RESHAPING YOUR FACE: STRATEGIES AND RISKS

In the ever-evolving world of aesthetic medicine, facial toning and reshaping have become increasingly popular. This article explores the most effective strategies for facial rejuvenation, from minimally invasive procedures to more advanced techniques.

CRYOTONING

CryoToning harnesses the power of cold temperatures gentle pressure to calm inflammation and encourage lymphatic circulation [1,2]. Key aspects include:

• Stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity
• Minimal downtime
• Potential for improved skin tone and texture
• May reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Results can be subtle, often requiring multiple treatments
• Possible side effects: temporary redness or irritation

BOTOX: THE GOLD STANDARD

Botulinum toxin injections temporarily paralyze specific facial muscles, effectively reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles [3,4]. Important points:

• Quick procedure with results lasting 3-6 months
• Effective for forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines
• Minimal downtime
• Potential risks: temporary bruising, swelling, asymmetry, or eyelid drooping

DERMAL FILLERS: RESTORING VOLUME

Dermal fillers offer a versatile solution for addressing volume loss and deep wrinkles [5]. Key features:

• Immediate results
• Can plump lips, enhance cheekbones, and reduce under-eye darkness
• Versatile treatment for various facial areas

However, it's crucial to understand the long-term implications of fillers:

• Persistence: Many fillers, especially hyaluronic acid-based ones, can last longer than advertised [6].
• Surgical complications: Undissolved fillers can complicate future facelift procedures [7].
• Anatomical distortion: 80% of surgeons report increased intra-operative anatomical distortion in facelift patients with previous filler use
• Tissue changes: Fillers may cause tissues to become more tethered and scarred, making surgical dissection more difficult [8]
• Increased operative time: About 40% of surgeons note longer surgery times when operating on patients with a history of filler injections
• Vascular risks: Fillers may potentially block lymphatic channels, affecting fluid drainage and possibly impacting the immune system

THREAD LIFTS: A MINIMALLY INVASIVE FACELIFT ALTERNATIVE

Thread lifts use dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin. Notable aspects:

• Less invasive than traditional facelifts
• Shorter recovery time
• Noticeable lifting effects
• Results may last 1-3 years
• Potential risks: visible threads, puckering, infection, or scarring

FACIAL FAT GRAFTING

This procedure transfers fat from other body areas to add volume to the face. Key points:

• Long-lasting results using natural tissue
• Can address multiple areas of volume loss
• May improve skin quality due to stem cells in fat tissue
• Requires a minor surgical procedure
• Potential risks: unpredictable fat absorption, lumps, or asymmetry

LASER TREATMENTS

Laser treatments offer cutting-edge solutions for facial rejuvenation. Two main types:

Ablative Lasers (CO2 and Erbium):

• Remove outer layers of skin
• Significant improvement in skin texture and tone
• Can address deep wrinkles and scars
• Extended downtime (1-2 weeks)
• Potential risks:hyperpigmentation or scarring

Fractional Lasers:

• Create micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production
• Less downtime than fully ablative lasers
• Improve skin texture and reduce fine lines
• May require multiple treatments
• Potential risks: temporary redness, swelling, and hyperpigmentation

When considering facial toning and reshaping treatments, it's crucial to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These professionals can assess individual needs and recommend the most appropriate and safe options based on specific goals, skin type, and overall health. By understanding the range of available options and their associated risks, individuals can make informed decisions about their facial rejuvenation journey. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge in the field of non-surgical facial toning and reshaping.

SOURCES:

[1] Hamp A, Anderson J, Laughter MR, Anderson JB, Presley CL, Rundle CW, Dellavalle RP Gua-sha, Jade Roller, and Facial Massage: Are there benefits within dermatology?Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology n/a,.

[2] Miyaji A, Sugimori K, Hayashi N (2018) Short- and long-term effects of using a facial massage roller on facial skin blood flow and vascular reactivity.Complement Ther Med 41, 271–276.

[3] Sundaram H, Signorini M, Liew S, Trindade de Almeida AR, Wu Y, Vieira Braz A, Fagien S, Goodman GJ, Monheit G, Raspaldo H, Global Aesthetics Consensus Group (2016) Global Aesthetics Consensus: Botulinum Toxin Type A--Evidence-Based Review, Emerging Concepts, and Consensus Recommendations for Aesthetic Use, Including Updates on Complications.Plast Reconstr Surg 137, 518e–529e.

[4] Rohrich RJ (2008) Advances in facial rejuvenation: Botulinum toxin A. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, and combination therapies--consensus recomendations. Editor’s Foreword.Plast Reconstr Surg 121, 1S-2S.

[5] Carruthers J, Carruthers A (2003) A Prospective, Randomized, Parallel Group Study Analyzing the Effect of BTX-A (Botox) and Nonanimal Sourced Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA, Restylane) in Combination Compared with NASHA (Restylane) Alone in Severe Glabellar Rhytides in Adult Female Subjects: Treatment of Severe Glabellar Rhytides with a Hyaluronic Acid Derivative Compared with the Derivative and BTX-A.Dermatologic Surgery 29, 802–809.

[6] Alaslawi AAF, Zeina AM, Zahra T (2022) Facelift Surgery after Permanent Filler: Outcomes after Removal of Permanent Filler under Local Anesthesia.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 10,.

[7] Sweis I, DeRoss L, Raman S, Patel P (2023) Potential Effects of Repetitive Panfacial Filler Injections on Facelift Surgery and Surgical Outcomes: Survey Results of the Members of The Aesthetic Society.Aesthet Surg J Open Forum 5, ojad010.

[8] Caution raised Over Potential Immune System Impact of Cosmetic Filler.