Facial contouring is an elective cosmetic procedure that improves the general appearance of the face. The goal of facial contouring is to improve the proportion of all facial features, as well as make the face generally smaller. It improves the balance of facial features as well as the overall outline.
Facial aging changes the face shape due to sagging of the soft tissues and skin, and the most affected areas are the under eyes, cheeks, jaw and neck.
As we get older, collagen and elastin production slows down, giving way to droopy facial skin. Collagen and elastin, also known as the “youth proteins” are responsible for the smooth texture and firm resilience of youthful skin.
When these youth proteins begin to decrease, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity, and the lack of support in the connective tissues of the facial skin allows fine lines, wrinkles, and skin folds to form. Among female patients, the common goal of the procedure is to make the contours of the face softer and more feminine. Meanwhile, male patients typically want to achieve a more chiseled and masculine appearance.
The most sought after non-surgical treatments include the use of botulinum toxin, contouring of the face with soft tissue fillers, threads and improving the laxity of the face with HIFU and radio-frequency based Ultracel treatment which are non-invasive. Ultracel being a combination of HIFU and radio-frequency helps to achieve a face lift and collagen remodeling in 40+ age group patients.
THE PROCEDURE: A thin gel is applied to the concerned area to make is numb. If injectables are selected one might feel a prick. In Ultracel, the hand piece will be moved systematically over the area, heating the skin. Depending upon the area to be treated, the duration of treatment can range from 45 minutes to two hours.
Do’s and Dont’s: In case of injectables, avoid bending or lying down immediately for four hours and do not exercise for 48 hours. Avoid sauna or massages for two weeks. In case of non-invasive treatments like Ultracel, avoid the use of harsh products on the targeted area. Botox lasts for four to six months whereas dermal fillers last for a year to a year and a half depending upon the type of filler used.
With Ultracel treatment, the skin will look and feel tighter and more defined. The results will last for a year to a year and a half. Depending on how well your face maintains its newly rejuvenated appearance, you may have to undergo maintenance treatments to prolong the results of your initial injectable facelift. However, with the appropriate aftercare regimen, you can greatly reduce the interval of time between maintenance treatments.
Disclaimer: Always check with a cosmetic surgeon before going ahead with this procedure.
