What is Facial Balancing?  

A facial balancing procedure is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that combines dermal fillers and Botox® injections to create a more symmetrical and harmonious facial appearance. This procedure aims to correct facial asymmetry, enhance facial features, and achieve a more balanced facial appearance.  

Facial symmetry is important because it is associated with attractiveness, youthfulness, and good health. However, when the face is asymmetrical, it can affect the overall appearance and make a person look older or less attractive. Facial balancing can improve facial symmetry and restore a more youthful and attractive appearance.  

Dermal fillers and Botox® are popular cosmetic treatments used in facial balancing procedures. Dermal fillers are injectable substances that add volume and restore the fullness of the face, while Botox® is a muscle relaxant that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Together, they can improve facial balance and create a more youthful and refreshed look.  

Understanding Facial Asymmetry  

Various factors, including genetics, injury, or aging can cause facial asymmetry. For example, a person may have a larger or smaller jaw on one side of their face, a more prominent cheekbone on one side, or a more visible wrinkle on one side. These differences can be subtle or more pronounced.  

Facial asymmetry can affect the face’s appearance and make a person look less attractive or older. In addition, facial asymmetry can cause psychological distress and lower self-esteem. When one side of the face is more pronounced than the other, it can create an imbalance and draw attention away from the person’s natural beauty.  

Facial balancing with dermal fillers and Botox® is a viable solution for correcting facial asymmetry. Dermal fillers can be used to add volume and restore fullness to areas of the face that may be deficient in volume, while Botox® can be used to relax muscles on one side of the face that may be more active or prominent than the other side. By creating balance and symmetry in the face, facial balancing can enhance the overall appearance and create a more youthful and attractive look.  

The Role of Dermal Fillers in Facial Balancing  

Dermal fillers are injectable substances that restore volume, plumpness, and fullness to different face areas. They can be made from different materials, but hyaluronic acid is the most common type used for facial balancing. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally found in the body, particularly in the skin, joints, and eyes. It is used to keep these areas moisturized and lubricated, which helps to keep them plump and elastic.  

Different dermal fillers can be used for facial balancing, depending on the area to be treated and the individual’s goals.  

The areas of the face that can benefit from dermal fillers include the cheeks, lips, chin, temples, and under the eyes. In addition, dermal fillers can be used to correct asymmetry, add definition and contour, and restore volume and fullness to areas that have lost elasticity and become saggy due to aging or other factors.  

Dermal fillers work by injecting the filler substance under the skin in the targeted area. The filler then plumps the skin, adding volume and fullness to the area. The results can last anywhere from six months to two years depending on the type of filler used. Generally, dermal fillers are safe, minimally invasive, and produce natural-looking results. In addition, they can effectively create balance and symmetry in the face and restore a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.  

The Role of Botox in Facial Balancing  

Botox® is a type of injectable medication that temporarily paralyzes the muscles in the face, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, but in very small doses, it is safe and effective for cosmetic use.  

When injected into the muscle, Botox® blocks the nerves’ signals telling the muscle to contract. This results in a temporary relaxation of the muscle, which can smooth out wrinkles and lines that are caused by repetitive facial expressions. Botox® is commonly used to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.  

In addition to treating wrinkles, Botox® can also be used for facial balancing. By relaxing certain facial muscles, Botox® can help create symmetry and balance in areas where one side of the face is more pronounced than the other. Some areas of the face that can benefit from Botox injections for facial balancing include the jawline, chin, and eyebrows.  

Botox® can be used in conjunction with dermal fillers to enhance the results of facial balancing. While dermal fillers add volume and plumpness to the face, Botox® can be used to relax the muscles causing asymmetry. Combining these two treatments allows a skilled injector to create a more balanced and harmonious look on the face.  

Overall, Botox® is a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and create balance and symmetry in the face. When performed by a qualified and experienced injector, Botox can help enhance dermal fillers‘ results and produce natural-looking results that can last for several months.  

Preparing for the Procedure  

Before undergoing a facial balancing procedure with dermal fillers and/or Botox, it is important to schedule a consultation with a qualified and experienced injector. During the consultation, the injector will evaluate your facial features and determine the areas needing treatment to achieve balance and symmetry. They will also discuss the procedure with you, answer any questions you may have, and develop a customized treatment plan based on your goals and preferences.  

Before the procedure, you should avoid taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for at least a week. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, which can increase the risk of bruising and other complications.  

Steps Involved in the Procedure:  

1. Cleansing the Skin: The injector will begin by cleansing the skin in the treatment area to remove makeup or dirt.  
2. Numbing the Skin: Depending on the treated area, the injector may apply a topical anesthetic or ice to numb the skin and minimize any discomfort during the injections.  
3. Injecting the Dermal Fillers: The injector will use a thin needle to inject the dermal fillers into the targeted areas. They may massage the area to ensure even distribution of the filler.  
4. Injecting the Botox: If Botox is being used as part of the procedure, the injector will use a small needle to inject the Botox into the targeted muscles.  
5. Evaluating Results: After the injections, the injector will evaluate the results to ensure that the desired level of balance and symmetry has been achieved. They may make additional injections as needed to achieve the desired results.  

After the procedure, you may experience swelling, redness, and bruising in the treatment area. These side effects are normal and usually resolve within a few days. You can use ice packs to reduce swelling and avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure.  

You should also avoid touching or rubbing the treated area and exposing it to direct sunlight or heat. Following any additional aftercare instructions your injector provides is important to ensure optimal results.  

The results of facial balancing with dermal fillers and Botox® typically last between six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used and the individual’s metabolism. Follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired level of balance and symmetry.  

Choosing a Practitioner for Facial Balancing:  

Regarding facial balancing with dermal fillers and Botox®, choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner who can safely and effectively perform the procedure is important. Here are some things to consider when selecting a practitioner:  

Qualifications and Experience to Look For:  

1. Board certification: Look for a practitioner who is board-certified in a relevant field, such as dermatology, plastic surgery, or facial plastic surgery.  
2. Training: The practitioner should have completed specialized training in facial aesthetics and be experienced in performing the facial balancing procedure with dermal fillers and Botox.  
3. Reputation: Look for a practitioner with a good reputation, including positive reviews and testimonials from past patients.  
4. Before and after photos: The practitioner should be able to provide before and after photos of their previous patients to give you an idea of their results.  

Questions to Ask During the Consultation:  

1. What qualifications and experience do you have in performing the facial balancing procedure with dermal fillers and Botox®?  
2. Can you show me before and after photos of your previous patients?  
3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure?  
4. How can I prepare for the procedure, and what should I expect during recovery?  
5. What is the cost of the procedure, and what are my payment options?  

Overall, it is important to take the time to find a qualified and experienced practitioner who can help you achieve your desired results while minimizing the risk of complications.  

Cost of Facial Balancing with Dermal Fillers and Botox 

The cost of facial balancing with dermal fillers and Botox® can vary depending on several factors. Here are some things that may influence the cost of the procedure:  

1. Geographic location: The cost of living and demand for the procedure can vary depending on where you live, so the cost may be higher or lower in certain areas.  
2. Practitioner experience: A more experienced practitioner may charge more for their services.  
3. Type and amount of product used: The cost of the dermal filler and Botox® products used can vary depending on the type and amount needed to achieve the desired results.  
4. The extent of treatment: The more areas of the face that need to be treated, the higher the procedure cost.  

On average, the cost of facial balancing with dermal fillers and Botox® can range from $800 to $3,000 per session, depending on the abovementioned factors.  

Financing Options:  Some practitioners may offer financing options to help make the procedure more affordable. These may include payment plans, financing through third-party companies, or accepting credit cards. Discussing your financing options with your practitioner and determining what works best for your budget is important. It is also worth noting that insurance typically does not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures, including facial balancing with dermal fillers and Botox®.  

Final Thoughts  

Facial balancing with dermal fillers and Botox® is a non-surgical procedure that can effectively enhance facial symmetry and balance, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Dermal fillers can be used to add volume and restore lost facial contours, while Botox® can be used to relax facial muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  

While the procedure can provide numerous benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects, including bruising, swelling, infection, and asymmetry. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a qualified, experienced practitioner and following all pre- and post-procedure instructions.  

Overall, facial balancing with dermal fillers and Botox® has the potential to improve the overall appearance and boost confidence. It is a viable option for those wishing to achieve a more balanced and symmetrical appearance without surgery. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits and choose a practitioner to help you achieve your desired results safely and effectively.