Facial Balancing Is The Newest Cosmetic Procedure To Take Over TikTok
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Much like Botox and other neuromodulators, dermal filler can be used to subtly (or not so subtly) alter one’s appearance without having to go under the knife or worry about downtime, which is a huge appeal to many. Want fuller lips, brighter under-eyes, or a temporary rhinoplasty? Filler can do it all—and then some. In fact, filler can even help tweak the overall symmetry of your face via a trending technique known as facial balancing.
Meet the experts: Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, is an internal medicine physician who specializes in aesthetic medicine and founder of Glo by Glen Facial Optimization in Brooklyn, New York. Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. Jimmy C. Sung, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and medical director of Tribeca Aesthetics in New York City.
If you keep up with the wild world of aesthetics at all—whether it be on #SkinTok, Instagram, YouTube, or another educational platform—then there’s a solid chance you’re at least somewhat familiar with facial balancing. The non-invasive injecting technique has become incredibly popular in recent years due to its ability to create noticeably harmonious, yet subtle results that are completely customizable from patient to patient. It’s also far less expensive than surgical tactics, plus you don’t have to take any time off from work or social activities, which is a real bonus.
Exactly what is facial balancing with fillers, though, and how can you know if you’re a good candidate? We tapped three seasoned injectors for all the details. Ahead, discover everything you need to know about the latest filler fad—from what an appointment entails to how much it typically costs, and much more.
What is facial balancing?
“Facial balancing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to enhance and harmonize the proportions of the face using injectable dermal fillers,” says Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, an internal medicine physician who specializes in aesthetic medicine and founder of Glo by Glen Facial Optimization in Brooklyn, New York. “The goal of this procedure is to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial appearance by addressing areas of volume loss, asymmetry, or disproportion.”
Facial balancing is a meticulous process that involves using the strategic placement of filler in specific areas of the face to help restore volume, improve facial contours, and create a more symmetrical appearance, explains Dr. Nosworthy. Common treatment areas typically include the cheeks, temples, chin, jawline, and lips.
“The intent of facial balancing is for patients to have a natural, symmetric appearance and to not look overdone,” adds Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
Who is facial balancing for?
According to Dr. Nosworthy, anyone who’s bothered by facial asymmetry, volume loss, or disproportion is an ideal candidate for facial balancing—as is anyone who simply wishes to enhance their own natural features sans surgery. “In my office I always perform a thorough consultation to assess if you are a good candidate for facial balancing,” she says. “My assessment includes reviewing your past medical and surgical history, prior aesthetic procedures, skin health/integrity, medications, allergies etc.”
With that being said, for patients with more mature skin who have some laxity, Dr. Nosworthy recommends combining facial balancing with other skin regenerative treatments, such as the NeoGen PSR, which is great for tightening the skin naturally and non-surgically.
Jimmy C. Sung, MD, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and medical director of Tribeca Aesthetics in New York City, adds: “Patients must be in good mental health with realistic expectations and whose conditions and concerns are moderate enough not to require surgical intervention.”
What are the pros and cons of facial balancing?
As with any aesthetic procedure, there are many upsides but also some potential downsides to facial balancing with filler.
Pros: As far as pros go, it’s non-surgical, involves minimal to no downtime, and has a lower risk of complications compared to surgical options. It’s also completely customizable and the results are instantaneous. “Dermal fillers allow for a high level of customization, as the amount and placement of filler can be tailored to the patient's specific needs and desired outcomes,” explains Dr. Nosworthy. “Patients can often see immediate improvements in facial volume, symmetry, and contours following the treatment. Another plus is that it’s reversible and offers natural-looking results.
Cons: Potential drawbacks include risk of side effects, overfilling or misplacement, and the fact that filler is temporary. “Like any cosmetic procedure, facial balancing with fillers carries a risk of potential side effects, such as swelling, bruising, redness, or the possibility of allergic reactions,” says Dr. Nosworthy. “Additionally, seeing an inexperienced or unskilled practitioner may lead to overfilling or misplacement of the fillers, which could create an unnatural or unbalanced appearance.”
How much does facial balancing cost?
The short answer is it will vary from practice to practice and patient to patient. “The cost is very specific to how much filler is used, in how many spots, and if a patient needs more than one treatment,” explains Dr. Hartman. “An average range is $900 to $1,500.”
Dr. Sung adds, “It depends on the variety of fillers and the skills and experience of your surgeon.”
What should I expect before and after my facial balancing appointment?
Before getting facial balancing done, you’ll discuss your current skincare routine with your dermatologist prior to your treatment so they can advise on what products you should discontinue or keep using. “The day of the treatment, come to the office with clean, dry skin, free of makeup and any other skincare products,” says Dr. Hartman. “The treatment itself lasts 15-20 minutes and isn’t overly painful. If patients are nervous about pain, we can rub a numbing cream on the skin before injecting.”
Afterward, your provider will offer specific post-treatment care instructions, which may include gentle skin care, avoiding strenuous exercise, and applying cold compresses to reduce swelling. With that said, results are immediate and swelling is typically minimal, so in most cases you can go back to resuming your day-to-day activities as normal.
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