Dermal Fillers
More about Fillers – How to get a refreshed look
Full cheeks, smooth skin, plump lips: these are the qualities we associate with youthful radiance. After a somewhat stressful 2020 thus far, none of us want to hear the dreaded “You look tired” comment from an acquaintance. So this week we continue our glowing skin blog series and consider a minimally invasive option to rejuvenate the face: Dermal Fillers.
A consultation with a board-certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon will give you the opportunity to discuss your desired results in detail.
But if you’re curious about fillers, here are some fast facts to consider before you get plumped:
- Dermal fillers aren’t the same as neurotoxins
The latter type “freezes” muscles to reduce wrinkles, while fillers smooth out skin by filling wrinkles or padding out areas that have thinned with age. Collagen used to be a common filler, but these days most fillers use hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. Due to its ability to store moisture, hyaluronic acid is responsible for giving skin a plump, hydrated look.
- One injection can make skin look plumper and smoother for several months, and maybe longer.
One of the reasons injectable hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are increasingly popular is their ability to add volume and decrease wrinkles after only one treatment. Results typically last for three to six months, depending on the location of the treatment. Research suggests that HA injections may stimulate collagen production, leading to fresher-looking skin in the long run.
- Good filler is invisible and natural-looking with the right technique.
Fillers are designed for subtlety. Rather than just filling lines, the goal is to plump and lift parts of the face for a more natural-looking, rejuvenated result. As you age, your bones get thinner, and the overlying fat pads slide down which makes the skin sag lower, causing deeper folds at the bottoms of your cheeks for example. Filler placed near the cheekbone to restore fullness also lifts the face, reducing the look of smile lines in the process.
- Different fillers do different things.
While the bulk of filler is made with hyaluronic acid, different particle sizes will deliver different results. Some fillers have larger particles which have the heft to “rebuild” thinned cheekbones, while a smaller particle size works better for addressing fine lines and plumping lips. The most natural-looking results may require more than one weight of filler.
- There are some times you shouldn’t get fillers injected.
Though fillers are considered safe, there are a few reasons to postpone an injection. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or you’re battling a sinus infection, it’s best to hold off, as any infection in the facial area could spread to the injection site. And here’s one more you might not think about: Don’t get filler right before a teeth cleaning or other dental treatment. These procedures require pressure and stretching of the face that could potentially misplace fillers. Wait at least a few days, or preferably a week.
- If you love your results, you will need to return for more treatment in the future.
After about six months, the hyaluronic acid fillers are naturally broken down by the body. So, you have to get touch-ups once or twice a year to maintain the look. However, this is good news if you’re just want to try fillers once or twice since the effects will fade away without any long-term risks. It’s important to note that getting filler doesn’t stop your skin from aging.
My Pro tip: It matters who does your filler.
Every practitioner has different philosophies, techniques, and levels of experience. Be sure you communicate during your consultation about realistic results and your expectations—it’s your face, after all.