What Is Full Facial Balancing and Who Is It For?

Summary

Full facial balancing is a modern approach that uses dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers to restore volume, enhance contours, and create harmony across the face, all without surgery. Results often build gradually through a personalized treatment plan, typically achieved over several appointments for the most natural outcome.

What Is Full Facial Balancing?

Full facial balancing is a comprehensive injectable treatment designed to restore youthful volume and refine facial proportions using dermal fillers, combined with neuromodulators to soften dynamic lines. But what is face balancing, exactly? It's an approach that looks at your face as a whole rather than treating individual areas in isolation. The goal is subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation that brings harmony to the cheeks, jawline, lips, and overall facial profile.

The Philosophy Behind Facial Balancing

Much like in classical arts, where every detail matters and a single element out of place can detract from the overall composition, facial aesthetics work the same way. When executed thoughtfully, the sum becomes much more than its parts. This philosophy drives the full facial balancing approach, micro adjustments from top to bottom that don't look overdone or inauthentic. By relying on anatomy and science, skilled providers create holistic, individualized plans that deliver structural beauty while maintaining each patient's uniqueness.

A Non-Surgical Alternative

Unlike traditional surgical facelifts, which involve removing and reshaping skin and deeper tissues, full facial balancing achieves facial harmony with precise, non-surgical enhancements. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking meaningful improvement without the commitment of surgery.

Common Products Used for Full Facial Balancing

A successful full facial balancing treatment relies on selecting the right combination of products for your unique anatomy and goals. Your provider may recommend one or more of the following options:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers (Juvéderm, Restylane): Instantly add volume and hydration; results typically last 6-18 months depending on product and area.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) (Radiesse): Provides structure while stimulating natural collagen production; results last around 12 months.
• Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) (Sculptra): Gradually stimulates collagen over time, with results that may persist for 2+ years.
• Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin): Relax muscles that cause wrinkles; effects typically last 3-4 months.
• Platelet based regenerative injections like platelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF)

Your provider will customize the exact products, techniques, and treatment plan to your unique needs and goals.

Who Is (and Isn't) a Good Candidate?

Full facial balancing works beautifully for many people, but it's not the right solution for everyone. Understanding whether you're a suitable candidate helps set realistic expectations and ensures the best possible outcome.

You may be an excellent candidate if you:

• Notice mild-to-moderate volume loss, developing lines, or early skin laxity
• Have reasonable skin elasticity and want natural-looking enhancement
• Prefer minimal downtime and are comfortable with maintenance treatments
• Want to address specific concerns such as hollow cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jawline definition, or lip/chin proportions

This treatment may not be ideal if you:

• Have significant sagging or excess skin (surgery may be more appropriate)
• Expect permanent, one-time results
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, have active skin infections, or certain medical conditions your provider identifies as contraindications
• Have a history of severe allergic reactions to filler ingredients

What Can Full Facial Balancing Do (and What Can't It Do)?

Setting realistic expectations is key to satisfaction with any cosmetic treatment. Full facial balancing offers impressive results for the right concerns, but it does have limitations. Here's an honest look at what this treatment can and cannot achieve:

Full facial balancing can:

• Restore cheek or temple volume and soften folds around the mouth
• Define the jawline and camouflage early jowl formation
• Enhance lip and chin proportions
• Smooth dynamic wrinkles and expression lines
• Improve undereye hallowing 

It cannot:

• Remove or dramatically tighten sagging skin
• Fully correct pronounced jowls or neck bands
• Eliminate puffy under eye bags 
• Replicate the longevity or dramatic results of a surgical facelift

What Is the Facial Balancing Procedure Like?

Understanding the facial balancing procedure can help ease any pre-treatment nerves. Here's what to expect on the day of your full facial balancing treatment:

1. Consultation & Planning: Your provider will review your goals, medical history, and map out a customized treatment plan tailored to your facial anatomy.
2. Preparation: The skin is cleansed, and numbing agents are applied if needed to maximize comfort.
3. Treatment: Injections are placed strategically using fine needles or cannulas, targeting specific areas to achieve balanced, harmonious results.
4. Duration: The appointment typically lasts 30-90 minutes, depending on your treatment plan.
5. Results: Full facial balancing often requires several appointments over approximately six months to achieve the best, most natural outcome.
6. Downtime: Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur, but most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.

What Should You Do After a Full Facial Balancing Treatment?

Proper aftercare helps optimize your results and minimize side effects. Following these guidelines in the first 24-48 hours can make a significant difference in your recovery and final outcome:

• Avoid exercise, alcohol, and saunas for 24 hours
• Sleep elevated on your back the first night
• Avoid makeup on injection sites for several hours
• Follow all personalized aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner

What Are the Facial Balancing Side Effects?

Like any injectable treatment, facial balancing side effects are possible, though most are mild and temporary:

• Common, temporary effects: Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at injection sites
• Occasional issues: Temporary asymmetry or unevenness that typically resolves as swelling subsides
• Rare but serious: Vascular occlusion (blocked blood vessel), which requires immediate medical attention

Safety Tip: Always find a provider with advanced training and extensive experience in facial injections. At Aesthetx, all of our providers have undergone advanced training and are recognized as leaders in the field, ensuring both safety and artistry in every treatment.

How Long Does Facial Balancing Last?

One of the most common questions patients ask is: how long does facial balancing last? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all, as the longevity of your results depends on the specific products used and your individual metabolism. Here's a general timeline for each product category:

• Neuromodulators: Results typically last 3-4 months, requiring regular maintenance sessions to preserve the smoothing effects
• HA Fillers: Provide results lasting 6-24 months, with variation based on the specific filler used and treatment area
• CaHA/PLLA: Offers the longest-lasting results at 12-24+ months, with PLLA building results gradually as it stimulates your body's natural collagen production

Most patients find that combining different products allows for a customized maintenance schedule that fits their lifestyle and budget. These timelines are guidance, and we always respond to your face and its needs in realtime.

How Often Do You Have to Get Facial Balancing?

Understanding how often you have to get facial balancing helps with planning and budgeting. After your initial series of treatments (typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart over several months), maintenance treatments are generally recommended every 6-12 months to keep results looking fresh and natural. Your specific maintenance schedule will depend on the products used, how your body metabolizes them, and your personal aesthetic goals. Some patients prefer more frequent touch-ups for consistently optimal results, while others are comfortable with less frequent visits.

What Is the Full Facial Balancing Cost?

The full facial balancing cost varies based on several factors, including the number of areas treated, the types and amounts of products used, your geographic location, and your provider's expertise. Because full facial balancing is highly customized, pricing is typically discussed during your consultation after your provider assesses your needs and develops a personalized treatment plan. Many practices offer financing options or package pricing for patients planning a series of treatments. While cost is an important consideration, prioritizing provider experience and safety should always come first.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

At Aesthetx, our highly credentialed provider team, including board-certified specialists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses, combines artistry with advanced techniques to deliver results that feel like you, only more refreshed. We'll design a personalized plan that balances and enhances your features with subtle, natural precision.

Book your consultation today to begin your journey toward confident, natural-looking rejuvenation.

Reviewed By:

Amelia K. Hausauer

Dermatologist

Dr. Amelia K. Hausauer, a trained classical Russian ballet dancer, brings a unique perspective to dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Her years of dance taught her the art of nuance and precision, which she applies to patient care, analyzing anatomy, and designing personalized treatment plans for radiant, natural results.