What is Orofacial Harmonisation?
Orofacial Harmonisation (OFH) is a field that acts as a complement to Dental Medicine and aims to promote the balance and harmony of the smile and the face, through the manipulation of muscular, adipose and bone structures, encompassing therapeutic, functional or aesthetic procedures. For this specialty, the face is considered as a whole, going beyond the oral cavity.
But where does Orofacial Harmonisation actually work? The interventions can have various applications, such as:
Restoring lip volume and support
Correcting inverted and gummy smiles
Diminishing wrinkles and fine lines, acne marks and dark spots
Improving skin elasticity, firmness and sagging
Correcting issues related to bruxism
These Orofacial Harmonisation treatments can have very positive impacts on patients' self-esteem, which directly links with its therapeutic benefits. This type of procedure has variable durability, depending on the product used and the individual characteristics of the person, requiring only maintenance, which must always be carried out by qualified professionals.
Are there any contraindications for orofacial harmonisation treatment? And what is the age required to be able to undergo it?
The Orofacial Harmonisation procedure is a minimally invasive process that makes it possible to delay and diminish the signs of the natural ageing process. However, there are some contraindications for certain types of patients, such as:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
Immunosuppressed patients;
People suffering from autoimmune diseases.
Generally speaking, there are no age limits as such to start the treatment, and it can be carried out by anyone looking for a rejuvenated and more harmonious appearance of their facial morphology. However, an initial medical assessment of each case is always necessary to determine whether the orofacial harmonisation treatment is suitable for the patient in question.
How are facial harmonization treatments performed?
Facial Harmonization may consist of the use of botulinum toxin (BT) – a purified substance that blocks muscle signals – or the filling with hyaluronic acid (HA), a component that helps maintain tissue hydration.
Botulinum Toxin
The aim of botulinum toxin is to reduce or soften wrinkles and expression lines. This treatment involves the introduction of small doses of this substance into the skin, allowing the relaxation of facial muscles and contributing to a harmonization of the face.
This procedure is usually performed on the upper third of the face, particularly on the forehead, glabella (the area between the eyebrows), and at the corners of the eyes (“crow's feet”). Additionally, it is also widely used for smiles that overly expose the gums.
Filling with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an active compound present in our body that promotes skin elasticity and hydration. However, its natural production decreases with aging.
Filling with hyaluronic acid is generally applied in the middle and lower third of the face, particularly on the lips, cheekbones, jawline, chin, and under-eye area. With the application of hyaluronic acid, it is possible to reduce the depth of wrinkles and correct some asymmetries.
What is the average duration of the treatment and how long does it take to take effect?
The duration of Facial Harmonization treatment varies depending on the type of procedure, which is always defined in the first evaluation consultation. Nonetheless, treatment times vary between 30 and 40 minutes, with some performed under local anesthesia.
Also dependent on the type of procedure performed, the results of FH tend to appear quickly – within 3 to 5 days – in the case of BT, and in some cases, touch-ups may be necessary. In the case of HA, the filling effect is immediate, but sometimes, due to swelling, the final result is achieved after a few weeks.
To promote facial harmony and consequently, the patients' self-esteem, it is essential that, together with the treatments, good oral hygiene habits are maintained to achieve a healthy smile that promotes overall health.
