Facial Contouring
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica and Los Angeles
Facial contouring is a combination of facial treatments that create volume, minimize facial asymmetries, and reduce signs of aging. We are not born perfectly symmetrical, but there are minimally-invasive aesthetic treatments that can help us look our best. Dermal fillers can be combined with other injectables or energy devices to create natural contours and beautiful results.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 All About Facial Contouring Treatments
- 3 Dermal Fillers
- 4 Benefits of Facial Contouring
- 5 Ideal Candidates
- 6 Personal Consultation at Derm & Rejuvenation Institute
- 7 Preparation
- 8 Facial Contouring Treatment Steps
- 9 Recovery & Results
- 10 Complementary Treatments
- 11 How Much Does Facial Contouring Cost in Santa Monica?
- 12 FAQ
- 13 References
Before and After Photos
Dr. Tanya Kormeili is a board-certified dermatologist at Derm & Rejuvenation Institute, serving patients in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Malibu, Culver City, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, & surrounding areas in Southern California. Her attention to detail and personable demeanor cement her in the world of aesthetic and functional dermatology. With years of experience in all major disciplines of her field, Dr. Kormeili creates optimized treatment plans to help her patients meet their cosmetic goals. Call (310) 526-8301 or fill out our contact form to schedule a private consultation with her today.
All About Facial Contouring Treatments
Facial contouring rejuvenates a patient’s skin while achieving their desired facial structure. Though everyone has their own perception of beauty, the human eye is drawn to symmetry and balance naturally. Facial symmetry is not often natural, but we strive for equilibrium nonetheless. With the use of dermal fillers, Dr. Kormeili creates a specific treatment plan to improve your facial balance and rejuvenate your appearance.
Derm & Rejuvenation Institute offers many of the most popular injectables and facial treatments, giving you a catalog of choices to find the right combination. Dermal fillers can be injected to address fine lines, wrinkles, and skin imperfections, and to optimize the contour of the face with minimal side effects. (1)
Dermal Fillers
As the face ages, essential tissues start to lose volume creating small lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and between the eyebrows. This often makes natural asymmetries more prominent and visible, detracting from our best features. Dermal fillers can correct noticeable changes in the face safely and effectively in a short amount of time. They contain substances that already exist in the skin, and when injected, they promote healing and cell production. (2)
With active plumping ingredients, fillers stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. When the skin is rich in collagen, wrinkles, and fine lines dissipate, reinvigorating the face for a more youthful appearance. Fillers can be used individually or in combination with other treatments.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA fillers are some of the most popular types of injectables used in the United States and Europe today. (2) They are not only used to correct signs of aging but can also simulate facial balance when placed in the right areas. Whether that means correcting one side of the lips, smoothing out a chin imperfection, or adding volume to the cheeks, fillers are versatile and can be placed in most areas of the face.
A few of the most popular hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers used by Dr. Kormeili are:
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers
Another commonly used compound in dermal fillers is calcium hydroxylapatite, or CaHA, a biocompatible material that has the same chemical makeup as teeth and bone. When injected, CaHA is absorbed and replaced by soft tissue growth, increasing volume and adding radiance to the skin. (3)
Common CaHA fillers are:
Other Injectables
For some patients, dermal fillers can be used alone to achieve their desired contour. Depending on their needs, patients may also choose to add Botox to their treatment plan. If you have excess fat collecting near the chin or on the neck, Kybella is an injectable used to dissolve fat in the submental area.
What Is Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty, also known as a liquid nose job, involves using fillers to reshape and enhance the appearance of the nose without surgery. By strategically injecting fillers to correct bumps, asymmetries, or drooping nasal tips, we can achieve a more balanced and harmonious nasal profile in a minimally invasive manner.
Benefits of Facial Contouring
There are many benefits to non-surgical facial contouring.
- Restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours
- Safe, quick, and effective, and can be easily repeated
- Some fillers can last up to a year
- Less invasive and more cost-effective than facial plastic surgeries
- Provides long-lasting rejuvenation
- Extremely customizable and personalized
- Little-to-no downtime
Ideal Candidates
Facial contouring using fillers is suitable for most patients. If you have noticed the formation of wrinkles, or have always been bothered by the asymmetry in certain facial features, this treatment can benefit you. If you are aware of any allergies you may have to filler ingredients, please disclose this information during your first appointment. Your facial contouring can be as subtle or dramatic as you desire, provided your expectations match the possibilities of filler and non-surgical treatments.
Personal Consultation at Derm & Rejuvenation Institute
During your private consultation, Dr. Kormeili will ask for your information relating to your medical history, current medications, and any past treatments or dermal fillers you have received. She will perform a physical examination of the treatment area to assess your face and determine your treatment plan. Dr. Kormeili will use this time to choose the treatments that will most effectively serve you using her years of experience and knowledge to guide her.
Preparation
Please arrive at your first appointment with a freshly washed face that is free of makeup. Depending on the treatments in your plan, Dr. Kormeili may ask you to make medication adjustments to prevent any negative effects. Avoid alcohol consumption and the use of tobacco and nicotine products in the weeks leading up to your appointment. It is essential to avoid direct sunlight exposure before and after facial contouring. Please wear sun protection frequently to preserve your skin and prevent further sun damage.
Facial Contouring Treatment Steps
Dr. Kormeili specializes in the strategic placement of dermal fillers and injectables. She uses several techniques to achieve this, and her artistic eye for balance allows her to observe each patient’s face and choose where to place filler.
She starts each treatment by marking your face to plan her injection sites. The order in which each filler or injectable is administered depends on your procedure plan and specific cosmetic desires. She may inject small microdroplets to help even out the contour. Each facial contouring treatment takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Recovery & Results
There is no downtime associated with non-surgical facial contouring treatments. Most patients experience some swelling and bruising, but these dissipate fairly quickly in the following days. You do not need to take time off work and can continue your daily activities right after your appointment. If you experience any prolonged swelling or redness, please contact Dr. Kormeili right away to get it checked out.
The results of facial contouring are instantly visible and only get better with time. Dermal fillers create immediate volume and actively rejuvenate the skin as they settle.
Complementary Treatments
Thermage
Thermage skin tightening uses radiofrequency energy for non-invasive skin rejuvenation and tightening. It induces collagen stimulation to lift the skin, reduce the look of wrinkles, and create sharp contouring. In addition to dermal filler treatments, Thermage can further enhance your results by interacting with the underlying layers of skin. It is safe to use on the eyes, lower face, and chin, providing all-around structuring without incisions or outward damage.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a medical device used to tighten facial skin, creating a smoothing effect from deep within the dermis. This treatment lifts the skin using focused ultrasound waves to stimulate subdermal tissue. Ultherapy can be easily and safely combined with dermal fillers to accentuate your results and encourage deep tissue repair that continues long after your appointment.
If you are interested in learning more about these treatments and Dr. Kormeili, read her blog to keep yourself up to date on the latest aesthetic dermatology.
How Much Does Facial Contouring Cost in Santa Monica?
Because each treatment plan is extremely personalized and made just for you, the total cost of non-surgical facial contouring varies between patients.
The best way to receive your total estimated cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kormeili at Derm & Rejuvenation Institute. Please call our Santa Monica office directly at (310) 526-8301 or fill out our online form.
FAQ
Is facial contouring with fillers painful?
Facial contouring with fillers is generally well-tolerated by patients, with minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Advanced techniques ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, and any temporary side effects typically resolve quickly.
How long do facial fillers last?
The longevity of your results will depend on the type of filler chosen, the area treated, and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. Generally, most fillers last between 6 months to 2 years before touch-up treatments are recommended to maintain optimal results.
What is recovery like after dermal fillers?
After receiving injectable fillers, you can typically go back to your normal daily activities immediately. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise and activities that may increase blood flow to the face for the first 24-48 hours. Some patients may experience mild redness or bruising at the injection sites, but this usually resolves within a few days.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Tanya Kormeili’s Santa Monica office. We serve patients in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Malibu, Culver City, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, & surrounding areas in California. If you are one of our out of town guests, please inform our office staff to help make proper arrangements for you.
References
- Farolch-Prats L, Nome-Chamorro C. Facial Contouring by Using Dermal Fillers and Botulinum Toxin A: a Practical Approach. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2019;43(3):793-802. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-019-01361-1
- Urdiales-Gálvez F, Martín-Sánchez S, Maíz-Jiménez M, Castellano-Miralla A, Lionetti-Leone L. Concomitant Use of Hyaluronic Acid and Laser in Facial Rejuvenation. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2019;43(4):1061-1070. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-019-01393-7
- Jacovella PF. Use of calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®) for facial augmentation. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2008;3(1):161-174. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2544361/