The unfortunate truth is as we age, we slowly lose volume in our faces.  A full face is associated with youth such as in our childhood years. Our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat and bony structure.  As a result, our muscles work closer to the skin surface, which causes smile lines, crow’s feet, and other wrinkles to become more apparent. As our facial skin loses elastin, it causes skin laxity or sagging, which accentuates the loss of facial volume. Dermal fillers help to restore this loss of volume and build structure to the face by “filling in” areas of volume loss and skin laxity. 

What is filler?

There are several different types of dermal fillers.  For this article, we are focusing our discussion on only Hyaluronic Acid fillers, such as a variety of Restylane products.  Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural substance found in our body.  It’s found in high concentrations in soft connective tissues and in the fluid surrounding our eyes. Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that retains moisture and is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water.  HA fillers add volume by physically filling in the area it is placed as well as by drawing water to enhance the filling effect, therefore, lessening the appearance of wrinkles.  If ever needed HA fillers can be reversed by dissolving, which would be performed by the practitioner with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. 

HA filler and all dermal fillers differ from neurotoxins, which you may know as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau.  Neurotoxins temporarily stop the contraction and movement of facial muscles.  Dermal fillers fill in or plump up the desired area.  Dermal filler and neurotoxin are 2 very different products but are often used in conjunction with each other to achieve certain facial balancing goals. 

What is the goal of using dermal fillers?

The main goal of filler is to enhance one’s own beauty!  Again, dermal fillers can enhance volume and build structure.  Personalization is a strong trend in dermal fillers today as each facial structure differs.  Some may want volume added to the lips or cheeks, while others prefer a sharp and exaggerated jawline or even an elongated chin.  It is extremely important to not over-treat with filler.  Results from filler treatments build upon each other and will refine and refresh over time, in addition to stimulating your body’s own hyaluronic acid and newly increased collagen production. 

How much dermal filler you should receive is based upon your goals, the treated area, and the recommendation of the practitioner.  Most fillers come in a syringe with 1ml of product. That is approximately 1/5th of a teaspoon.  A small amount of product can have a significant result, however, oftentimes optimal results may require more than 1 syringe (1 ml) of filler. If you are aiming for a natural look we recommend starting with a small amount of product and safely building overtime at subsequent, recommended follow-up appointments.   

What should you expect with dermal fillers?

The most exciting fact about filler is that the results are immediate!  You can instantly see increased volume in the area treated.   Filler is a noninvasive procedure and is an expeditious appointment averaging about one hour.  The practitioner will use a predetermined amount of product placed strategically under the skin.  You may experience some discomfort during the injection, however, most fillers contain lidocaine (a local anesthetic) in the syringe, which aids in providing relief for discomfort.  For lip injections, a topical anesthetic is applied 15-20 minutes prior to injections to decrease discomfort as well.  After the injections, bruising and swelling is expected and one should not schedule this procedure before any major social event.  For a few days post-treatment, one may experience slight pain, tenderness, and tension in the area injected.  Icing is highly recommended as well as taking Tylenol for any discomfort.  It is vital to NOT apply pressure or massage the injected area, unless your provider has instructed you otherwise.

Dermal fillers typically last between 6 - 18 months. This vast time frame largely depends on factors such as the area of injection and how quickly one's body metabolizes the product.  For example, lip injections can last an average of 6 months, because we move our mouths more frequently than other areas of the face. Cheeks tend to last an average of 12-18 months.  It is important to remember that Hyaluronic Acid fillers are not permanent and are easily metabolized by our bodies. Once the filler has been metabolized, the area treated will return to its original state but will be marginally improved by the newly stimulated collagen and hyaluronic acid your body creates. 

Overall, HA dermal fillers are an excellent option to restore the youthful look of the face that so many desire. Although an alternative treatment, fillers cannot replace a traditional surgical facelift.  Filler is considered to be a more financially appealing option for some, involving minimal recovery time, and is a much more common and widely accepted treatment these days. Please remember it is imperative to find a practitioner that listens to your concerns, understands your goals, and shares the SAME view of beauty that you do!  Always follow your post-treatment guidelines and attend your 2-week follow-up appointment, which allows the results to be maximized and provides the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with your practitioner.  We at Radiance are always happy to offer complimentary consultations to create a treatment plan specifically for you, discuss any and all concerns and help to maximize your desired results!

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