Facial aesthetics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the aesthetics of a person’s face and smile. It involves the use of a range of non-surgical treatments to enhance the appearance of the face, lips, and teeth.
Benefits of Facial Aesthetic Treatments
Facial aesthetic treatments can have numerous benefits, both cosmetic and health-related. Treatments can:
- Improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars
- Provide a more youthful-looking appearance to your skin
- Improve the evenness of skin tone
- Improve the appearance of scars
- Improve your self-confidence
- Results in a fuller, more defined face
Common Facial Aesthetic Treatments
Botox
Botox is an injectable cosmetic procedure that targets dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals to the muscles that cause these wrinkles to form. This relaxes the muscles and allows the overlying skin to lay flat and smooth again. Results look natural and last for about three to four months on average.
Botox injections are a popular cosmetic treatment that can temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as prevent the formation of new lines and creases. The treatment works by injecting a small amount of Botox into the affected muscles. This relaxes the muscles and prevents them from contracting, which prevents the formation of lines in the skin.
Common areas for Botox include the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. It can also be used to treat neck bands and to reduce the signs of aging around your mouth. Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating in the armpits and feet. The effects of Botox can last from three to four months and should be repeated to maintain the desired effect.
Aesthetic Laser Treatments
Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that can reduce signs of aging or sun damage. It uses laser energy to penetrate deep into the skin, removing damaged layers to reveal a more even and youthful appearance. This procedure addresses fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation issues, and even skin laxity due to aging.
There are two main types of lasers used in laser resurfacing procedures. Ablative lasers remove the entire outer layer of the skin, while non-ablative lasers only target the skin cells that need treatment. Non-ablative treatments are less invasive than ablative treatments but won’t deliver the same results as deeper penetration by ablative lasers.
Typically, there are three types of laser resurfacing procedures:
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing – This treatment uses carbon dioxide to remove the top layer of damaged skin. It tightens the skin in the treatment area and promotes the growth of new collagen over time. This type of laser resurfacing is used to treat deep lines and wrinkles, as well as age spots and sun-damaged skin. When it’s used on the face, it can also be used to tighten the jawline and reduce the appearance of a double chin.
- Erbium YAG Skin Resurfacing – This is an FDA-approved type of laser that uses an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser to resurface the face. It penetrates only a superficial layer of skin and results in a more gentle treatment than CO2 laser resurfacing. It can be used to treat mild skin problems such as uneven skin tone and fine wrinkles.
Fillers
Dermal fillers are often used to restore volume and fullness to areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging or skin damage. The treatment can also be used to “contour” the face by creating a more defined jawline and cheekbones, as well as plumping up sunken cheeks. Many patients also choose to have filler treatments administered under the eyes to correct under-eye bags and dark circles.
To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your consultation, call us at (970) 947-1717 or visit our dental office located at 120 Midland Avenue, Unit 230, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.
