Injectable dermal fillers help restore youthful volume in the skin, which effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines that come with age. These injectable fillers have also been used to make thin lips fuller, correct acne scars, and make the areas under the eyes less dark or puffy. They can be used to help almost every facial area.
The most commonly used substance in injectable fillers today is hyaluronic acid. Already produced naturally by the human body, hyaluronic acid fills the space between skin cells. It attracts and retains moisture, providing the skin a bold, hydrated appearance.
What Problems Can I Fix with Fillers?
It’s no secret that the inevitable aging process can make once perky and bright skin, deflated and droopy. However, fillers create a firm foundation to revitalize your features and can be used to effectively:
- Plump up thin lips
- Eliminate sagging jowls
- Smooth laugh lines
- Correct concave acne scars
- Brighten the areas under the eyes to make them less dark or puffy
- Take the harsh edges of wrinkles, lines and skin folds
Injectable fillers give patients the option to increase volume and smooth out facial areas, but without looking like a completely different person. Most patients find that a little bit of filler goes a long way to boost their youthful appearance and self-esteem – the days of over-done, excessive lip and face treatments are long over.
Are There Different Types of Injectable Fillers?
There’s never been a greater selection of options for injectable fillers, with some treatments addressing specific areas of the face. Results typically last between 6 months and 2 years. Before you begin treatment, you’ll need to consult with your aesthetic physician to review your situation and goals, in order to determine the best option for you. It’s not possible to simply go online and shop dermal fillers on your own. Dermatologists, aesthetic physicians and other experts know exactly which formulas make sense for all situations. But let’s look at a short sampling of some great filler options and how they can help.
Restylane and Juvederm
Juvederm and Restylane are both advanced dermal fillers, composed of hyaluronic acid. These safe, injectable fillers reduce wrinkles and smooth the lines from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth or “laugh lines”. Other commonly treated areas with these products include lips, frown lines, and hollows of the eyes. Typical results last between 6 months and a year with possible temporary bruising or swelling at the injection sites. Let’s take a look at two sample products from the Juvederm collection.
Juvederm Ultra XC
For addressing moderate-to-severe wrinkles often found around the nose and mouth, Juvederm Ultra XC may be the right option for you. Utilizing Juvederm’s high quality, specially formulated hyaluronic acid, this product can effectively treat:
- Parentheses (Smile) Lines
- Corner Lines
- Marionette Lines
- Vertical Lip Lines
Juvederm Voluma
Losing shape in your cheeks and tired of seeing your skin sagging? Introducing Juvederm Voluma – the first and only FDA-approved injectable gel to add volume to your cheek area, to correct age-related volume loss in adults. It can provide contour and a subtle facial lift for up to two years with optimal treatment.
What Should You Expect During Dermal Filler Treatment?
Filler treatments offer quick results, but there can be some mild discomfort. If you are particularly sensitive to pain, you can request numbing cream being applied before your procedure. But keep in mind, as helpful as medication can be, there may still be minor pain due to the nature of the procedure. Most people report it feeling like a pinch.
After dermal filler treatment, there may be some temporary swelling and bruising around the injection area. Two weeks after treatment, many patients return to their provider for a scheduled follow-up to evaluate what touch-ups or additional procedures might be needed.
Why don’t fillers last?
The primary component of most fillers – hyaluronic acid – is naturally occurring within the body and is constantly being built up and broken down. It’s a natural process that can’t be stopped. However, many patients opt for touch-up treatments periodically to maintain their look.
Are there side effects from injectable fillers?
Besides some minor bruising and tenderness, the majority of patients don’t experience any side effects from filler treatments. On extremely rare occasions, the injections can enter the veins. Should that happen, the dermatologist can inject a simple to instantly dissolve the filler.