is recommended to achieve a comprehensive effect.

Next, points where the fillers will be injected are marked on the face. In most cases, the fillers already contain a local anesthetic (lidocaine), and a cream for local anesthesia is often applied to make the treatment as comfortable as possible for the patient.

The injection of fillers follows, which can be done using a thin needle or a cannula, depending on the desired points of application and the technique the doctor prefers. The procedure itself lasts from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

After the injection, the doctor may gently massage the area to properly distribute the filler and correct minor irregularities. The patient then examines themselves in the mirror, and if necessary, additional small amounts of filler can be added.

Immediate post-treatment appearances may include slight redness, swelling, or bruising, which are completely normal reactions. It is recommended to avoid intense physical activity, high temperatures (such as saunas, steam baths), and aggressive massage or pressure on the treated area on the first day. Most patients can return to their normal activities the same or the next day.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The durability of fillers depends on several factors:

• Type of filler used: There are fillers that last from 6 to 9 months, while newer generations of hyaluronic fillers can last up to 12-18 months.
• Patient’s metabolism: Some people break down hyaluronic acid faster, so the effect may be somewhat shorter.
• Area being treated: Muscle movements and facial expressions in certain regions can accelerate the breakdown of fillers. For example, nasolabial folds, which are under greater mechanical stress from expressions, may ‘use up’ the filler earlier than a calmer area such as the cheekbones.

Generally, the expected average duration of fillers is from 9 to 12 months, with corrections being less demanding and easier after the first treatment, as the tissue gets accustomed to the added volume.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Although facial contouring with fillers is a minimally invasive treatment, it is necessary to be aware that there are certain risks and potential side effects:

• Temporary bruising and swelling: Most bruising disappears within a few days, and swelling typically subsides within 48 hours.
• Mild pain or discomfort: During injection and shortly after the treatment, the patient may feel stinging or discomfort, but this quickly passes.
• Asymmetry or unsatisfactory results: If the filler is incorrectly injected or unevenly distributed, it can lead to asymmetry or the formation of lumps. Experienced and trained doctors minimize these risks, and any irregularities can be corrected by adjustment or dissolving the filler.
• Infection or allergic reaction: Very rare, but possible. Therefore, it is always recommended to use high-quality, registered fillers and undergo treatment in sterile conditions.

Despite these possible complications, when the treatment is performed by a certified and experienced specialist, the risks are minimal and patient satisfaction is high.