The V-Face Treatment is a combination of i. botulinum toxin injected into the masseter muscles (these are the large chewing muscles on both sides of the jaw) and ii. chin fillers. These 2 procedures are performed in the same clinical sitting. Botulinum toxin is injected precisely into both masseter muscles to weaken them – over a period of 4 to 6 weeks these muscles gradually get smaller, leading to a slimmer-looking face. In addition, chin fillers are placed to complete the V-Face Treatment, resulting in a more attractive “V” or “heart-shaped” appearance of the face.
Am I suitable?
Dr J Ngiam will need to examine your unique facial features to determine if you are suitable for this treatment. Typically, if you have a short facial height, wide mid-face and “squarish appearance” of the jaw due to enlarged chewing muscles, you are more likely to benefit from this procedure.
What can I expect during the treatment and how long does it take?
In preparation for the procedure, your face will be cleansed thoroughly and an anaesthetic cream will be applied to the treatment area. This will be left on for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The doctor will then use a very fine needle to inject precise amounts of botulinum toxin into the chewing muscles of the face. Following this, chin fillers will be injected and moulded gently to achieve the desired look.
The entire procedure takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes (this includes the time needed for numbing the skin).
How soon can I return to normal activities?
There is minimal downtime – you can actually resume your usual lifestyle as soon as your treatment is over.
Are there any side effects?
Botulinum toxin and fillers used nowadays are generally safe and seldom produce severe side effects. The most common side effects are injection-related, such as redness, pain, itching, swelling or bruising. These post-treatment reactions are usually mild and disappear after a few days.
Will the treated area feel unusual?
The chewing muscles of the face might feel sore after botulinum toxin has been injected – this typically resolves uneventfully over the next few days.
Depending on the specific product used, you may be able to feel the filler material under the skin for a short period after treatment. However, the material integrates completely into your own tissue over time to provide subtle results without any unpleasant sensations.
When can I start to see results and how long do they last?
The aesthetic results of the chin fillers can be seen immediately post-procedure. However, results from the botulinum toxin injection will progressively become more noticeable over the next 4 to 6 weeks. This is because the cells of the chewing muscles of the face need time to reduce in size after being injected with botulinum toxin.
Effects of the V-Face Treatment typically last between 6 to 9 months and up to a year in certain cases.