The Asian face has unique anatomical features that require a different approach to facial rejuvenation and enhancement compared to Western counterparts. Adding volume can correct deficiencies on cheeks, chin, nose, and temples. Other cosmetic treatments can reduce facial width, giving a more V-shaped face. With cosmetics and threads, we can reshape most faces for a more harmonious profile.
Key Points
- There are unique cultural & anatomical differences in the Asian face
- Cosmetic treatments should be employed accordingly
- Facial slimming & non-surgical rhinoplasty are commonly performed procedures
- Medial cheeks volume can provide support for the under eye area
- Tear troughs can be corrected with volume or fat transplant
- Lasers can decrease dark circles
Asian Aesthetics at a glance
Best Results: 1-3 sessions
Procedure time: 30 minutes
Duration of results: 1-3 Years
Back to work: same day
Recovery: 0 days
Anaesthetic: Nill
Your specialist: Dermatologist, Dr Davin Lim
How much: $$- $$$
Our results speak for themselves
Before
After
Dermal fillers improve cheek volume & balances the mid face.
Ask us more about this treatmant
Preferred Consultation
Before
After
Dermal fillers improve cheek volume & balances the mid face, reducing shadows & troughs.
Ask us more about this treatmant
Preferred Consultation
Before
After
Dermal fillers improve cheek volume & balances the mid face, reducing shadows & troughs.
Ask us more about this treatmant
Preferred Consultation
FAQs
How do we approach Asian Aesthetics?
Aesthetic treatments should be bespoke, addressing not only individual & age-associated changes but also ethnicities. Rejuvenation & enhancement should keep these factors in mind, whilst at the same time respecting cultural anatomical differences.
Read more to find out how I approach skin treatments across the ages.
What procedures are common for Asian patients in their 20s to 30s?
Younger patients will benefit from procedures that address race associated anatomical deficiencies, whilst at the same time preventing UV associated collagen loss & unwanted pigmentation.
The most frequent area I treat in this age group is the medial cheek & tear trough areas. Adding volume can provide support to the lid cheek junction, in turn decreasing shadows that give rise to dark circles.
What procedures are common for Asian patients in their 40s to 50s?
A typical program is to correct, then maintain. This applies to volume, wrinkles, skin quality & skin tone.
Volume replacement is important in this decade as we go through age related changes including reducing of fat, collagen & bone. Conservative use will not only enhance but maintain.
Skin tone can be improved with non-surgical devices including HIFU (High Intensity Focus Ultrasound) & RF (Radiofrequency). Threads can also provide lifting, especially in combination with heating devices.
Skin quality & luminosity can be improved & maintained with lasers such as Fraxel, LaseMD, Clear & Brilliant, Picoway/Picosure & dermal toning.
What procedures are common for Asian patients beyond 50?
Above all, skin tightening. In general, Asian patients hold their collagen quality for longer, however post-menopausal there is a marked decline of collagen production & contraction, leading to jowls, eye bags & wrinkles.
Skin tightening can be achieved with Thermage, Ulthera – Ultherapy, & Pelleve – Tempsure. I prefer Tempsure as I can heat the dermis for longer, with added safety. This procedure can treat skin laxity on the eyelids, jowls, jawline & neck area. If jowls are heavy, my choice is Ultherapy.
Volume along the jawline, & cheek can displace & volumize, diminishing jowls. Skin quality & pigmentation can be improved with lasers, peels & clinical creams.
Products
Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF50+
$69.00
Dermaceutic All Things Pigment 21 Day Kit
$154.00
The Asian face has unique anatomical features specific to age & culture. This requires a different approach to facial rejuvenation & enhancement compared to Western counterparts.
Why is adding volume unique in Asian enhancement?
Eastern aesthetics in general are different from the traditional Westerners. Some examples of commonly performed volume adding procedures include-
- Tear trough for dark circles and medial lid-cheek enhancement
- Liquid rhinoplasty to define the nose
- Chin & jawline shaping (most often in combination with facial slimming)
- Fat transfer is another alternative
How does facial slimming work?
Asian aesthetics are unique, namely the aim in most cases is to elongate & slim. Asian women are typically broad faced, with strong jawlines & sharp angles. The aim is to soften facial outlines to more of an oval shape, rather than ‘boxy’.
The most commonly performed method to slim the face is to target the masseter muscle just in front & below the ear. This slims the face, whilst volume to the chin can elongate, giving a nice subtle taper.
What can be done to reduce dark under eye circles?
It is important to address the underlying causes of dark circles. In Asian ethnicities one of the major contributing factors is tear trough related, coupled with maxillary hypoplasia or lack of anterior projection). By building up & supporting the mid-cheek area, shadows contributing to dark circles can be diminished.
I occasionally use fat transfer in this area (pros & cons discussed elsewhere).
Other causes of dark circles include vascular, or prominent capillaries & veins. Simple vascular laser or IPL-BBL can help. For increased pigmentation due to melanin or post inflammatory skin colour changes, pico or nano lasers can help.
Cases such as pigmentation demarcation lines & constitutional physiological pigmentation are difficult to treat as these are genetically & racially determined. The use of precise skin care & sun protection can marginally improve these conditions (at best).
Skin care is super important. Hyaluronic acid creams can hydrate, retinol & peptides can increase collagen, whilst ascorbic acid, tocopherol, ferulic acid & green tea can protect from UV & environmental oxidation. Caffeine & tranexamic acid can modify blood vessels that contribute to dark circles.
