Facial Balancingin Calgary

Facial balancing is not a single product or procedure. It is a way of planning treatment that looks at the proportions of the whole face, including the forehead, temples, cheeks, lips, chin and jawline, from the front and in profile.

Small, well-placed adjustments in several areas often achieve a more natural result than a larger change in one. Depending on your face, a plan may use dermal fillers, Botox and biostimulators.

Your consultation with Dr. Guo looks at facial proportions, symmetry, your profile, areas of volume loss and skin quality, both at rest and with movement.

Features influence one another. For example, a recessed chin can make the lips or nose appear more prominent, and loss of cheek support can deepen folds lower in the face. Dr. Guo's fellowship training in Mohs surgery and facial reconstruction gives him a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, which guides where treatment will make the most difference and where it is better to leave things alone.

• Dermal fillers to restore or define the cheeks, chin, jawline and temples
• Lip fillers to keep the lips in proportion with the rest of the face
• Botox to soften lines and relax overactive muscles
• Sculptra and HarmonyCa to rebuild collagen and support where volume has been lost

Not everyone needs every treatment. Your plan is based on what will make a meaningful difference for your face.

After your assessment, Dr. Guo will explain his recommendations and the order in which he suggests doing them. Treatment is often staged over more than one visit so that results can settle and be reviewed before anything further is added.

Injections are done in the office. Swelling, tenderness or bruising at the injection sites are common for a few days, and most people return to normal activities the same day.

Injectables change shadows, contour and support. They do not move bone or replace surgery, so a strongly recessed jaw or a large change to the nose may be better assessed by a surgeon; Dr. Guo will tell you if that applies.

Small changes in several areas usually look more natural than one large change. Treatment is often spread over more than one visit, and some products, such as biostimulators, take months to show their full effect. The goal is a face that looks balanced and still like you; results vary from person to person.

Facial balancing may suit you if you:

• Feel that one feature is out of proportion with the rest of your face
• Want an overall refresh rather than a change to a single area
• Have had treatment in one area and feel the result looks unbalanced
• Are noticing early volume loss and want a long-term plan

Injectable treatments are not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an active skin infection in the treatment area. Dr. Guo will review your medical history at your consultation.

Treating several areas of the face safely requires a thorough knowledge of facial anatomy, including the blood vessels and nerves that lie beneath the skin. Dr. Guo is a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon, and he personally performs every injectable treatment.

His approach is conservative: the aim is for you to look balanced and like yourself, not treated.

When will I see results?

Filler results are usually visible right away, with early swelling settling over a few days; Botox usually takes effect within 4 to 7 days (up to 14 days to show fully), and biostimulators build gradually over a few months.

How long do results last?

Hyaluronic acid fillers generally last 6 months to 2 years, Botox about 3 to 4 months, and Sculptra results often last around two years, sometimes longer. Dr. Guo will explain what maintenance is likely to involve.

Risks and side effects

Swelling, bruising, redness and tenderness are common and usually settle within days. As with any injectable, serious complications such as infection or blockage of a blood vessel are rare but possible. Dr. Guo and his team will go through the risks with you before treatment.

Further reading: Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: What Is the Difference? · How hyaluronic dermal fillers reduce wrinkles · Sculptra vs. Dermal Fillers: Which Is Right for You? · What is facial balancing?

Visit our brand new state-of-the-art facility with top-of-the-line and cutting-edge technologies and equipment, and a full spectrum of medical, surgical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology.

You can count on knowledgeable staff and easy parking; please contact the clinic for current appointment availability. Our facility is one of the largest Mohs Surgical Suites in Canada.