As you age, you start noticing that your skin no longer has the same plumpness as it did in the old days. You can use as many creams and oils as you want, but those wrinkles only seem to be deepening over time. Did you know that your ability to produce new collagen decreases by up to 1.5 percent every year?
When your skin is no longer able to remain plump by natural means, one of the best ways to improve your features is to use dermal fillers. In this blog, you will learn more about fillers so that you know exactly what to expect when you come in for your appointment.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injections with a hyaluronic acid base or other filling substances such as PolyCaprolactone (PCl). They can offer more volume while stimulating collagen production. These injectables are inserted into the dermis where they can smooth out wrinkles or add volume to sagging areas. Dermal fillers are most commonly used for wrinkles around the mouth but may also be injected into the lips and cheeks for extra volume.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
There are various benefits associated with dermal fillers and the most common are:
- Near-Immediate Results
Dermal fillers contain filling agents that offer immediate boost and support. While the full effect should be visible within a few days after the procedure, you can see some changes right away.
- Quick Procedure
Depending on the size of the area that needs to be treated, a session should not take longer than 15 to 30 minutes. As a result, you will likely be in and out of the office by the time your lunch break is over.
- Relatively Painless
Dermal fillers are minimally invasive, as they only use a small needle to inject the solution. Numbing agents are frequently used to minimize any potential discomfort.
- Highly Versatile
Dermal fillers can be injected in various areas, from your cheeks to your lips and the creases of your face. In other words, if there are areas where your skin is sagging or lacking volume, dermal fillers can help.
Popular Dermal Fillers
Fillers come in various forms, depending on your needs. The most popular are the following:
- JUVÉDERM®
JUVÉDERM® is one of the most popular fillers out there, due to its versatility. Made from hyaluronic acid, JUVÉDERM® injectables come in formulas with different thicknesses. Your choice will depend on the area that gets treated and the results you are looking for.
- Bellafill®
While most dermal fillers are made using hyaluronic acid, Bellafill® has two active ingredients: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and collagen. The latter occurs naturally in your body, and the former will trigger its production. While the solution will dissolve within a year, the PMMA microsphere will continue triggering new collagen production while offering support.
- Restylane®
Similar to JUVÉDERM®, Restylane® is also based on hyaluronic acid. However, unlike JUVÉDERM®, which has a smoother formula, Restylane® is slightly more granular. This allows it to remain better in place when it’s injected, increasing its effectiveness. Restylane® injections can last for up to 18 months and are often recommended for sunken areas of the face.
- Sculptra® Aesthetic
Made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA), Sculptra® Aesthetic can help correct anything from shallow and deep wrinkles to sunken facial areas. This formula helps stimulate your body’s own collagen production, offering results that may last for up to two years. The results are subtle over time, but rather than enjoying immediate volume, Sculptra® “teaches” your body how to produce new collagen.
A Plumper Look With Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can help you obtain a plumper look, regardless of the injected area. You just need to choose the dermal filler that suits your goals the most. Contact Dr. Shaw for an appointment and see which treatment works best for your needs.
You can also consult Part One of our guide to injectables where we talk about BOTOX® Cosmetic & Dysport®.
For more information about injectable fillers, you can contact Travis Shaw, MD, at 804-299-4373. He would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Our online contact form is easily accessible for any inquiries that you may have.
