Fillers, Botox, , microbotox, which to do and when to do it? These are the questions on everyone’s mind this festive season. To do or not to do, that is the question.
How can it be done?
BTX-A is often used to reduce the size of masseter (jaw muscles). Together with chin fillers, the ideal V-shaped look can be achieved non-surgically.
What is used?
A combination of Dysport, Botox, Xeomin can all be used. These are FDA, HSA approved and noted for their efficacy, safety and durability.
Fillers can be divided into natural and permanent. Natural ones contain hyaluronic acid, which is a natural sugar found in the body. Personally, I would choose natural fillers.
What is microbotox?
It is the use of diluted botulinum toxin to induce 3 endpoints. Note that this is currently an off label use in Singapore. I believe in the use of microbotox with Thermage or Ulthera to enhance the skin lifting properties, hence reducing laugh lines, jowls, fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduction in oil production
- Tightening of pores to improve skin texture
- Skin tightening to improve sagginess and add to your radiancy and glow
What causes a square jaw?
(Mandible or jawbone- picture courtesy of wikipedia)
The masseters are two muscles found on each side of your jaw. They serve as muscles of mastication, which means they help you to chew. The other muscle groups that perform this function are the temporalis muscles and the pterygoid muscles.
In a condition known as bruxism (excessive chewing or grinding at night), the masseters at the jawline can grow in bulk( making the jaws look square), much like how body builders pump their muscles.
Therefore, injecting Botox to relax the muscles is effective in causing the muscles to reduce in size, hence inducing a slimmer contour to the face.
So how is it done?
Botox is injected into the masseters on each side of the face and spread out at multiple points within the muscle. It is effective, with minimal pain and no downtime. The procedure is non surgical procedure, and the face slimming effect is seen at any time between 4 to 6 weeks.
What are the side effects?
In the first week, there may be a slight ache over the jaw, especially with chewing. This should be transient. You should abstain from massaging the muscles and from lying down for 4 hours after the procedure.
Where else can botox be used for?
Wrinkles in the upper face – forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet.
Brow lifting, to enhance a refreshed, brighter look. Ageing leads to low-set brows which often makes one look dull and tired.
What is the perfect Asian face?
Dating back to BC, ancient Greeks believed beauty was represented by a Golden Ratio of 1:1.618.The golden ratio is a beauty calculation validated by researchers for the assessment of beauty.
Applying it to Asian faces, we notice that Asians fall short of it. This can be easily augmented by chin fillers. Using hyaluronic acid filler injections, you can reshape your chin, therefore improving both your side and frontal profile.
What are common filler procedures for Asians?
(courtesy of The Look Factor)
Above is a picture of Korean star Han Ga Na, who has a very defined, long and slender nose.
Asians tend to have a short rounded nose with a flattened nose bridge.
Nose fillers, to build the nose bridge to give your nose length and height, tip projection and a narrower, more shapely profile. There are specific angles and measurements that are universally accepted as beauty ratios.
Our chins tend to be shorter and less projected. Chin fillers to add length and projection to enhance the Korean V look. The perfect chin has a ratio of 2:1.
With ageing, our cheeks lose volume. Cheek fillers to add volume to give you the class Apple Cheeks. Apple cheeks are a sign of youth and vitality.
Ageing also leads to loss of volume in the temples, lips, formation of marionette lines and a downturning of the corners of the mouth. All these can be treated with fillers.
Below is a photo of a person with well shaped brows, apple cheeks, V shaped jaw and a well defined, well projected nose.
(courtesy of frmheadtotoe.com)
What is Hyaluronic acid filler?
Hyaluronic acid filler is a protein similar to what is found in our skin, eyes and joints. It is safe for facial contouring, and reversible, either through injecting an enzyme and is also naturally broken down by the body over months.
What are possible side effects?
Side effects may include some dull aching and slight bruising under the chin for a few days. Swelling is minimal and the result is obvious immediately.
Why is it important to seek treatment in Singapore?
Doctors and staff are here to follow you up and journey with you to achieve your aesthetic goals. It is never easy, but the path to clear and radiant skin begins with you today. So be bold and beautiful, and keep moving forward!
