Who is suitable for Facial Contouring treatment?

Anyone is suitable for facial/lip contouring. People who are interested in restoring volume loss, filling of superficial lines/wrinkles, or enhancing features are suitable candidates.

Those NOT suitable for treatment include:

• Under 18 years of age

• Pregnant/breastfeeding/trying to conceive 

• Infection in the area being treated

• Individuals with solid organ transplant

• Individuals who have had a covid/flu vaccine within two weeks prior to the treatment date (please book outside of this window)

• Individuals who have had a dental work (including cleans) within four weeks prior to or scheduled 4 weeks following the treatment date (please book outside of this window

Will Facial Contouring change my appearance?

Yes - however the amount to which your appearance changes depends on your own personal preference/goals of treatment. Some treatments, such as those used to restore losses associated with ageing will generally provide very subtle and natural results (you will look refreshed rather than ‘different’). Those treatments where the goal is enhancing features or helping with asymmetries (e.g. lips/cheeks) may be either subtle and natural or where desired more obvious that treatment has occurred. Overall, Dr Gemma prides herself on work that does not look ‘done’, but rather an overall refreshed and rejuvenated appearance is achieved. The important thing to remember with any treatment is that whatever your desire or goal for the treatment outcome, this can be achieved through careful and thorough consultation with Dr Gemma.

Is Facial Contouring painful?

Everyone will have a different experience. Depending on your pain threshold, you may experience less or more discomfort. Facial/lip contouring can be painful, however in areas that are more sensitive (e.g. lips) topical numbing cream is applied prior to treatment. Additionally, all of products used also contain local anaesthetic within the product which numbs the area during the treatment. 

How long do the effects of Facial Contouring last?

Facial/lip contouring usually last between 6 months - 2 years depending on the treatment location and product used. For example, areas that are highly mobile (e.g. lips/perioral/nasolabial fold/ marionette lines) usually last between 9 months - 1 year, whereas areas that are less mobile (cheeks, jaw, chin, temples) usually last between 1-2 years. Additionally, there are many factors that alter the longevity of the product including rate of metabolism, muscle mass, exercise and thyroid function. In some individuals, results will last longer than the standard time, while in other individuals results may disappear quicker than that standard time. 

Do you use cannula or needle for Facial Contouring treatment?

Depending on the area being treated, and the desired result, cannula or needle will be used. Some areas require a combination of both cannula and needle, and this will be discussed during the consultation.  

What are the risks/side effects of Facial Contouring?

• Bleeding and bruising is a risk of any cosmetic treatment where a needle is entering the skin.

• Swelling in the injection area may occur. This may last for a few days

• Infection is a very rare complication, but always a possibility

• Allergic reaction to the product

• Asymmetry 

• Inflammatory reaction to the product - either soon after treatment or months down the track - can require steroids/antibiotics/dissolving for treatment

• Lumps/nodules/granuloma - lumps can become visible under the skin either soon after treatment or months down the track - these can require dissolving of the product with hyalase, sometimes in combination with steroids/antibiotics.

• Vascular occlusion (blood vessel being blocked, interfering with blood supply to the skin, causing skin necrosis). This could lead to scarring/permanent skin damage, or in very rare instances blindness or stroke. Hyalase (reversal agent) can be used to reverse a blocked artery. Vascular occlusion is very uncommon.

• Need for further treatment

What is the downtime for Facial Contouring?

Facial contouring treatments (especially in the lip area) are prone to bruising and swelling. The bruising or swelling may last from a few days up to 2 weeks. It is usually advised that treatments should be scheduled at least 4 weeks away from any significant events to allow the product to settle/integrate into the tissue and for swelling or bruising to subside.

What happens before and during a Facial Contouring treatment?

Before your treatment, you will have a thorough consultation with Dr Gemma. She will examine your face and ask about your treatment goals and any areas you would like to restore or enhance. You will have photos taken and your face will be marked out with a treatment pencil. The risks, benefits, alternatives, cost, and post care advice will be discussed. Your medical history (e.g. allergies, medications, medical conditions) will also be discussed to check you are suitable for treatment. 

During treatment your skin will be cleansed with anti-septic and numbing cream may be applied. Photos will be taken for your medical file. Treatment will then occur. The whole process from start to finish will take around 45 minutes.

What are the post-care instructions for after Facial Contouring?

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours (to minimise bleeding/swelling)

• Use a soothing, antiseptic cream such as Bepanthen to treat the area

• Sleep on your back for the first few nights if possible to relieve pressure on the area and avoid disturbing the treatment

• Do not consume alcohol in the first 24 hours after treatment

• Do not go in spas, pools, or saunas the first few days after treatment

• Do not use AHAs, BHAs, Retinol, or Vitamin C for 24 hours after the procedure

• Avoid laser treatments, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels for 3-4 weeks following the procedure

• If there’s anything you’re unsure about, consult Dr Gemma

What is the cost of Facial Contouring treatment?

Unforutnately due to TGA guidelines, we can no longer state the price of treatment. Pricing will be discussed prior to treatment. During your consultation, Dr Gemma will discuss your treatment goals and pricing and develop a plan to achieve these goals.