The injection of botox or similar products into the masseter is a popular and safe way to contour the lower face making it less square. In addition, if you tend to clench or grind teeth, this can be reduced with masseter injections. Proper technique is essential as injection too far forward will weaken not only the masseter muscle, but also one of the muscles used in smiling. Fortunately, this adverse event is temporary but it can last for weeks to months if it happens.
Voluma is a great product that has been used here in Canada for almost 4 years. It is suitable for significant volume loss to the cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and temples. It should not be used for the brow, in the tear troughs or the lips as it is too firm and will give rise to uneven contours and possibly lumps. Are you too young to have fillers? Not if you need them! And recent evidence suggests these types of fillers ( hyaluronic acids) may even stimulate your own body to produce more collagen.
Voluma is a great product for lifting deflated cheeks. It gives lift because it is quite viscous. The great news is that cheek correction can last for 2-3 years in certain cases. The product can feel stiff under the skin for up to a week or more, and some tenderness is not uncommon - lasting from a few days to a week. If you are experiencing an increase in pain, associated with tenderness, redness or swelling, then you may have an infection and should contact your doctor.
Both ablative (Carbon Dioxide) and Non-ablative fractionated lasers (like the Fraxel 1550 nm laser) can reduce pore size and it may be evident with even a single treatment session, though multiple sessions may be required. As a dermatologist, I have not been impressed by other modalities ( including retinoids and exfoliants ) to help this problem though they will certainly provide other benefits to the skin.
Fraxel Dual ( wavelength 1927 nm) is a reasonable approach to help improve your spots without causing generalized post treatment increase in pigment ( post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). However, the treatment needs to be done with low densities and you may need to do more than one treatment session to achieve maximal improvement - that still may not be 100%. Using IPL or Q switched lasers on your skin would increase the risk of post treatment pigment. Remember, you still should use a lightening cream with or without a topical retinoid and a sunscreen.
