Botox Review: Non-Surgical Jaw Slimming by Kowayo Aesthetic for a V-Shape Face

ADVERTORIAL

It is important to love how you look naturally, but there may be some parts of your appearance that you wish to enhance. For me, it is my face shape. I always want a more defined face, that V-shaped face (also known as瓜子臉) which is very much desired by many. That is why I recently did Botox for a slimmer face and more contoured jawline at Kowayo Aesthetic.

I cannot deny that I have contemplated on invasive surgeries such as jaw reduction (aka shaving of jaw bone). BUT I am not gutsy enough and would not want something permanent. Who knows, I may regret one day? Most importantly, I have always been happy with my natural features, that I do not want to alter it for good, for life. That was why I rejected a sponsorship offer from a Korean plastic surgery clinic (though they offered any procedures I want) previously.

Much research on the credentials of the aesthetic doctor, clinic and products used is always a MUST before getting any aesthetic procedures. Even though this botox treatment was sponsored, I did the necessary check to make sure I would be in safe hands. You do not want a blotched job, right? :)

ABOUT KOWAYO AESTHETIC

'Kowayo' translates to 'be pretty' in Korean, is envisioned to be a one-stop station for a prettier you. Kowayo Aesthetic prides itself on the provision of comfortable and personalized service for well-heeled customers. The clinic is helmed by Dr Wong Kee Seng. A seasoned veteran in the aesthetic arena, he will customize a set of fuss-free non-invasive procedures to achieve your desired results

Dr Wong's accreditation
- Physician registered by Singapore Medical Council (SMC)
- Post-grad qualification MRCP from the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom
- Diploma of Practical Dermatology in Cardiff, UK
- Member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine

Read on to find out more about my experience

at Kowayo Aesthetic with Doctor Wong!

Filling up Patient's profile card

The nurse then led me to the consultation room and I met with Dr Wong. I confided about my face shape concern. He examined my face and found that my masseter muscle was hard. It gets bigger by 'exercising' it via chewing food and teeth grinding, causing the face to look rounder and bigger. Dr Wong explained that a masseter botox treatment will soften/relax the muscle, and other suitable procedures to get the results I yearn for.

For my case, Dr Wong proposed the following:
- Masseter Botox: To slim and contour jawline
- Nose Fillers: Gives a sharper midline of face (distinct nose bridge and tip), thus face looks slimmer.
- SygmaLift: To tighten and rejuvenate facial skin

Before I was led into the treatment room, I was brought to take photos at varying angles. They are used for ‘Before and After’ comparisons, and yes, kept confidential.

MASSETER BOTOX: The Process

I never had needles poking into my face, unlike in the arms for blood tests and glucose drips. Of course, I was worried on the pain factor despite having a high threshold for it, but Dr Wong assured me. 

First, the nurse disinfected the skin and iced my jaw area for a minute or two. Next, Dr Wong instructed me to clench my teeth to feel the muscle… And then to relax after pin-pointing the exact spot to inject. Finally, he injected a few times into each side of my jaw. During the whole time, Dr Wong would check to see if I was feeling alright.

MASSETER BOTOX: Post-Botox

The botox session happened so quickly (Less than 5 minutes), hassle-free, and with no numbing cream needed!  No wonder Botox is known as one of those ‘Lunchtime Quick-Fixes’! The pain was very minimal. I continued with my appointments after leaving the clinic. However, I felt that my face looked abit puffy (like when you have water retention), which is actually one of the side effects that one may have.

During my review session with Dr Wong 2 weeks later, I shared that my face was not as "V" as I hoped it would be. He told me to wait for at least a month to see the full results as the change is gradual.

2 months later? My thoughts?
My face shape looks more defined from side angles and I spot a more contoured jawline for sure. I never preferred taking photos from one side profile (Guess if it's the left or right?), as I feel my cheek/jawline looks roundish from that side. But now, I spot a more contoured jawline, almost symmetrical in my opinion, and I am elated! However, I feel that it could be more "V" from the frontal view (or is it I have unrealistic expectations?). Maybe it is due to my puffy cheeks or facial fats? I guess the SygmaLift treatment may help it...

I do like my enhanced face shape, of course...

But here's a GIF of my ideal face shape, the 瓜子臉. Haha!

Which one is more suitable for me?

MASSETER BOTOX: Post-treatment Photos

MASSETER BOTOX: After-Thoughts

I have never ruled out getting Botox, but I thought I would do it only in my 40s due to fine lines and wrinkles, instead of my 20s. That was definitely new to me, but it was something I really want - To get a more defined jawline.

Ever since I started making videos, I found myself being conscious of my self-perceived round face. Thought losing weight was the only way to lose those chubby cheeks, baby fats, whatever you call it. Turned out that it was partly the hard masseter muscle... And fine, fats (which the SygmaLift treatment will come in handy).

Since the Botox session, I need not spend much effort to find the best angles when taking photos and videos. Family and friends noticed the difference and asked if I have lost weight as my face looks slimmer, especially from the side angle. Some were surprised to hear that botox can help in this area of concern.

Getting my first ever Botox done in my life was such a breeze under the skilful hands of Dr Wong! As much as I love my natural facial features, I certainly welcome my slimmer face! This will not last a lifetime, but at least I am enjoying the effects for now. :)

MASSETER BOTOX: Good to Know / FAQs

I believe you will do your own extensive research before you embark on any aesthetics treatments. But here are possible questions you may have. You may contact me if you have questions, but the best people to ask are always the professionals. Of which, I recommend Dr Wong – For his knowledge and quick, painless skills!

(1) What is Botox?

The actual term for botox is ‘Botulinum Toxin’, which is a protein produced by Clostridium botulinum. Have no fear for it is NOT toxic if only small amounts are being administered. The brand, Dysport, is used at Kowayo Asthetics. 

(2) What is Botox usually used for?

Famously used to counter fine lines and wrinkles, botox can also help individuals with excessive sweating, migraines, brow lifting. And of course, the non-surgical method for a V-shape face.  

(3) Is it safe? Is it painful?

This has been approved by the health authorities, so no worries. Always divulge information of any allergies, previous Botox treatments, etc. Your doctor is the best person to decide if it is safe for you.

I felt nothing more than a prick when getting the Botox done.

(4) How long is the downtime?

No downtime at all. You may resume to your normal activities immediately after receiving treatment. 

(5) How long till I I can see the results?

You may see a slight difference within 1 week. For the full effect, it takes about 4-8 weeks, and that is when your face starts to be the slimmest!

(6) How long will it last?

It depends, but usually about 4-6 months, and some to 1 year.

(7) Are there side effects?

If injected correctly, most patients don’t have issues beyond minor redness, bruising, or swelling. If injected incorrectly, the Botox can spread too far and impact muscles it wasn’t intended to. That can cause effects like a droopy eyelid (RealSelf, 2017). A small amount of people may experience dizziness.

(8) Can I apply makeup after getting the Botox?

Sure! Apply your makeup, head out and party to celebrate your Victory... I mean your V-shaped face, and take more selfies!

(9) Any post-treatment care required?

It is best to avoid alcohol and heat/sun exposure  for a few days. Try not to rub/touch/massage the treated area to avoid the toxin from ‘shifting’. Finally, try not to work your masseter muscle too much – Avoid chewing on tough meat, teeth clenching or grinding if possible.

(10) Golden Question: How much does it cost?

Based on information provided, each session at Kowayo Aesthetic is priced affordably from SGD500. Price may differ based on treatment area.

Much thanks to Dr Wong of Kowayo Aesthetics and GotIdeas Group for this collaboration. Next up would be a blogpost for the Fillers treatment which I did as well. Stay tuned!
 

Kowayo Aesthetic

Located at: 1 Raffles Link, #01-03, Singapore 039393

Contact: +65 6884 4297 / enquiries@kowayo.com

Website: http://kowayoaesthetic.com 

Instagram: @kowayo_aesthetic

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kowayoaesthetic

Disclaimer: Product and service was sponsored by Kowayo Aesthetic, but all thoughts and opinion remain my own. Always seek certified professionals’ advice before undergoing any aesthetics procedures.

Hair Highlights at Salon De Choix

Sponsored Review

Boarding a plane in less than 12 hours! But before that, it was a visit to my hair salon sponsor - Salon De Choix, for a hair color makeover few days prior to my trip. The last time I was at the salon was in May... Hence, why would I not want to get freshly-colored hair before my trip right? Most importantly, it is so important to have the hair treatment at Salon De Choix, so that my hair will be smooth and more manageable during the trip. :)

BEFORE (and bunning my hair overnight)

As usual, my hair stylist, Chester, did a great consultation session to find out my wants pertaining to my hair. In my previous trip, we toned down the many shades of brown I had and did a balayage effect for my hair. This trip, I requested for highlights so that it will give my hair some 'highlighting effect', which will be visible in my trip's photos and videos. At the same time, I wanted to reduce the balayage color at my hair ends so that the focus would be on the highlights. Chester shared with me some contrasting results that would happen and I was like "Huh" here and there... But he eventually solved it brilliantly, all thanks to his years of experience in this industry! 

His years of experience is also evident in how he prepared the color dye mix to touch up my hair roots that were growing out of a visible black color. I did not see him placing the color chart against my hair to find out the closest shade#, and he could actually prepare it. So I got curious and asked him once I saw the dye bowl. He told me that he simply looked at my current base color, and match it to the respective ratio, etc. That's impressive!

Applying dye to highlight

certain portions of my hair.

What a 'hair-raising' experience.... Literally! Haha! 
This was funny. Simply had to take a selfie.

Base color touch-up after the highlighting segment.
And wait while letting the dye seep in.

Time to wash off the color.
And relaxing hair wash while lying on the massage chair!

Next: Quality hair treatment time.

Steaming my hair

I posted up some Insta-stories to show the whole process during my visit at Salon De Choix (Follow me on my Instagram - @felizaong) Which included the hair trim that Chester did after I was done with my hair treatment. Once the trim was completed, it was the final step - Hair Blow and Styling. Awesome! :)

Notice in the photo collage below - Of my highlight streaks  which were cleverly applied at various sections of my hair to give it that brilliant focus. It is always important to have a hair stylist which understands your hair, your usual hair styling habits, etc. For Chester, he knows how my hair 'moves', and how I would normally have a bun, ponytail or simply pin up my fringe. So the hair highlighting techniques he applied were in consideration of the said factors, and of course where to have the streaks so it would not be too excessive or too spaced apart.

Closeup of the highlights around my hair crown area

Chester said that it has been awhile since he did straight hair for me, so he had it blown straight instead of my usual luscious curls (which he is a master in producing beautiful hair curls). He also said I would look younger.... Yes, just what I need that day as I have been so busy preparing for my trip, that I probably did not looked as fresh as usual! Hee!

An absolutely fantastic job by Chester!

The streaks were strategically and nicely applied
at the 'right' places to give the highlighting effect.

So as mentioned, I am flying off soon, and it will be for about two weeks! Follow me on my Instagram (IG: felizaong) while I take you on a travel journey halfway around the world! Meanwhile, do visit Salon De Choix to get your hair done! ;)

If you are interested to make an appointment at Salon De Choix,

mention my name 'Feliza'  when you call to the salon 

and get 15% discount off your total bill~

(Not applicable for promotions)

CALL TO BOOK AN APPT: +65 68362959 

For more information about Salon De Choix, 
check out their FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM

Salon De Choix is located at: 
3 Killiney Road #01-06 
Winsland House 1
Singapore 239519

Beijing 101 - Hair and Scalp Care Review

ADVERTORIAL

Being blessed with thick tresses all my life, I always feel that hair loss will be the least of my hair concerns. So when I was approached by Beijing 101 - The experts in solving/reducing hair loss issues, as well as other hair/scalp-related problems faced by their clients for the past three decades... I was skeptical HOW I can benefit from their hair treatments as I did not feel that I was losing 'too many hair' in my opinion.

Nevertheless, I gave it a go as I was curious about my scalp type and condition, and it would be an eye opener to do the hair and scalp analysis, just like how I always see in their advertisements) as it would be the first time to see my hair and scalp in such a microscopic view. Most importantly, given my recent discovery of those few strands of premature greying hair, as shared in my previous post, I know I needed to do something about it and seek the help from professionals, which in this case, is none other than Beijing 101!

Beijing 101 branch at Tiong Bahru Plaza

With a total of seven outlets conveniently located around Singapore, my treatment was done at Beijing 101's Tiong Bahru Plaza branch. Upon arriving, I filled up my personal particulars and did a quick tour of their vicinity and check out their displays of the various "Home Care" products they have for sale. I did a quick look at the types of premium-grade Chinese herbs they use during the hair and scalp treatment sessions and its respective benefits, which seek to solve hair problems in an integrative and harmonious way, aligning with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices.

Some of Beijing 101 'home care' product range

CONSULTATION: Scalp Analysis

I was led into the consultation room, where my consultant, Mr Eken, did a thorough questionnaire to find out more about my lifestyle habits (such as sleeping time, fitness habits and food preference) and the hair concerns that I have, while I sipped on the cup of hot tea served to me.

Eken then shared about Beijing 101's history, the awards and accreditation received - Such as results from the Nielsen Survey where 9 out of 10 had experienced visible hair growth results after receiving hair treatments from Beijing 101. He also showed me images of different types of scalp and hair issues.

My eye-opener moment had arrived - Doing the hair and scalp analysis! Eken scanned through my head and pointed out some areas of my scalp which is more oily and with clogged pores. These issues seem unimportant now, but if left untreated, it can affect hair growth and may even lead to hair loss in future! Thankfully, I do not have a dandruff problem!

He also said that I have to be careful of the hairline near my temples, and proceeded to ask if I always style my hair into a ponytail or bun, which I replied 'Yes' to him. But inside of me, I was like, "WHOA! You can even tell!??!". I basically like to tie my hair in these two ways, especially if I am home, as I like to keep my hair away from my face.

Eken told me that my hair treatment session includes the following:

- Scalp Purification mask

- Herbal hair wash (Type of herbal shampoo and conditioner used is based on client's hair/scalp needs)

- Signature Meridian Herbal Treatment (4 different types of massage to choose from!).

On top of it, I would undergo a TCM consultation with their in-house certified TCM doctor. And to end it off, Eken will conduct another round of hair and scalp analysis. Yay to more eye-opener moments!

I did my hair treatment in the VIP room.

It was like I am in my own private salon,
in complete privacy and tranquility! :)

Warm towel and refreshments served
while I did my treatment

Deep Cleansing Scalp Treatment: PuriScalp Mask

Applied onto my hair roots, followed by a quick massage,
and left on for about 20 minutes.

 

This mask helps to:
- Balance the hair's pH level
- Cleanse hair bulbs
- Remove oil clogs and sebum
- Provides vital nutrients to hair follicles

Enjoyed the nice minty sensation by
the Deep Cleansing Scalp Treatment

Deep Cleansing Scalp Treatment: Herbal Hair Wash and Massage

After 20 minutes, the mask was washed off at my own private hair washing area. My hair therapist, Jessica, lathered my hair with the selected range of their in-house shampoo, followed by hair conditioner.

She used the shampoo and conditioner from the "Nourishing" range. FYI, the range that the hair therapist uses on your hair may differ from mine, as they will select based on one's head and scalp needs and concerns.

The 'Nourishing' range serves to:
- Restore hair vitality
- Enhances hair texture and density.

Any hair wash is NEVER complete without a satisfying acu-point head massage. And my hair therapist nailed it. Boy, I felt so relaxed and refreshed after that! I was led back to my treatment seat where my hair was towel-dried and then blown-dry.

Head Massage during Beijing 101's Herbal Wash

 PuriScalp Mask Treatment: Award-Winning Hair Tonic

A vial of Beijing 101's award-winning herbal hair tonic was carefully and thoroughly applied to my hair roots around my scalp. There are various types of hair tonic to treat different types of hair and scalp concerns, but generally the hair tonic aids to kill bacteria, strengthen hair roots, increase melanin production, nourishes hair follicles and promotes blood circulation.

Hair Tonic Application

Beijing 101 Signature Meridian Herbal Treatment: Overall Well-Being

Beijing 101's signature Meridian Herbal Treatment, is a head massage consisting of 4 different types (Overall well-being, Tension, Stress and Sleeping Disorder) that one can select from. I chose the Overall Well-being Treatment as the massage techniques seem to be part of each of the above 4 types, so I gave that a shot.

The Meridian Herbal Treatment aids to:

- Promote hair growth and stronger hair

- Prevent hair loss and greying

- Relieves headaches, head tensions and migraines

- Improve sleep quality, alleviates insomnia

- Enhances memory

- Relieves fatigue

It was so relaxing...

TCM Consultation: Better health, Better Hair/Scalp Conditions

It was a pleasure to know that Beijing 101 is not only committed to using TCM methods in their products and treatments, but also to help improve their clients' overall health. Hence, in-house Certified TCM physicians provide consultations and advise on the health conditions.

My TCM physician did a pulse diagnosis and said that my 肠胃 (digestive system) is not good, which I am very much aware of. She asked questions pertaining to my health and habits, and gave much-appreciated advice. I also shared with her my premature greying hair concerns (albeit those few strands but it is startling!).

She told me that hair conditions reflect on:
(1) The health of one's internal organs like lungs, kidney, blood, stomach and liver
(2) Lifestyle such as insufficient sleep, stress and poor dietary habits. 

She promptly advised me to to have a diet rich in Zinc, Copper, Vitamin A and B, and of course, to have more sleep, haha!

POST-TREATMENT CONSULTATION: Scalp Analysis

To healthier and stronger hair!



To cleaner and healthier scalp!

 Scalp Analysis scan done to provide

a 'Before-and-After' comparison.

I was simply amazed with the vast
improvements of my scalp condition!

In the image below, it showed two out of three zones where the scanner captured microscopic shots of my scalp. In Scan #1, the clogged pores were miraculously removed from my hair follicles! Whereas in Scan #2, you can see in the After-picture that my scalp is no longer "glistening" with oil! What an improvement!

WOW!! All the 'findings' we had in the earlier scan were solved
in one treatment by Beijing 101!

I cannot imagine the great extent of my hair and scalp getting
healthier and  if I have more treatment sessions! That will be fabulous!

(As fabulous as Blackpink's Lisa)

If having healthier hair and scalp, while having incredible-looking hair for that classic *hair flick* is your kind of thing, Beijing 101 is offering a customised Scalp Renewal Treatment with Infrared Treatment for one person at a great deal of S$28 (Usual: S$420).
To grab this offer, call 6-5588-101 and quote "Feliza Ong".
Or simply click on this LINK to make your purchase now.

Tips from Beijing 101 on how to dry your hair the right way! 
Watch the video below! :)

To end this blogpost by sharing a quote I saw online -
Invest in your hair, for it is the crown you never take off.

'LIKE' and check out Beijing 101 Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/beijing101haircare.

*Disclaimer: This is an advertorial post, but all opinions remain my own*