Dermal Filler
Did you know that many visible signs of aging can be traced back to volume loss? This volume loss is both bone loss and fat pad loss. As facial tissues thin out, lines become etched around the nose and mouth, cheeks look a little hollow and gravity assists by causing the skin to sag downward.
Dermal fillers can replace lost volume throughout these areas to add volume, help smooth wrinkles, plump the lips, and restore a more youthful appearance.
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. This can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
Fillers can be made from a variety of substances, however the products that I will be using, are made from Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. Hyaluronic Acid fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are biodegradable, and not permanent, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. The products I am using are shown to have excellent longevity compared to other top selling products on the market. Most Hyaluronic Acid fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment
Dermal filler injections are non-surgical, and completed during a clinic visit. Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, during which we will meet to discuss your concerns and goals.
Pre-treatment consultation
During your consultation, I will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can jeopardize your safety or results. For instance, you need to disclose whether you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners, as these increase the likelihood of bruising.
Your injectable filler treatment
Just before the actual treatment, the area will be cleaned, and you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to injection. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment. I will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically beneath the skin.
Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and should subside over the days following treatment. You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but you will be asked to refrain from strenuous activity initially.
How Long Do the Results Last?
How long the effects of dermal fillers will last depends on the product, the area of treatment, and the patient. Generally speaking, the denser the product is, and the more deeply it is injected, the longer it will last, although this is not a hard and fast rule. To maintain your results, your practitioner will simply repeat treatment, adjusting the amount and techniques as necessary to ensure optimal results.
Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the most temporary option, and therefore are often recommended for first-time filler patients. These will typically last from 6 to 18 months. Injections to the lips will wear out a little faster than those to the nasolabial folds.
