Facial or dermal fillers are a type of cosmetic procedure used to rejuvenate skin that has begun to sag and lose volume due to age. They can provide targeted fullness and support for loose skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When injected by a board-certified dermatologist, these fillers are easy, safe, with immediate results compared to surgery. But it’s important to choose the right type of facial filler for your case. Here are the facts.
Dermal fillers can be divided into two types: natural and synthetic. Natural fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane, are made with substances your body naturally produces, such as collagen or hyaluronic acid. While they produce a more natural look and have lower risk of side effects, they do break down eventually and have to be renewed.
Synthetic fillers such as Sculptra and Radiesse give long-lasting results, and are usually referred to as “semi-permanent.” They still require occasional touch-ups, however.
What Areas Are Ideal for Fillers?
Facial filler can be added anywhere in the face. However, they’re most commonly used for nasiolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth). They are also frequently used in the lip area to fill out the lips and erase lines around the mouth. They can also be used in hollows beneath the eyes, to improve the shape of the cheeks and jaw, and to reduce the appearance of scars such as acne and chicken pox scars.
How Are Fillers Applied?
OC Skin Institute’s board-certified dermatologists can inject fillers right here in our office. No anesthesia is necessary, although a topical numbing cream may be used to reduce discomfort. The injections should take no more than an hour, and results will be immediately visible.
There may be some swelling around the injection site, but it should not last long. There is a slight risk of infection or allergic reaction, but much less than with surgery.
How Often Should Fillers Be Re-injected?
Natural fillers require steady upkeep in order to maintain their appearance as they break down. The rate of breakdown depends on where the filler is injected and your body chemistry, but natural fillers usually last anywhere from three months to a year. Most dermatologists recommend injections twice a year when you first get dermal fillers, and once a year after they’ve had a chance to build up.
Botox, another common cosmetic procedure, can also help make natural fillers last longer and complements it well. Contact OC Skin Institute today to schedule your consultation if you are interested in non-surgical cosmetic procedures like fillers and Botox.