*Sponsored post: BTL Aesthetics South Africa*
As we journey through the sands of time, the pursuit of a timeless, youthful appearance continues to evolve. Our arsenal against the signs of ageing has included skincare, injections, and surgeries, but a new frontier beckons – the world of facial muscles. In this article, Dr Cathy Davies reports on the fascinating realm of BTL EmFace®, an innovative device from BTL Aesthetics. EmFace® harnesses the power of High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation (HIFES) and Radiofrequency (RF) energy to rejuvenate facial muscles and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Join us as we uncover the secrets of how strengthening these delicate muscles can help you achieve a lifted, more youthful, and attractive visage. But before we delve into EmFace®, let’s explore the often-overlooked world of facial muscle ageing and its profound significance…
Understanding Facial Muscle Aging
Ageing transforms every layer of the face, from the skin to the deepest tissues. While we’ve long recognized the impact of age on skin, fat distribution, and skeletal mass, our understanding of age-related changes in facial muscle size remains limited.
Our arsenal against facial ageing includes various methods, from botulinum toxin injections to cosmetic surgeries, but the allure of non-invasive, cost-effective alternatives that focus on muscle strength and movement is growing.
Until recently, surgery was the primary option for enhancing muscle tone and addressing the SMAS layer (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System). However, the significance of facial muscle tone should not be underestimated. Just as we exercise our bodies for strength, facial muscles also benefit from regular workouts, leading to improved appearance.
The Beauty of Facial Muscle Tone
Facial muscle tone offers several advantages. Firstly, it enhances facial symmetry, a key element in attractiveness. Research has shown that individuals with symmetrical faces are often considered more attractive and healthier.
Secondly, it improves skin elasticity by boosting blood flow and oxygenation, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin looking smoother and more youthful.
Thirdly, well-toned facial muscles can lift and firm the skin, diminishing sagging and creating a more defined appearance.
The Power of Facial Exercises
Facial exercises have been practised in various cultures to enhance muscle tone. Simple exercises, like the Jawline Exercise or Cheek Exercise, can be performed anywhere, at any time. Consistency is crucial, ideally incorporating these exercises into your daily routine to see noticeable results.
Some examples of facial exercises include:
- The Jawline Exercise: Place your thumb under your chin and push up gently while opening and closing your mouth.
- The Cheek Exercise: Smile as wide as possible and hold for 10 seconds, then relax.
- The Eyebrow Exercise: Place your index fingers just above your eyebrows and pull them up while frowning with your forehead.
- The Neck Exercise: Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling, then pucker your lips as if you were going to kiss it.
- The Eye Exercise: Close your eyes and place your fingertips gently on your eyelids. Apply slight pressure and move your fingers up and down.
BTL EmFace® Revealed
The EmFace® device has caused a paradigm shift in the way we approach the layers of facial ageing. For the first time in the clinic, we can use HIFES energy to address the delicate facial muscles and the SMAS layer. The EmFace® can target sagging elevator muscles, and at the same time uses radiofrequency to address skin tone and quality. I like to explain to my patients that the fascia layer acts like a sleeping bag, giving support to the muscle, and both need to be treated as a unit.
EmFace® uses High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation—or HIFES and Radiofrequency—to contract and strengthen the delicate facial muscles, causing a lifting effect.
With EmFace®, high-intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES-brand) and radiofrequency (RF) energies are delivered simultaneously via the unique, technologically advanced, facial applicator to stimulate specific muscles in the layer of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). This targeted approach encourages facial lifting capabilities while the concurrent RF produces a tightening effect. The result is a completely new paradigm in the quest to restore a more youthful appearance.
During a treatment session, HIFES-brand energy generates thousands of pulses per session, thoroughly and completely stimulating delicate muscles – specifically the frontalis, zygomaticus major and minor, and the risorius. The EmFace® treatment creates a sort of lateral brow lift that reduces wrinkles and provides better facial support overall. Sagging facial tissue is drawn back up, with more muscle tone and structural support. All this is achieved with no anaesthesia, needles, or downtime.
In conclusion
Facial muscle tone plays a pivotal role in our appearance. By exercising and toning the facial muscles, it is possible to achieve a more lifted, youthful, and attractive look. Whether you choose to incorporate daily facial exercises into your routine, or explore the EmFace®’s treatments. For severe sagging, visit a plastic surgeon who will address this surgically. Plastic surgeons in South Africa are listed at www.aprassa.co.za
For more information, contact BTL Aesthetics South Africa sucansky@btlnet.com | +27 76 232-8058 | www.facebook.com/BTLAestheticsSouthAfrica | www.instagram.com/btlaestheticssouthafrica
EmFace Treatments are currently available in South Africa at:
- Coco Aesthetics Cape Town | +27 82 233 4401 | www.cocoaesthetics.co.za
- Body and Skin Clinic Johannesburg | +27 78 511 4759 | www.bodyandskinclinic.com
- Body and Skin Clinic Cape Town | +27 79 112 7778 | www.bodyandskinclinic.com
*Disclaimer: This article was commissioned by BTL Aesthetics South Africa and written by Dr Cathy Davies.
References:
- Abe, T.; Loenneke, J.P. The Influence of Facial Muscle Training on the Facial Soft Tissue Profile: A Brief Review.Cosmetics 2019, 6, 50. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6030050
Medical Practitioner, Johannesburg MBBCh (Wits 1998) MBA (Henley 2007)
Dr Cathy is a General Practitioner with a special interest in hair transplantation and aesthetic medicine. She is a lead educator for PRF Edu, Venice Florida. Dr Cathy is renowned for her TV show "Outpatients" which aired from 2018 to 2020, helping victims of violent injuries, burn victims and those seeking life changing hair restoration. She is also a published author.
- Dr Cathy Davieshttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-cathy-davies
- Dr Cathy Davieshttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-cathy-davies
- Dr Cathy Davieshttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-cathy-davies
