The key to a relaxed facial appearance and softened chin shadows lies in addressing the fibrous tissue, including the the labiomental ligament under the skin. Subcision is an effective technique involving a blunt cannula. This tool delicately releases the fibrous strands that contribute to textural irregularities and a heavy look in the chin area. The subcision procedure allows skin to lift up. At the same time, subcision stimulates collagen production, yielding smoother, more youthful skin. The procedure is relatively quick, but its impact on facial aesthetics is significant and long-lasting.
Subcision of the labiomental ligament is a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the lower face, particularly around the mouth and chin area. To understand this procedure, it's important to know what the labiomental ligament is and how it affects facial aesthetics:
- Labiomental Ligament: The labiomental ligament is a band of connective tissue that spans from the lower lip to the chin. It creates a crease or indentation known as the labiomental fold, which is visible between the lower lip and the chin. The prominence and depth of this fold vary among individuals and can change with age.
- Aesthetic Concerns: A pronounced labiomental fold can give the appearance of a sunken or receding chin, a prominent lower lip, or a general aged look in the lower facial area. Some people may find this feature unattractive and seek cosmetic procedures to alter its appearance.
- Subcision Procedure: Subcision is a technique used to release the ligament. This release can soften the appearance of the labiomental fold, leading to a smoother transition between the lower lip and chin.
- Aesthetic Improvement: By reducing the depth of the labiomental fold, subcision can create a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing contour in the lower face. It can make the chin appear more prominent and the lower face more harmonious with the rest of the facial features.
The subcision treatment also includes Botox injections in the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle to address a frowning face. The DAO muscle is one of the muscles responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth downwards, which contributes to a frowning or unhappy expression. Here's how Botox works in this specific area:
- Action of the DAO Muscle: The DAO muscle is located at the corners of the mouth. When it contracts, it pulls the corners of the mouth downwards, which can give the appearance of a frown or a sad expression.
- Botox Mechanism: Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. When injected into a specific muscle, it reduces or eliminates the muscle's ability to contract.
- Effect on Frowning: By injecting Botox into the DAO, the downward pull on the corners of the mouth is weakened or halted. This reduces the frowning appearance because the muscle can no longer contract as forcefully to pull the mouth corners down.
- Cosmetic Improvement: The relaxation of the DAO muscle can lead to a more neutral or slightly upturned mouth position, contributing to a less sad or angry facial expression. This can make a person's resting face appear more pleasant or content.
- Procedure and Duration: The procedure usually involves a few small injections directly into the muscle. The effect of Botox is temporary, typically lasting for about 3 to 6 months, after which the treatment can be repeated.
- Expertise Required: It's important that this procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced injector. The correct placement and dosage of Botox are crucial for effective and natural-looking results. Overuse or incorrect placement can lead to an unnatural appearance or difficulty in performing natural facial expressions.
- Potential Side Effects: As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects, such as bruising, swelling, or asymmetry, although these are generally rare and temporary.
Botox injections in the DAO muscle can be a part of a broader facial rejuvenation strategy and are often combined with other treatments for more comprehensive facial expression management.
For moderate to severe volume loss, subcision can also be combined with dermal filler or Sculptra. The procedure is generally quick, taking less than 30 minutes, and is recommended every six months for optimal results. If RBF is getting you down, this could be a winning treatment for you.
Fun fact - subcision can also be used for acne scars! It works by improving the overall appearance of depressed or rolling scars by releasing the fibrous strands that tether the scar tissue down as well as by helping to promote new collagen production.