Facial contouring to restore volume and balance.

Facial contouring, also known as facial or face sculpting, reshapes the face to enhance or improve facial features and reduce the appearance of ageing. Restoring volume to key areas can give a natural lift for a fresher, more balanced appearance. Our doctors offer non-surgical facial contouring with dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections, often in combination.

Yes: facial contouring can be achieved by surgical or non-surgical means, and the facial contouring our doctors offer is non-surgical. Dermal fillers restore volume and sculpt, while anti-wrinkle injections tighten and define, without incisions. Your doctor will explain what non-surgical facial contouring can and cannot change for your face.

A face contour injection usually means a dermal filler placed to add volume or re-shape an area such as the cheeks, chin, jawline or temples. Fillers differ in chemical make-up, longevity and softness: softer HA fillers suit the lips and eyes, while firmer, thicker ones may be chosen for the jawline and chin. Your doctor chooses the type and volume for each area.

How long facial contouring lasts depends on the treatment: results from dermal fillers can last up to 10 months, depending on the type of filler, and anti-wrinkle injection results are likely to last up to 6 months. Fillers dissolve naturally with time, so repeat treatment is needed to maintain the effect. Your doctor will explain what to expect for your plan.

After non-surgical facial contouring, normal activities can usually be resumed straight away. Mild swelling and bruising after dermal fillers may last about a week, so avoid vigorous exercise and extreme heat while it settles. After anti-wrinkle injections, any redness or swelling should settle within the day; avoid massaging your face, strenuous exercise or lying down for 2–4 hours. Filler results are reviewed at 2 weeks.

Anti-wrinkle injections help facial contouring by tightening the skin rather than adding volume. For contouring, they are placed very superficially into the dermis, where they cause contraction and tightening of the skin without affecting the muscles of facial expression. The jawline can look more defined and jowls improved, and the eyes can look more lifted and less tired. They are a prescription-only treatment given by a doctor.

Non-surgical facial contouring uses injectable treatments, so it carries some risks and should be given by a trained doctor after a full assessment. Mild swelling and bruising are common and usually last about a week. Rarely, filler can block a blood vessel: severe or increasing pain, pale or mottled skin, or any change in vision needs urgent attention. Rarely, the effect of anti-wrinkle injections can spread and affect swallowing, speaking or breathing.

Facial contouring may not be suitable, or may need to wait, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unwell, have a skin infection in the area or have a nerve or muscle condition. Anti-wrinkle injections are not recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to cow's protein. Tell your doctor about any previous fillers or other injectables so they can plan around them.