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Non Surgical Facial Shaping / Face Lift

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Quick Facts

Dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections can be used to rejuvenate, lift and reshape the face without the need for surgery
Eye hollows, brow shaping, chin shaping, cheek enhancement, nose reshaping, and jowl reduction can all be performed with dermal fillers.
Jaw squareness can be reduced with anti-wrinkle injections
Non-surgical facial shaping requires significantly less downtime and risk than surgery, and require no general anaesthetic

What is non-surgical facial shaping or a non-surgical face lift?

Traditionally, facial shaping and face lifting has been performed exclusively by surgical means. With the advent of new dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections, it is now possible to shape and lift the face and make subtle yet significant changes without the need for surgery. The key difference between the non-surgical procedures and the surgical procedures is that the non-surgical procedures require little or no downtime/recovery. Furthermore, as expected, non-surgical procedures carry little risk, and require no general anaesthetic.

What is the importance of revolumising the face?

One of the key factors that contribute to facial ageing is loss of facial volume. This is often overlooked when rejuvenating the face. When we are young, our face resembles a grape, full, smooth and firm. As we get older, we lose the volume in our face and it becomes more like a sultana. Replacing lost volume is in many cases more important than surgically lifting the face. Lifting the face surgically without replenishing lost volume can often result in an unnatural appearance. Revolumising the face does not always replace the need for a surgical procedure, but in many cases, surgery can be avoided or delayed simply by strategic revolumisation of the face. This can be done relatively non-invasively by dermal fillers.

For more information on facial volume loss click here.

The following is a table of the areas that can be treated, the surgical and non-surgical solutions;

Area of concern	Surgical treatment	Non-surgical treatment
Eye hollows/tear troughs	Fat transfer Blepharoplasty	Deep filler injections into hollows to lift skin using; Filler type R/P (1 - 3 syringes) Filler type J (1 - 3 syringes) Anti-wrinkle injections
Eyebrow lift/shaping	Endoscopic brow lift	Filler to revolumise brow area using; Filler type R/P (1/2 - 1 syringe) Filler type J (1/2 - 1 syringe) Anti-wrinkle injections
Recessed chin	Chin implants Fat transfer	Filler to enhance forward projection of chin using; Radiesse (1.3mL) Filler type P (1 - 2 syringes) Filler type JU+ (1 - 2 syringes)
Sunken cheeks	Cheek implants Fat transfer Face lift	Filler to enhance forward and side projection of cheeks using; Radiesse (1.3 - 2.6mL) Filler type R/P (2 - 4 syringes) Filler type JU+ (2 - 4 syringes)
Nose	Rhinoplasty	Filler to disguise 'hump' on nose or deviated nose using Radiesse Filler type R/P (1/2 to 1 syringe) Filler type J/JU+ (1/2 to 1 syringe) or anti-wrinkle injections to lift tip of nose
Square jaw	Mandibular angle osteotomy	Anti-wrinkle injections
Jowl reduction	Face lift	Filler to disguise jowls; Radiesse Filler type R/P (1 - 4 syringes) Filler type J/JU+ (1 - 4 syringes) Anti-wrinkle injections to muscles pulling corners of mouth down.
Non-surgical face lifting	Face lift	Anti-wrinkle injections to muscles along jawline and neck. Also known as the Nefertiti lift

(See below for more information on each area)

The prices for treatment of each of the above areas will depend on the number of syringes of product used.

An estimate of the amount of product required is listed below.

The cost per syringe of each dermal filler is listed in the dermal filler page.

Combine dermal fillers/anti-wrinkle injections/laser treatments with our cosmetic packages.

How can I treat my eye hollows/tear troughs non-surgically?

Eye hollows or tear troughs are the groove that sits between your lower eyelid and the cheeks. They can lead to tired looking eyes. As the fat under the eye begins to protrude with age, this can also exacerbate the tear troughs, as the groove is made relatively deeper by the protrusion of fat above it. The transition from the eyes to the cheeks becomes interrupted by the formation of eye bags and tear troughs, and this can age the face.

Surgically, a blepharoplasty can be performed to remove the excess skin and fat from under the eyes, and fat transfer from another part of the body can be used to fill in any hollows. This procedure has a downtime of approximately two weeks and a general anaesthetic is required. In some cases, removal of the fat/skin under the eyes can cause the eyes to appear more hollow.

Non-surgically, it is not possible to remove the protrusion of fat under the eye. However, by filling in the tear trough underneath it, the eyebags can appear less prominent, thus making the transition from the eyes to the cheeks smoother. This procedure is usually done with the hyaluronic based dermal fillers Type R/P and J. By depositing this product on the bony orbital rim, it is possible to lift this groove and fill in the tear trough. Because this is an area that does not move much, dermal fillers tend to last much longer here than other areas (up to 2 years). Usually one to two syringes of product are required for this area.

Case study 1

This patient is actually one of the nurses at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute. 1mL of filler type P has been injected into her tear troughs and around the bony orbital rim of the eyes. Note the improvement in the hollowness of the eyes after the treatment. The eyes appear softer and more youthful after treatment.

Case study 2

This female presented to The Victorian Cosmetic Institute with concerns about her under eye area. She was concerned about the puffiness under her eyes in particular. Using 2 syringes of filler type J, her under eye tear troughs were filled, and this smoothed the transition between her under eye bags and her cheeks, effectively camouflaging her eye bags/puffiness.

Case study 3

This female presents with concerns about her under-eye bags. She was treated with a dermal filler (type J 0.8mL) to her tear troughs (the depression just underneath the buldge). It has lifted the tear trough and decreased the apparent appearance of the eye bags by smoothing the transition from the eye to the cheeks.

Non surgical face shaping case study 3

Tear trough correction video

Dr. Gavin Chan demonstrates tear trough correction using filler type J. The patient has been anaesthetised prior with a nerve block that numbs the area around the eye. Filler type J is injected deep into the tear trough to lift the skin and reduce the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheeks.

How can I achieve an eyebrow lift or shape my eyebrows non-surgically?

Traditionally, the only method of lifting eyebrows up was by surgery. A now antiquated method of surgical eyebrow lifting was the coronal brow lift. An incision is made in the hair line, and the forehead is pulled backwards to lift the brows. More commonly, the procedure is now performed via keyhole surgery (endoscopic brow lift).

Non-surgically, it is possible to lift the eyebrows, but the results are usually not as dramatic. Firstly by using anti-wrinkle injections, it is possible to relax certain muscles around the eyes to help create an overall lift in the eyebrows. There are certain muscles that hold the eyebrows down, especially the muscle surrounding the eye, known as orbicularis oculi. By careful placement of anti-wrinkle injections into these muscles, the eyebrows are released from this downward pull, and the forehead muscles (frontalis) are left to lift the eyebrows up without being antagonised. This leads to a few millimetres in eyebrow height usually, although the effect is variable.

Secondly, by injecting a dermal filler such as filler type R/P and J underneath the eyebrow, support can be given to the eyebrow and this elevates the eyebrow up. Usually 1/2 to 1 syringe of product is required in this area. It also helps to soften the bony orbital rim around the eyebrows, leading to a softer and more youthful appearance. The 'skeletonisation' of the brow is an ageing feature and by placing fillers on the bony rim, it softens this area and reduces any showing of the underlying skull.

Eyebrow shaping video

Dr. Gavin Chan injects filler type J into the area around the brow to reduce the skeletonisation of this area.

Case Study 4

This patient presents to The Victorian Cosmetic Institute with concerns about her upper eyelid area. She had been considering having a blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery). Instead, a dermal filler was placed to refill the upper eyelid and re-expand the volume there. The before and after photos are spaced about 1 month apart.

How can I treat enhance my chin non-surgically?

The chin is an important feature of the lower third of the face. By enhancing the chin, the jawline can be sharpened and the effect of excess skin and fat in the chin/neck can be reduced.

For those seeking chin enhancement via surgical methods, a chin implant may be appropriate. For those who are unsure of whether this permanent procedure is suitable or for those who surgery is not applicable, chin enhancement can be performed by injection of a dermal filler into the area. Dermal fillers can last from 6 months to 18 months in this area.

Filler type R/P and J can simply be injected into the areas of the chin to improve the shape and forward protrusion of the chin. The results from this treatment can last around 6 months. The downtime, swelling and bruising associated with this procedure is minimal. Radiesse can also be injected with minimal downtime, swelling and bruising, but lasts for around 18 months. Radiesse is more expensive, but is better value as it lasts longer and tends to create a more substantial correction per mL.

Chin enhancement video

Dr. Jenny Kimmins performs chin enhancement with dermal filler type J

Case Study 5

Case Study 6

This patient presents with concerns about the size of her chin in comparison to the rest of her face (nose/cheeks). 1.3mL of Radiesse was injected into the chin area, and this improved the forward projection of the chin, and helped balance her chin with her nose. Also it improved the appearance of the under chin area by pulling up the fat and skin there.

Non surgical chin reshaping - before

How can I enhance my cheeks non-surgically?

Cheeks are a very important feature of the mid-face and tend to droop and flatten with age. This leads to the formation of jowls (the sag around the chin area), and naso-labial lines/folds (the line from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth). For more information about how adding facial volume is an important part of a youthful face, click here.

Cheek enhancement can be performed surgically by inserting cheek implants. For those who do not want a permanent change and the option of easy adjustability, there are injectable/non-surgical options.

Filler type P or J can be injected into the cheeks with a small gauge needle. Generally, two syringes are required in total to achieve an adequate amount of correction. The results generally last for 6 to 9 months with these fillers. Radiesse can also be used for a longer lasting correction. There is a small amount of swelling and bruising with this procedure, and this usually subsides in a few days.

One of the advantages of treating the cheeks is that it lifts the entire face and reduces naso-labial lines and jowls. Generally, the tear troughs should be treated simultaneously with the cheeks, as the elevation of the cheeks can exacerbate tear troughs (see above).

Cheek enhancement video

Dr. Gavin Chan demonstrates cheek enhancement using filler type J. The treatment area has been previously anaesthetised with a local anaesthetic nerve block. Filler type J is injected with only a minimal number of injections to further enhance the cheeks.

How can I have a non-surgical nose job?

Traditionally, nose reshaping has been done with rhinoplasty. It remains the gold standard for nose reshaping, but for those who do not want a permanent change, or for those who would like to try a temporary procedure prior to rhinoplasty, injectable nose enhancement may be appropriate.

Injectable nose shaping can only build on a nose. Bumps or protrusions cannot be removed, rather, the hollows that may exacerbate the appearance of bumps or protrusions can be filled in. For example, if there is a prominent nasal bridge (where glasses usually sit), then the hollow area above it can be filled to reduce the appearance of the bridge. Another example of non-surgical nose shaping is when a nose is deviated to one side, the other side can be filled to make it appear straighter.

The nose is also prone to ageing, and as you get older, the nasal tip tends to droop. This can also be corrected by injecting areas that have drooped to create a perceivable nasal lift.

Generally, a shorter lasting filler such as filler type R/P or J can be used to 'test' to see if the treatment leads to an aesthetic improvement. If one is happy with the improvement, the second option is usually to try a longer lasting filler like Radiesse.

Usually only 0.5mL of filler type R/P, 0.8 mL of filler type J or 0.3mL of Radiesse is required to shape noses.

Case Study 7

This person presented to The Victorian Cosmetic Institute concerned about a bump on her nose. She had a dermal filler (type J) injected into the area above the bridge/bump and below the bump. The after photo was taken immediately after the procedure.

Non Surgical Nose Shaping

How can I treat my square jaw non-surgically?

A square jaw is a masculine feature that may not be desired in some females. It is usually due to excessive mass over the angle of the mandible, the part of the jaw near the ears.

An osteotomy can be performed to reduce the bony mass of the jaw, but this procedure has significant downtime and comorbidities. To achieve a similar result without surgery, the muscles overlying the jaw can be injected with anti-wrinkle injections to help relax the muscle here and flatten this area.

By injecting anti-wrinkle injections into the main muscle that causes the bulk (the masseter muscle), the squareness of the jaw can be reduced significantly. This muscle can be felt when you clench your teeth or chew. For those who suffer from nocturnal teeth grinding/bruxism, this treatment may also help. The procedure has virtually no downtime, and starts to work in 1 week and lasts for about 4 months. Usually 25 units of anti-wrinkle injections are required in this area.

Case Study 8

This patient presented to The Victorian Cosmetic Institute with concerns about the squareness of her jawline and wanted to slim the angle of her jaw without surgery. This was achieved by injecting anti-wrinkle injections into the muscles that are responsible for chewing (along the jawline, adjacent to the ears - you can feel these muscles on yourself when you clench your jaw). She was injected with a total of 25 units of muscle relaxant (anti-wrinkle injection) to her right side and 35 units to her left side. The post photo was taken 3 weeks after the treatment, and a noticeable slimming of the jawline/face is apparent.

non surgical jawline reshaping

How can I reduce my jowls or drooping mouth corners non surgically?

Jowl formation is due to the descent of the cheeks below the jawline. This disrupts the jawline. To correct this, a facelift can be performed to lift the cheeks back to their original position and straighten the jawline. However, for those who are not willing to undergo surgery, dermal fillers can be injected into the area in between the jowls and the chin. This disguises the jowls and straightens the jawline.

With the descent of the cheeks, the mouth corners also tend to start to turn downwards. By supporting the mouth corners with dermal fillers, it is possible to turn the mouth corners back to a more neutral or upgoing direction.

Case Study 9

This female in her fifties presented with concerns about her jowls and drooping mouth corners. She also wanted to improve on the shape of her lips. 1.3mL of Radiesse was injected around the corners of the mouth and along the chin to support this area. This smoothed the transition between the cheeks and the chin as well as sharpened the jawline. A syringe of filler type JU was injected into the lips to improve their size and shape whilst maintaining a natural appearance.

How can I lift my face non-surgically?

By using anti-wrinkle injections to stop the downwards pull of various muscles in the neck and jawline, it is possible to achieve a non-surgical face lift and sharpen the jawline.

This is called a Nerfertiti lift, named after the Egyptian Queen who was known for her defined jawline.

Why should I choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as my provider of non-surgical facial shaping?

At The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, our doctors have a large range of dermal fillers for you to choose from to suit your needs and goals. Furthermore, we specialise in anti-wrinkle injections and Lipodissolve treatments in facial shaping.

Making that first phone call can be a confronting task - many of our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form.

We can then contact you with an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate.

It's as easy as clicking either of the buttons below and completing the provided form.

Otherwise, you can phone us directly on (03) 8850 0655 (Templestowe) or (03) 9707 0888 (Berwick).

On this page:

• Quick Facts

• What is non-surgical facial shaping or a non-surgical face lift?

• What is the importance of revolumising the face?

• How can I treat my eye hollows/tear troughs non-surgically?

• Case study 1

• Case study 2

• Case study 3

• Tear trough correction video

• How can I achieve an eyebrow lift or shape my eyebrows non-surgically?

• Eyebrow shaping video

• Case Study 4

• How can I treat enhance my chin non-surgically?

• Chin enhancement video

• Case Study 5

• Case Study 6

• How can I enhance my cheeks non-surgically?

• Cheek enhancement video

• How can I have a non-surgical nose job?

• Case Study 7

• How can I treat my square jaw non-surgically?

• Case Study 8

• How can I reduce my jowls or drooping mouth corners non surgically?

• Case Study 9

• How can I lift my face non-surgically?

• Why should I choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute as my provider of non-surgical facial shaping?

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