Face Yoga versus Esthetic Injectables - Everything you should know.

In today’s world where youthful look, flawless and wrinkle free skin is praised and admired, ageing is often met with lots of negativity and social pressure to look young forever. Because of this pressure and the need to keep up with current beauty trends, many women search for an instant fix, often undergo cosmetic procedures like Botox or fillers and even surgical procedures like surgical facelift.

The question is if aesthetic treatments and plastic surgery are the only alternative for women who want to regain their youthful appearance ? 

The good news is there is also a method called Face Yoga if women prefer a more of a holistic approach to ageing.

Face Yoga and Esthetic injectable treatments like Botox and Hyaluronic fillers, offer unique approaches, advantages and disadvantages to facial rejuvenation and countering signs of ageing.

Personally, I’ve chosen a natural and holistic method instead of injectables. I have tried both, Botox and fillers but after a couple of years I decided to follow a holistic approach and age gracefully with Face Yoga.

I strongly believe in body autonomy and personal choices. We all have the right to make choices that suit us best. But I also believe that in order to make informed decisions we require the information to weigh advantages vs disadvantages of our choices.

I hope the information included here will help you to make the right choice for you.

Face Yoga - natural approach to facial rejuvenation

Face Yoga is a totally natural, non- invasive, holistic method that includes specific facial exercises ( toning /strengthening and relaxing), massage, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and a healthy lifestyle. Face Yoga unifies body, mind and spirit. Face Yoga relaxes tense and overworked muscles, tones underused and weak facial muscles, improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow, promotes collagen and elastin production. Face Yoga makes skin look healthy, glowing and toned. Importantly, Face Yoga preserves natural facial expressions and enhances the look and strength of the facial muscles.

Multifaceted approach to facial rejuvenation with Botox and Hyaluronic Acid

Botox is a medical, FDA - approved invasive procedure, that involves an injection of a chemical called Botulinum Toxin ( produced by a bacteria Clostridium Botulinum ).The Botulinum Toxin temporarily paralyzes specific group of muscles by blocking certain chemical signals ( Acetylcholine - chemical messenger) that cause muscles to contract. Muscles temporarily become less stiff & they relax and this reduces and softens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Muscles are temporarily paralyzed limiting natural face expressions.

Hyaluronic Acid ( HA)  is a polysaccharide consisting of the disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. Hyaluronic Acid injection is a popular procedure for patients who want minimally non-invasive facial rejuvenation. Hyaluronic Acid injection (HA) is a filler, a type of gel implant and is biocompatible identical to the Hyaluronic Acid occurring in the human body, mainly in the skin. It has a gel consistency and the ability to absorb and retain water and its role is to maintain moisture in the intercellular space in which the fibroblasts, collagen and elastin fibers are immersed. Hyaluronic Acid used in aesthetic medicine is produced by genetically modified bacterias in the process of microbiological fermentation. Bacterias and their body cells are removed and cleaned from the final product. Hyaluronic acid is mainly used for: needle mesotherapy (a treatment used to moisturize the skin), lip modeling/enlargement, elimination of asymmetry, filling wrinkles and labial-nasal folds, restoring volume and facial modeling.

How quickly does Face Yoga work ?

First results with Face Yoga may be visible after a few weeks, depending on the individual. Results may vary from person to person l and are dependent on many factors like consistency in practice, genetics, general health, lifestyle , etc. To maintain the results with Face Yoga, consistent and correct practice is required. Benefits increase gradually over time but consistency is key. A person has complete control over the practice, and necessary adjustments, making the practice more individual and holistic.

When to expect results with Botox and Hyaluronic Acid injections?

Botox provides visible results very quickly, within 1-5 days. Results, however, are temporary and they may last 3 - 6 months, depending on the person. Botox wears off with time causing muscles to contract making wrinkles visible again. To maintain the required results, regular repeat treatments / injections are necessary. The results are predictable .The treatment requires a qualified professional for administration so there is much less control over the overall process.

Hyaluronic Acid fillers are considered safe, they are easy to use but similarly to Botox, must be administered by a qualified professional. The effect is visible immediately after the treatment and lasts from several months to over a year depending on the product, its application and the individual predispositions of the body. Regular treatments are required to maintain the effects. The effect is reversible with an enzyme hyaluronidase.

Is Face Yoga affordable ?

Face Yoga classes or tutorials are generally medium to low cost, depending on type of tutoring. Once the person learns the proper technique the only cost required is time. There may be additional expenses if a person chooses to continue with additional tutorials and classes. Accessibility and convenience are Face Yoga's great advantages. No equipment is required.

What is the cost of Botox and Hyaluronic Acid fillers ?

Botox and Hyaluronic Acid therapies may become quite expensive since they must be done regularly to maintain the effects. The cost depends on the number of units of Botox and the amount of HA filler used, as well as on the qualification and location of the practitioner. Both procedures require time for consultation/appointments and equipment.

How safe is Face Yoga ?

Face Yoga is generally safe for everyone when performed correctly and with the instructions of a Certified Face Yoga coach. When the technique is performed incorrectly this may cause some muscle/joint pain or strain. Individuals with preexisting health issues require adjustment to avoid exacerbation of the symptoms and further health problems. Face Yoga does not possess any long term side effects when practiced correctly. As a holistic method it helps to create body(face), mind connection and awareness. With that, Face Yoga helps to create long lasting positive lifestyle routines.

Side effects of the Injectables

Botox and Hyaluronic Acid injections are considered generally safe when administered by a qualified medical professional.

The most common side effects of Botox may include: 

- Tenderness and pain at the site of injection, 

- Bruising (Ecchymosis ) or hematoma at the injection site, 

- Headache and regular headaches with long-term Botox use, 

- Dry mouth sensation and flu-like mild malaise,

- Allergic reactions like edema, erythema or redness at the injection site, 

- Diffuse erythema and generalized urticaria to more severe like anaphylactic shock,

- Droopy eyelid ( blepharoptosis), a droopy eyebrow ( brow ptosis), 

- Asymmetry in facial expressions,

- Inability to perform certain facial movements, smile limitation, expressionless and effect of “frozen look “ or “Mask- like “ face, 

- Sunken cheeks, and sagging and looseness, 

- The “Mephisto sign” ( distal part of the eyebrow is raised higher than the rest of the brow), 

- Local skin infection, 

- Dryness and flakiness of the skin around the areas of Botox injection site,

- Dry eyes, corneal irritation and vision problems like blurred/ double vision, accommodation difficulties and even retinal detachment, 

- Problems in speech articulation, 

- Spreading the Botulinum toxin to the surrounding tissues of the body causing muscle weakness troubles 

- rare but severe Iatrogenic Botulism - when Botulinum toxin attacks body nerves and may cause headache, facial paralysis & muscle weakness but also life- threatening symptoms like muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing and even death.

Complications with Hyaluronic Filler may include:

- Allergic reactions and inflammation, 

- Edema , bruising - ecchymosis,

- Compression of blood vessels and tissue necrosis,

- Infections and abscesses, 

- Granulomas and nodules, 

- Filler shifting to nearby tissues,

-Lack of effect - unstable effect or unsightly appearance, 

-“Tyndall effect” -  bluish- gray discoloration under the skin,

- Loss of vision

Practicing Face Yoga if you had Botox or Dermal Filler

If you wish to transition from Botox and / or Dermal Fillers to Face Yoga it is best to consult with the practitioner who administered the treatment before proceeding to Face Yoga. As a general rule if you had Botox you should wait 4-6 weeks with exercises /massage. If you had a Filler like a Hyaluronic Acid Filler the time may vary but generally it is not allowed to rub or massage the injection site for at least 2 weeks post procedure  (HA Filler may be malleable for the first 2 weeks). Sometimes it is possible to do some Face Yoga in a non-treated part of the face if permitted by the doctor/ practitioner. Mind you, the movements will eliminate Botox faster, will accelerate the breakdown of filler and may dislodge the filler in some cases.

In Summary 

Which is better, Face Yoga or Botox or Dermal Fillers ? 

Whenever you are looking to rejuvenate and sculpt your face or to improve the appearance of your skin today’s science offers a few options. My advice is to thoroughly explore all options before you begin your facial rejuvenation journey.

The choice between Face Yoga, Botox and Fillers really depends on the individual preference, needs and desired result, budget and lifestyle.

Face yoga is more suitable for the individual interested in a holistic, non - invasive  approach to aging and general well being and those who are comfortable with investing their time and efforts to achieve the results.

Botox and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers are more appropriate for those who wish to achieve quick, more visible and specific results and accept the cost and regular treatments associated with it.

If you are still unsure which approach is best for you or if you think Face Yoga may be a great starting point since it is a less invasive & safer approach , I invite you to a 20 min FREE CONSULTATION, where we can discuss your needs, desires and any questions you may have.

Work with me | Ayurveda Face Yoga or Pracuj ze mna | Ayurveda Face Yoga

In health,

Renata

Resources :

Henryk Witmanowski, Katarzyna Błochowiak.The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review.

Dr Maciej Wasiluk - Antiage: Jak wyglądać pięknie i naturalnie 

Bagus Komang Satriyasa.Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect.