There is only so much a great skincare routine can do when it comes to the appearance of your skin. The loss of collagen and volume, repetitive facial movements, gravity, and sun exposure all work against your skin’s appearance and the natural shape of your face.
Dermal fillers are different from Botox injections. Both help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and give your face a more youthful, relaxed look; however, fillers are designed to plump and smooth whereas Botox is used to prevent the muscles in your face from contracting.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, also referred to as wrinkle fillers, are substances that come in a gel form that are injected beneath the surface to improve the skin’s appearance. These fillers can restore volume that has been lost due to aging and diminished lines and creases in the skin. Dermal fillers can enhance the contours and definition of the face while giving your skin a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are far more cost-effective than plastic surgery, and there is no downtime required.
Hyaluronic Acid
Most dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid as one of the main ingredients. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally and is found in the skin and other tissues. It has the unique ability to attract and hold moisture, making it an incredibly hydrating substance. One molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, allowing for the skin and injected areas to look hydrated, plump, and more youthful.
This type of filler offers temporary results that typically last around 6 to 12 months. Since hyaluronic acid is a natural substance, the body eventually absorbs the product over time. Hyaluronic acid fillers usually contain lidocaine, making the treatment relatively painless, minimizing pain and discomfort during treatment and after.
Common Treatment Areas
The most common treatment areas dermal fillers are used include:
- Lips
- Chin
- Jawline
- Under the eyes
- Shallow contours of the face
- Facial creases and deep lines and wrinkles
- Recessed scars (from acne or chickenpox)
How Dermal Fillers Work
Dermal fillers replenish the collagen layer of the skin. Injections are placed at the sub-dermal levels of the skin’s surface and have an immediate effect on its volume. Where fillers are placed is essential to achieve a natural look. Each filler differs and should be purposely chosen based on how your skin and face are aging. You may see folds around your mouth, but this could be a symptom of missing volume in the cheek area.
Rather than selecting a specific brand of filler yourself, it is always recommended to first meet with an experienced provider. A consultation appointment allows you to achieve the desired results from the dermal filler that is right for you.
Recovery and Results
You can expect to see results immediately, and for your new appearance to last anywhere from 6 to 24 months in the cheeks, and six months in the lips. Depending on the number of areas being treated, dermal fillers take between 10 to 20 minutes to administer. There is no downtime required, and you may resume your routine immediately after. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after receiving injections. There may be some temporary minor discomfort or swelling that can last two to four weeks. Any pain or swelling can be treated by applying ice to the area.
If you are dissatisfied with your results, all dermal fillers that are hyaluronic acid can be reversed.
Which Dermal Filler Is Right For You?
Dermal fillers are a great way to improve the look of your skin and lips without invasive surgery. The right treatment for you will depend on your specific needs and desired results when it comes to Restylane vs. Juvederm or other dermal filler options. Every product excels in different areas, so it is critical to speak with a reputable provider before making any decisions.
Laser esthetic Center is here to help you determine which dermal filler treatment is right for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation appointment.