FACIAL FILLERS 101
Aging gracefully is a nice thought, but when changes start to occur in our bodies, particularly our faces, we start seeking treatments to slow down the process.
When it comes to restoring a youthful appearance without surgery, injectable dermal fillers are an appealing option to many patients. There are many formulations available that vary in consistency and use, ensuring the results you want without incisions or significant downtime.
As we age, our facial structure undergoes some rearranging – collagen production decreases and skin elasticity starts to weaken, bone loss occurs and fat is redistributed, resulting in volume loss throughout the face. The scaffolding that once provided the support for our features is no longer able to do its job successfully.
Thankfully, there are many dermal fillers available that have enhanced the non‐surgical options for facial rejuvenation. Each varies in consistency and use, restoring your skin’s volume and smoothing away deep lines and wrinkles in the nasolabial folds, the lips and the cheeks.
HYALURONIC ACIDS (HAs)
All of the fillers we use in our practice are derived from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally hydrating substance found in the body. With its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, injectable HA works much like a magnet – replenishing the needed moisture in the skin, revealing a healthier, more youthful appearance. It’s our body’s internal moisturizing process.
As a result of aging and environmental stress, the production of HA diminishes, causing your skin to lose structure and volume, creating unwanted facial wrinkles. Dermal fillers come to the rescue by replacing the HA your skin has lost and restore volume to the face.
Many patients are also drawn to HA fillers due to the fact that they are biocompatible, which means that they’re not harmful to your body. They are made from a synthetic hyaluronic acid (yes, the same ingredient often used in your favorite hydrating serums). Over time, typically a period of several months, the ingredients in these injectable fillers break down and are naturally eliminated from your body. But just in case you have a change of heart following a filler treatment, HAs are completely reversible by an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which can ‘melt’ away the filler almost instantly.
In order to best understand the various fillers, their function and placement, it is important to mention the multiple anatomical layers of the face. The structural support, the muscle layer and the soft tissue are all affected as we age. Bone loss, volume reduction and skin elasticity are all cuprits in the aging process, but injectable fillers are designed to address these specific concerns.
The Juvéderm and Restylane family of fillers are individual brands that have formulated multiple options for injectable treatments. Each feature different, but comparable products that vary in formulation and treatment area. Depending on the intended use, these fillers are injected deeper for volume restoration (cheekbones or nasolabial folds) or superficially for finer lines (lips and lip lines).
Whether you’re in search of wrinkle reduction, volume addition, or lip enhancement injections, Michael Connor, MD and Melanie Craft, ARNP can help you navigate your filler options at your consultation.
Dr. Michael Connor and his entire team are professional and friendly. Dr. Connor is an artist at what he does. I know of no greater professional in his field.
– Benjamin A.
Dermal Filler Results
How Does it Feel to have a Dermal Filler injection?
Prior to any filler procedure, a topical anesthetic ointment will be applied to the treatment area to numb the skin. If a patient is particularly uneasy or anxious, they have the option of using our Nitronox delivery system which provides a gas mixture that a patient can inhale during treatment that eases the discomfort throughout the process.
With all facial fillers, our providers use a very small needle, and the quick injection feels like a small pinch. Hyaluronic Acid fillers come pre-mixed with anesthetic, so most patients find the treatment very tolerable. We also provide cold compresses to patients for increased comfort and reduced swelling following their injections.
Side Effects
All of our facial fillers are extremely safe, and their side effects, if any, are typically limited to the injection site. Patients sometimes report temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, and minor bruising. Symptoms generally resolve within a few days. We recommend that you allow yourself at least two weeks before any big event to ensure you have the best results.
Limitations
Following any facial filler procedure, you should avoid strenuous activity or exercise for a 24 hour period.
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking any aspirin or anti-inflammatory products (NSAIDs) within 12 hours after the injections as this will reduce the risk of bleeding and excessive bruising.
Any skin treatments (facials, microneedling or waxing) are not recommended until the swelling subsides and your filler has an opportunity to set, usually about a week.
We also recommend Arnica, a natural ointment or supplement that is commonly used to reduce any bruising that might develop following the treatment.
Dermal Fillers in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants is happy to provide the wonderful Palm Beach Gardens, Florida community with effective aesthetic treatments. Our range of dermal filler products are available to help you reach your beauty goals. For a consultation, please contact Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants today by calling (561) 845-6500 or filling out the form below.
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