People are increasingly using facial contouring or sculpting to improve their facial features and get a more defined look. It’s a non-surgical procedure that is very smooth.
From non-surgical treatments to injectables, there’s a growing array of techniques that allow you to achieve your desired look with minimal downtime. But with so many options available, deciding which one is right for you can be difficult and daunting.
This guide will explain the different facial contouring techniques and help you decide which suits your beauty goals best.
What Is Facial Contouring?
Facial contouring refers to various techniques used to reshape and enhance the face. The goal is to create balance, define critical areas like the jawline and cheekbones, and tighten skin to improve the overall structure of the face.
Unlike invasive surgical procedures such as facelifts, facial contouring today is often non-invasive or minimally invasive, making it more accessible for people seeking subtle, natural-looking improvements.
Non-Surgical Facial Contouring Options
These options deliver effective results with little to no downtime. The actual treatments are also very quick and require only a local anesthetic or numbing cream. Here are some of the most common non-surgical facial contouring:
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are one of the most popular non-surgical options for facial contouring. They can smooth wrinkles, restore lost volume, and create definition in the cheeks, jawline, and chin.
How They Work:
Fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in your body that retain moisture. As we age, our bodies stop making it, generally after 50 to 60. However, in a few cases, this could happen at an earlier stage. By injecting fillers into key areas of the face, you can add volume where you need.
Best For:
· Cheek enhancement: Adds volume to the cheeks.
· Jawline and chin definition: Creates a more sculpted jawline and improves a weak chin.
· Under-eye hollows: Filling in sunken areas (under the eyes) to remove dark circles.
Pros:
· Immediate result
· Little to no downtime
· Customizable for individual
Cons:
· Temporary (usually lasts 6–12 months)
· Requires touch-ups for maintenance
Dermal fillers are a great option if you’re looking for a subtle but noticeable enhancement without surgery.
Botox
Botox injections are shots that fix wrinkles and some other problems. While it’s commonly known for smoothing wrinkles, it also can be used to make the lower part of the face look slimmer. It’s done by injecting into the masseter muscles, which can make the jawline look more defined and V-shaped.
How It Works:
It temporarily relaxes muscles by blocking certain chemical signals from the nerves, and prevent the muscles to contract. When injected into the masseter muscles, it reduces their size over time which cause slim jawline.
Best For:
· Jawline slimming: People (with a square or broad jaw) who want a more delicate, oval-shaped face.
Pros:
· Non-invasive with no downtime
· Results appear gradually and last 3–6 months
Cons:
· You may need multiple sessions
· Effects are temporary and require maintenance
People bothered by moderate to severe wrinkles, particularly dynamic wrinkles, which form due to muscle movements, like forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines, are good candidates for Botox.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment for tightening skin on face and neck. It stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, which improves the skin elasticity.
How It Works:
The ultrasound energy penetrates deep layers into the skin, targeting areas like the neck, jawline, and brow to create a lifting effect. It encourages the body to produce more collagen that tighten the skin.
Best For:
· Sagging skin: Lifting the brow, tightening the jawline, and improving the overall contour of the face.
· Preventing aging: A preventative measure for those in their 30s or 40s who are noticing early signs of aging.
Pros:
· Non-invasive with no downtime
· Natural-looking results over time
· Long-lasting effects (can last up to a year or more)
Cons:
· Gradual results (it takes a few months to see full effects)
· Mild discomfort during treatment
Ultherapy is an excellent option for people looking for a natural, gradual lift without injections or surgery.
CoolSculpting for the Chin
CoolSculpting, originally designed for body contouring, can now be used for double chin reduction. This technique uses cryolipolysis, or fat freezing, to reduce/remove the stubborn fat.
How It Works:
CoolSculpting applicator freezes and destroys fat cells. And our body eliminates these dead cells naturally. After eliminating the destroyed fat cells, you will see improvements in the double chin appearance, neck, and jawline.
Best For:
· Double chin reduction: Eliminating stubborn fat under the chin.
Pros:
· Non-invasive with no downtime
· Permanent fat reduction
· No needles or injections
Cons:
· It takes a few months to see the final result
· It may require multiple sessions
CoolSculpting is ideal for individuals who want to address chin fat without undergoing an invasive procedure.
Radiofrequency (RF) Skin Tightening
Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening is another non-invasive option for facial contouring. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deep layers of the skin, promote collagen production, and tighten the skin.
How It Works:
RF energy is delivered to the skin’s deeper layers, which stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and elasticity. It can be used on the cheeks, jawline, and neck to provide a more lifted and youthful appearance.
Best For:
· Mild to moderate skin laxity: Tightening sagging skin on the face and neck.
· Jawline contouring: Improves the appearance of the jawline.
Pros:
· Non-invasive with no downtime
· Suitable for most skin types
· Gradual, natural-looking results
Cons:
· It may need multiple treatments to get the best result
· The results are not dramatic/quick
RF skin tightening is perfect for individuals with mild sagging who are looking to improve skin firmness without invasive measures.
Choosing the Right Technique for You
With so many facial contouring options available, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
The answer depends on several factors:
· Your beauty goals
· The area you want to address
· Your budget
· How much downtime you’re willing to tolerate
Factors to Consider:
1. The Area of the Face: Different techniques target different areas of the face. If you’re looking to enhance your cheekbones, dermal fillers might be the best choice. For jawline slimming, Botox is ideal. Treatments like Ultherapy or RF skin tightening may be more appropriate if your concern is sagging skin.
2. Desired Results: Do you want a dramatic transformation, or are you looking for subtle enhancements? Non-invasive treatments like RF or Ultherapy provide natural & gradual results, while injectables like fillers provide more immediate effects.
3. Downtime and Recovery: Non-invasive treatments like RF or Botox have minimal to no downtime, making them suitable for those with busy lifestyles. If you’re not able to take time off for recovery, these options might be your best bet.
4. Longevity of Results: How long do you want your results to last? While injectables like dermal fillers and Botox provide immediate results, they are temporary and require maintenance. Treatments like Ultherapy and CoolSculpting can offer longer-lasting effects, but the results develop gradually.
Consulting with a Professional
Before you decide on any facial contouring technique to shape your face, you should talk to a professional who specializes in cosmetic procedures. They will look at your face shape, skin type, and what you want to achieve and then recommend the best treatment.
At R·MEDYᴹᴰ Aesthetics, we offer a range of non-surgical facial contouring treatments, from dermal fillers to Ultherapy and beyond.
Conclusion
Facial contouring is used to reshape the face and enhance natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in dermal fillers for added volume, Botox for a slimmer jawline, or Ultherapy for a subtle lift, there’s a treatment that can help you reach your goals.
It’s very important to discuss with a professional and get a personalized treatment. By making a wrong decision or choice, it can harm than good.
With the right treatment plan, you can get a more youthful appearance with minimal downtime.