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Banish Wrinkles with Dermal Fillers

The face naturally loses volume as we age. This volume loss contributes to the formation of wrinkles. Fillers can be used to treat this volume loss and minimize wrinkles. Fillers are so versatile that they can help craft a patient’s desired face shape, restore youthfulness, and even fill scars. This month, we’re taking an in-depth look at dermal fillers to learn what they are, how they work, where you can use them, and how long they last. Read on to learn all about injectable dermal fillers.

 

What is a Dermal Filler?

A dermal filler is an injectable cosmetic treatment. There are many different fillers on the market made from collagen, hyaluronic acid, Poly-L-lactic acid, and more. One of our favorites is hyaluronic acid because it’s a non-permanent, naturally occurring substance in the body, and we can use it to create beautiful, natural results.

As we age, we lose fat and bone in our face. We can replace this fat and bone loss with fillers. Without a great underlying support structure, our skin does not have the framework to be smooth and without wrinkles, giving us an aged appearance. These fillers are placed in different layers of the face (sometimes on top of bone) depending on the location and desired result. It is critical that the person injecting the filler knows facial anatomy and where to place the filler. A board-certified dermatologist is well-trained to understand facial anatomy and how to place dermal filler safely and effectively.

Fillers are also popular for procedures unrelated to aging. For example, many people choose to use fillers to create fuller, plump lips or to add volume to the cheekbones for a more angular face. A few things that patients like about dermal fillers, compared to other cosmetic procedures, is that the downtime is minimal, the results are immediate, and there are very few side effects.

 

Best Places for Dermal Fillers

There are several places that are FDA approved for dermal filler placement, including:

  • Cheeks
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Lips
  • Hands
  • Brows
  • Deep creases and fine lines
  • Scars

 

Often, board-certified dermatologists inject fillers in off label locations. Did you know we can improve aged earlobes with filler? Did you know we can also improve volume loss in the temples?

 

How long will my filler last?

There are several types of fillers currently FDA approved for use, and each lasts a different length of time. The length of time depends on the filler properties (how thick it is) and where we place the filler. In areas that move around a lot, such as the lips, filler may last a shorter amount of time than if the filler is placed on bone where there is not a lot of movement.

Each person will metabolize fillers at a different rate. Depending upon the type of filler and an individual’s response to it, the results can last from three months to three years. Once you and your dermatologist determine which type of filler is best suited to your placement locations and desired results, he or she can advise you as to how long your results may last.

Most physicians prefer to err on the side of minimal correction rather than over-injecting. Doing so helps achieve a more natural result. When you feel that your wrinkles are starting to reappear because your filler is diminishing, or if you just feel that you’d like more than you have, you can schedule an appointment to have more filler placed at any time.

 

What to expect during your consultation and procedure

We recommend that you come to your cosmetic consultation appointment with a list of questions ready. Every face is unique, and everyone has different concerns, so being prepared for your consultation will help you get the most out of it.

It’s also helpful for your physician if you have a list of your current medications and supplements ready. If you’ve had any recent medical or dental procedures, your board-certified dermatologist will want to know about them as well.

During the procedure, your dermatologist will inject small amounts of filler into targeted areas based upon your desired result and facial anatomy. If you’re concerned about pain during the procedure, let your physician know. He or she can take steps to increase your comfort. Icing the injection sites can help ease the discomfort after the procedure.

 

Contraindications for dermal fillers

Dermal filler injections may not be suitable for those who:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have an active infection
  • Have a known allergy to products in the filler

 

For the best, most even, natural results, we recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist for your cosmetic procedures. Board-certified dermatologists have an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and extensive experience providing dermal filler injections.

 

Beautiful skin starts with your skincare routine

Dermal fillers are an excellent way to restore volume to your face, but beautiful skin starts with a smart skincare routine. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and a few key ingredients, such as a retinoid and a topical antioxidant serum are also key steps to achieving a youthful appearance.

If you’re ready to revive your skin, schedule a consultation with Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington today. We’ll discuss all of the anti-aging procedures from which you can choose, and together we’ll choose the best path to your desired results. What are you waiting for? Smooth, youthful skin is within reach!

 

Contact the Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington for all of your Mohs surgery, cosmetic, and general dermatology needs. Since 2001, Skin Surgery Center’s fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons and board-certified dermatologists have provided patients with exceptional treatment outcomes. Our professional staff is ready to provide you with the thoughtful, competent care that you deserve in our state-of-the-art facilities. Book your appointment today.

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