Explaining Facial Aesthetic Treatments

Designed to reduce the impact of the ageing process, facial aesthetics refer to non-surgical treatments that rejuvenate and de-age the skin.

With the passage of time, we are all susceptible to the impacts of the ageing process; wrinkles, imperfections and uneven skin tones are all unavoidable. With today’s technology and medical prowess, we can suppress the effects significantly, reducing the rate at which it happens through safe and effective treatments. In simple terms, facial aesthetics are small, non-surgical treatments that make subtle but impressive enhancements to your appearance.

Avoiding long exposure to sunlight, alcohol and smoking, staying hydrated and keeping your skin moisturised and avoiding polluted areas are all effective methods of slowing down the ageing process, but with busy lives, it can be hard to follow these suggestions and many people are now turning to safe and simple treatments.

Are They Safe?

Research has shown that non-surgical treatments are proven to be safe and low-risk. Generally speaking, it’s incredibly uncommon for anyone to suffer severe side effects or long-term problems, but some small side effects will naturally occur post-treatment. Expect some bruising, swelling or tenderness around the affected area to last a few hours after treatment, it will usually subside quite quickly, even if the pain still lingers for a few days.

What Kind of Treatments Are Available?

All treatments used are non-surgical procedures designed to either block nerve signals in the muscles, relax facial expressions, or define and accentuate facial contours. Facial aesthetic treatment is the broad term used to describe several types of treatments, from injectable fillers to thread lifts, so broadly speaking, it covers a variety of de-ageing methods.

Here are some of the most common, safe and effective facial aesthetic treatments available:

Injectable Dermal Fillers

Over time, our skin naturally loses subcutaneous fat and collagen, thinning the facial tissues as we age. As the tissue ages, smile lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles become more visible, cheeks hollow out and we lose definition around our jawline. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, or enhance facial contours. There are many different types of filler treatments:

Anti-wrinkle Fillers

Anti-wrinkle fillers are injected into specific facial muscles to temporarily relax them. Injecting purified protein softens facial expressions and reverses signs of ageing.

Botox

A preventative treatment best used early, to avoid wrinkles forming later in life, Botox is a natural-looking and subtle treatment used to soften facial lines and smooth out creases. Sometimes used to relieve pain from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, Botox is a popular, safe and effective method to slow down the ageing process and relax facial muscles.

Lip Plumping

Lip fillers are injections that provide a plump, full look. Injected into the body of the lips, or at the edge of the lip for more mature women who may find their lips are losing definition from the outside in, results are usually instantaneous. However, it may take a couple of weeks before the filler has fully integrated and the bruising or swelling subsides.

Microneedling

Microneedling, otherwise known as collagen induction therapy, is a procedure concerning the repeated puncturing of the skin with tiny, sterile needles. Causing the skin to tighten, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, the skin will naturally appear smoother and younger. A topical anaesthetic is applied beforehand, to reduce inflammation and pain.

Cheek Augmentation

Cheek fillers, or cheek augmentation, is used to bring the face into balance, by making the cheekbones more prominent. Cheek augmentation provides immediate definition and a natural-youthful look, smoothing out wrinkles, effectively lifting the entire face.

Threading

The treatment is a minimally invasive, safe and effective procedure lasting under an hour. Similar to filler treatments, threads are inserted underneath the skin to lift skin instantly and effectively. The threads are mainly used on the face and the neck, but can also be used to lift skin on the body.

Skin Peels

A low-concentration peeling agent is applied to the skin, igniting a peeling process. The top layer of dead skin peels off, resulting in accelerated cell growth that leaves skin appearing and feeling firmer, smoother and younger. The effects can be seen almost instantly with superficial peels or within 10 days for deeper peels, depending on which treatment is right for you. The treatment usually takes an hour.

Profhilo

Free of any chemical cross-linking agents, Profhilo is a stabilised injectable hyaluronic acid used for the treatment of tissue remodelling and skin laxity. Like most dermal filler treatments, this treatment gives hydration, luminosity, firmness and strength to the skin of both the face and neck, with a very potent anti-ageing effect.

What Are Fillers Made Of?

In general, fillers are categorized by the substance they are made from:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, which helps keep the skin plump and hydrated.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. It is typically used in fillers to target deeper lines and wrinkles, and it is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production.

Poly-Caprolactone (PCL)

Poly-Caprolactone is a bioresorbable soft medical polymer. When injected into the skin, it acts as an instant filler giving instant results. Used in Ellanse, it also stimulates the production of new collagen in and around the treated area.

Am I Suitable For Fillers?

As a rule, fillers are safe and suitable for almost anyone, but there are some considerations and restrictions in place. We recommend you don’t opt to have fillers if:

●You are suffering from skin infections

●You have experienced any reactions to local anaesthetic

●You’re taking any medicines which affect bleeding

●You have an autoimmune disease

●You are pregnant

●You are under 18

If you have any of these conditions please refrain from having this treatment, at least temporarily, until you have spoken with a medical professional.

Does The Procedure Hurt?

We certainly hope not! Prior to the treatment, effective topical anaesthetic cream is used to numb the area to make the procedure as painless as possible. We’re pleased to say it works.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Usually lasting between thirty minutes and an hour, most treatments are quick and painless, but can sometimes vary a little depending on the procedure you’re having. Unlike most surgical procedures, there is no recovery time needed. You may feel a small amount of pain and some swelling for the days following treatment, you can ordinarily expect to carry out your day-to-day activities almost immediately.

What Happens After The Treatment?

As mentioned, you may experience slight swelling or temporary discomfort after the treatment, so you should take some ibuprofen or apply ice to the treated area if you’re in pain. Thankfully, within a week, (though usually much sooner), you should expect to be back to normal.

How Long Do The Results Last?

There’s no strict time frame as it will depend on several factors, including what type of treatment you have, the area of the face you are treating, and how your body reacts to treatment, but generally, durability can range from one to two years, depending on age, lifestyle and skin type. Results generally last longer in people who take care of their skin and general health by avoiding the sun, following a healthy diet and refrain from smoking. Your practitioner will be able to give you specific guidelines during your initial consultation.

Manor Road Dentists - Expert Facial Aesthetic Treatment in Swansea