The Science Behind the "Sad Face" of Aging
The transformation of a youthful visage into a "sad face" is a multifaceted process driven by several age-related changes:
Muscle Atrophy and Imbalance: Our facial muscles, much like the skeletal muscles in the rest of our body, undergo atrophy (wasting) and lose tone with age. Specifically, the "elevator" muscles responsible for lifting the brows, cheeks, and corners of the mouth weaken. Conversely, the "depressor" muscles, which pull facial features downward, can become relatively more dominant or overactive. This muscular imbalance creates a downward pull, contributing to the sad or tired expression.
Collagen and Elastin Depletion: Collagen and elastin are the foundational proteins that give our skin its firmness, elasticity, and youthful bounce. As we age, their production naturally declines, leading to skin laxity, sagging, and the formation of wrinkles and folds that can deepen the appearance of a perpetual frown.
Fat Pad Redistribution and Volume Loss: Youthful facial contours are supported by strategically placed fat pads. With age, these fat pads can diminish in volume, migrate, or descend, particularly in the mid-face. This loss of support leads to hollowing in the cheeks and emphasizes the nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth), further contributing to a drawn or sad look.
Bone Resorption: Subtle changes in the underlying facial bone structure also occur with aging, impacting the support for overlying soft tissues and exacerbating the appearance of sagging and hollowing.
EMFACE by BTL: The Dual-Action Solution
EMFACE is a revolutionary, needle-free, and non-invasive procedure designed to address the root causes of facial aging by simultaneously targeting both facial muscles and skin. It utilizes two proprietary technologies:
Synchronized Radiofrequency (RF): This energy gently heats the dermal layer of the skin. This controlled thermal energy stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing new collagen and elastin fibers. The result is a significant improvement in skin elasticity, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and overall skin tightening.
High-Intensity Facial Electromagnetic Stimulation (HIFES™): This groundbreaking technology selectively contracts the delicate muscles of the face. Unlike voluntary exercises, HIFES™ induces supramaximal contractions that are far more intense and frequent, leading to increased muscle density and improved muscle quality. This "workout" for your facial muscles restores tone, density, and lift to the facial tissues, working from the inside out to provide a natural, rejuvenated contour.
By combining these two powerful modalities in a single 20-minute session, EMFACE offers a comprehensive approach that effectively remodels skin and strengthens facial musculature, delivering results that address multiple signs of aging simultaneously.
How EMFACE Reverses the "Sad Face"
At Phelts Chiropractic PC, Dr. John Phelts strategically administers EMFACE treatments to counteract the specific changes that contribute to a "sad face" appearance:
Lifting the Brows and Opening the Eyes: Applicators placed on the forehead stimulate the frontal muscles. By strengthening these crucial "elevator" muscles, EMFACE can achieve a noticeable brow lift, reducing the heavy or downward appearance of the eyebrows that often conveys sadness or fatigue. Additionally, the eye applicators can be used to target the delicate skin and muscles around the eyes, helping to reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles, as well as smoothing out crow's feet for a more refreshed and youthful gaze. This opens up the eye area, creating a more alert and refreshed look.
Restoring Mid-Face Volume and Contours: The applicators on the cheeks target muscles like the zygomaticus major and minor, which are vital for lifting the mid-face. Toning and strengthening these muscles helps to counteract the descent of facial fat pads and soft tissues, restoring a more youthful volume and definition to the cheeks. This upward lift significantly reduces the prominence of nasolabial folds, softening the overall facial expression and making it appear less drawn or sad.
Elevating Mouth Corners and Jawline: While not a direct treatment for marionette lines or downturned mouth corners, the overall lifting effect achieved in the mid-face and improved muscle tone can indirectly help to elevate the oral commissures. Strengthening the facial muscles also contributes to improved jawline definition, which further supports a more youthful and less melancholic facial contour.
Improving Skin Tightness and Smoothness: The synchronized RF continuously works to stimulate new collagen and elastin production across the treated areas. This leads to smoother, tighter skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles, which enhances the overall lifted effect and contributes to a brighter, more vibrant complexion, reducing the shadows and folds that can emphasize a sad expression.
Clinical studies on EMFACE have shown impressive results, with patients experiencing an average of 37% wrinkle reduction, 30% increase in facial muscle tone, and a 23% lifting effect after a typical course of four 20-minute sessions.
The Phelts Chiropractic PC Difference with Dr. John Phelts
Dr. John Phelts at Phelts Chiropractic PC is renowned for his patient-centered approach and commitment to holistic wellness. His integration of advanced technologies like EMFACE into his practice reflects a dedication to providing cutting-edge, non-invasive solutions for a range of patient concerns, including aesthetic rejuvenation. Dr. Phelts ensures that each EMFACE treatment is meticulously tailored to the individual's unique facial anatomy and desired outcomes, combining his deep understanding of the human body with precision application. Patients consistently commend Dr. Phelts for his thorough explanations, caring demeanor, and the tangible results they experience.
If you find that your face no longer reflects your inner vitality, and you're seeking a natural, non-invasive way to reverse the "sad face" of aging, EMFACE at Phelts Chiropractic PC with Dr. John Phelts offers a highly effective and scientifically supported pathway to a more refreshed, lifted, and genuinely happier-looking you. Contact Phelts Chiropractic PC today to explore how EMFACE can help you regain your youthful expression.