What are the differences between facial contouring and facial skin tightening?

When choosing the right dermal filler option you may come across facial contouring, or you may be thinking about using dermal fillers to tighten and smooth the skin. These are both popular options, but while they may be similar, there are some key areas of difference. So what are the differences between facial contouring and facial skin tightening? And which procedure is right for you?

The differences between facial contouring and facial skin tightening

There are a number of differences between facial contouring and facial skin tightening and these include:

• The focus of the treatment
• The application of dermal fillers
• The focus of the treatment

Both facial contouring and skin tightening treatments have different areas of focus, as these are treatments designed for slightly different purposes.

Facial contouring primarily focuses on reshaping and defining the underlying structure of the face to create a more balanced appearance. It involves the strategic placement of dermal fillers to increase volume in specific areas to enhance certain features. For example, this could include enhancing the shape of the cheekbones for definition, or increasing the size of the lips for a more balanced or youthful facial structure. These dermal fillers can add volume and promote hydration, and by injecting fillers in these precise locations, contours can be sculpted, giving the face a more defined and youthful look. This can also balance out any asymmetry.

On the other hand, facial skin tightening primarily focuses on restoring volume to the face to reduce the appearance of sagging or loose skin associated with the signs of ageing. While this can restructure the face, the injection sites are likely to be slightly different, aiming to increase volume in focus areas to lead to an increase in skin firmness and smoothness. This can be very beneficial for the jawline and jowls, as well as for the cheeks and under eye area, that often experience sagging skin as a result of the ageing process.

The application of the dermal fillers

When it comes to the application of dermal fillers, the techniques differ between facial contouring and skin tightening.
In facial contouring, the focus is on precise placement to augment specific facial features. For instance, to enhance cheekbones, the filler may be strategically injected along the bone structure to add volume and lift. To alter the shape of the nose, or the lips, fillers can be used in specific, targeted areas to create symmetry, balance and volume. The goal is to create a balanced and natural-looking result that complements the individual’s unique facial anatomy.

Facial skin tightening treatment with dermal filler, on the other hand, involves applying small amounts of dermal filler in areas that have lost volume. This will depend on individual requirements and facial structure, but for example, may involve tear trough fillers for lost volume under the eyes, and sagging skin around the cheeks, or jawline injections to correct sagging skin around the jowls. These injections can restore a more youthful appearance, without recontouring the shape and structure of the face.

Combining facial contouring and facial skin tightening

It is essential to note that facial contouring and facial skin tightening can complement each other to achieve optimal results. While facial contouring focuses on enhancing facial features, skin tightening procedures can help improve the overall texture and firmness of the skin by restoring lost volume. As such, combining these treatments can be highly effective.

Here at the Skin and Wellbeing Clinic we are Prestons leading aesthetic practitioners. Why not get in touch today to find out more about our dermal filler treatments.