What Causes Facial Ageing & Skin Changes?
Changes in facial structure and skin quality occur naturally and are influenced by various factors, including:
- a gradual reduction in collagen and elastin
- repetitive facial muscle movements
- UV exposure and environmental damage
- natural ageing processes
- lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking, stress and sleep patterns)
- changes in facial fat volume and distribution
Facial Rejuvenation Treatment Options
While there is a wide variety of Facial Rejuvenation treatments available, the right treatment approach for you will depend on your underlying concerns and your individual facial structure. Often, several treatment modalities may be combined as part of a broader Facial Rejuvenation plan.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser treatment can address various skin concerns associated with environmental exposure and ageing. It works by delivering controlled energy into the deeper layers of the skin where collagen and pigment are located. This energy interacts with targeted structures within the skin while minimising impact on surrounding tissues.
During treatment, collagen activity can be stimulated as part of the skin’s natural repair response. Additionally, pigment particles within the skin may also gradually fragment.
As skin renewal is a gradual process, multiple treatments are often recommended, depending on the individual’s skin condition and treatment goals.
Treatment first requires a face-to-face consultation to carefully assess the skin and determine the most appropriate treatment frequency.
When treating pigmentation changes (sun spots, freckles, age spots), Laser treatment can involve targeting these areas with a fine treatment tip to focus on individual pigmented spots. Changes can be noticed as early as the first session. The number of sessions required will depend on factors such as the depth and amount of pigment and the individual’s healing response.
Muscle Relaxant Treatment
Muscle Relaxant treatment can be used to address expression-related lines that develop due to repeated muscle contraction. Common treatment areas include the outer eye area, the forehead and the area between the eyebrows.
Once muscle activity has been minimised in these areas, the skin can rest for as long as the product remains active. This can reduce the appearance of expression lines and help limit repeated folding of the skin associated with facial movements.
An initial consultation is required before treatment, during which the cosmetic nurse will carefully assess facial muscle activity to ensure the product dosage and placement are appropriate while maintaining necessary muscle function.
Volumising Treatment
As we age, bone support, fat distribution and skin elasticity all change, resulting in more fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, when rejuvenating the skin, addressing changes in facial structure with a volumising product may be recommended.
Volumising products are gel-based substances made of naturally occurring sugar molecules that attract and bind water within the skin. When placed under the skin at specific depths, volumisers can provide structural support and help to contour certain facial areas.
There are various volumiser formulations and selection depends on the treatment area, the degree of volume change and tissue thickness. The product’s longevity varies depending on the formulation and individual metabolism.
Skin Boosters
Skin Boosters deliver intense hydration and nutrients into the upper dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production, supporting skin quality, texture, radiance and elasticity.
For example, Rejuran is a skin booster that contains polynucleotides. These are DNA fragments derived from salmon. When used in aesthetic treatments, it helps support the skin’s natural repair processes. Rejuran can be used in areas such as the cheeks, under-eye region and lower face.
Rejuran & Skin Needling
Rejuran may be combined with Skin Needling (Micro-Needling) in some cases. Skin Needling creates controlled micro-injuries within the skin. This initiates the body’s wound-healing response, prompting the production of collagen and other structural components of the skin.
Incorporating Rejuran into the treatment can support the skin as it repairs tissue. Treatments are typically staged several weeks apart, depending on your individual treatment plan.
Comfort During Treatment
The amount of discomfort your Facial Rejuvenation treatment may cause depends on the type of treatment, the area being treated and your individual response.
At Bella Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of comfort options to help you remain as comfortable as possible during your procedure. The most common option is a topical anaesthetic, which is applied before treatment to numb the area. Cooling techniques are also used, such as applying ice packs before, during or after treatment to help ensure comfort and minimise swelling or bruising. Additionally, some volumising products contain a local anaesthetic, which can help with comfort during treatment.
What To Expect After Treatment
Your experience after treatment will depend on the type of treatment/s you’ve had and your individual response.
After treatment, it is usual for your treated area to be swollen, red, or bruised and to feel tender. However, the degree of these effects varies from person to person and will be influenced by the treatment approach used.
Some Facial Rejuvenation treatments require very little recovery, while others may involve several days to weeks of visible bruising or swelling. Again, any required downtime depends on your procedure and individual response.
Cost of Facial Rejuvenation Treatments
The cost of Facial Rejuvenation treatment varies and depends on the specific treatment, product selection, volume required and whether ongoing treatments are recommended.
Before proceeding with any treatment, a face-to-face consultation is required. After a thorough facial assessment, your treatment plan will be proposed, with all associated costs outlined, so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
Potential Side-Effects & Risks
All nonsurgical aesthetic medicine procedures carry potential risks and side effects. These can include infection, swelling, bruising, changes in facial movement, vascular compromise, neurological complications, drooping of the eyelids (ptosis) and in rare cases, visual impairment.
Outcomes cannot be guaranteed and individual responses vary. All risks will be discussed during consultation with both your cosmetic nurse and prescribing doctor before proceeding.
For more information, please visit our Potential Risks and Complications page.
