Do you love the way you look but wish you could improve just a few of the features on your face to enhance your natural beauty?
Facial fillers can address a lot of concerns that you might have with your facial aesthetic, and some even work wonders on your neck and chest.
So, take a look at this guide to dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation.
Tell Me Why I Should Choose Facial Fillers
Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are the best alternative to surgical implants, which can leave you looking like someone else. Not only do you get natural-looking results, but fillers are a lot safer too. They can treat dark under-eye circles, thin lips, cheeks, chin, and even the back of your hands. Finally, a treatment that provides real, lasting results without a single stitch!
How Do Facial Fillers Work?
There are several different kinds of dermal fillers. Most of the most popular ones are made with synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA), which your body produces naturally. As you age, your natural HA production slows down.
That’s when your cheeks look less defined, dark circles start to appear under your eyes, and your lips lose volume. When dermal fillers are injected into places like your lips and cheeks, it makes them plump, smooth, and naturally youthful-looking. You can also use dermal filler when you’re younger to enhance your facial features.
Some fillers are made with an ingredient called calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), which is produced naturally by your body or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). These types of facial filler don’t provide a ton of volume but do have lasting results.
How Can Facial Fillers Look So Natural?
When you frown, smile, or crinkle your nose, it’s called a dynamic facial expression. These expressions define our personality and make us who we are. However, some more invasive treatments can limit your ability to make these movements. Facial fillers have a smooth consistency that flows and moves with your expressions for an ultra-natural look.
Give It to Me Straight – Do Facial Fillers Hurt?
Many fillers contain lidocaine, making them virtually pain free. They’re non-invasive, non-surgical, and require zero downtime. Many people are able to have injections done and return to their day right after treatment. Treatment can be done in less than an hour, too. This means you can get better looking results than face implants, without ever having to take time off work.
Some people experience pain, tenderness, redness, and a little swelling at the injection sites, but these symptoms are short-lived and go away in a few days with at-home treatments. Your provider may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen, if you’re particularly sensitive.
Talk to Me About Results With Facial Fillers
Ready for the best part of fillers? You see results immediately with most dermal fillers, and full results appear over the course of a few weeks. That’s because the HA or CaHA in dermal fillers slowly draws collagen and moisture to the treated area, continuing to improve your results. This is also why fillers look so natural and are well tolerated by most people.
Facial fillers aren’t permanent and are meant to be slowly and safely metabolized by your body. Keep in mind that some fillers can last up to two years before you need to come in for another treatment.
How Can I Reduce Swelling After Facial Fillers?
Any swelling you may experience with facial fillers is extremely temporary, but there are a couple things you can do to help accelerate the healing process. The first way to reduce swelling is by simply staying hydrated. It’s not only great for your overall health, it helps your blood flow, which reduces swelling. Another way to diminish swelling is by using an ice pack for a couple days after your injections.
Give Me the Scoop on What I Shouldn’t Do After Facial Fillers
You should avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat for at least 48 hours after your treatment. Sweat can get into your injection sites and cause infections. Excessive heat may cause your filler to move out of place.
Be sure that you don’t massage the injection sites either. Not only will you cause even more swelling, you also run the risk of moving your facial filler out of its intended area. If you are experiencing problems after your treatment, never hesitate to speak to your provider.
What Kind of Facial Fillers Are Available?
The cool thing about facial fillers is that there is one made to suit almost every concern that you may have with your face. Check out these popular brands of filler, and see what they can do for you.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is an HA based brand that makes several versions of filler for specific areas of your face – for example, Juvéderm Volbella for your lips or Juvéderm Voluma XC for your cheeks. It is enhanced with lidocaine to eliminate any discomfort. Depending on the area treated, the results with Juvéderm last for up to a year.
Restylane
Restylane is also made with HA. It’s a lot like Juvéderm, because it has a line of products for different areas of the face and results last about a year. The main difference is that Restylane has an FDA-approved injectable to restore volume and beauty to your hands called Restylane Lyft.
Boltero
Belotero also has various products for different parts of your face, and it’s results also last from six to 18 months. Belotero is most noted for smoothing moderate to severe laugh lines. Like Juvéderm and Restylnae, it also uses hyaluronic acid for rejuvenation.
RHA
The latest in fillers is the RHA Collection. This new line of fillers offers the most advanced hyaluronic acid (HA) based injection available, because it provides the most natural-looking results. RHA’s special gel formula is specifically made to treat deep lines and wrinkles, while also working naturally with your facial expressions.
Sculptra
The main ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It’s a synthetic compound that helps the body produce more collagen. It works best with under-eye circles and cheeks. It is not used for wrinkles around the eyes or on the lips. Results with Sculptra last up to two years.
Am I a Good Candidate for Facial Filler? How Do I Know Which One Is Right For Me?
Most people who are unhappy with certain features of their face, over the age of 21, and in general good health make great candidates for facial fillers. However, some fillers contain allergens. So, it’s critical that you discuss your health history and any medications you’re taking with your provider.
The kind of filler that’s right for you depends on aesthetic goals. The only way to get true guidance of cosmetic injections is by seeing a board-certified dermatologist. Don’t forget to ask about other treatments like Botox that work well with facial fillers to receive maximum results in facial rejuvenation.
Turn to the DC Derm Docs With All Your Questions About Facial Fillers!
If you’re ready to enhance, rejuvenate, and refresh your face like never before, then ask the DC Derm Docs how dermal fillers can help you. Injections only take a few minutes out of your day, and you’ll be stunned by your results.
Contact our conveniently located office today at (202) 664-8342 to request an appointment. We are the leading experts in cosmetic injections around the DC area and can customize a plan made just for your individual needs!
