Right now, some of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world are injectables like Juvederm. The benefit of injectable treatments is incredible – not only can these treatments refine your appearance, but they can do so without any painful surgical techniques or extensive recovery times. If you want to look your best without the hassle of surgical procedures, dermal fillers at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center in El Segundo, CA might be an ideal strategy to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Are Dermal Fillers Right for Me?
So, are dermal fillers right for you and your aesthetic goals? Broadly speaking, most people make good candidates for dermal filler treatments simply because there are tons of fillers to choose from and most fillers have very versatile uses. That said, the top three hallmarks of a dermal filler treatment include:
Anti-Aging
Many fillers are specially formulated to correct anti-aging concerns. Fillers work by placing artificial volume in the sub-dermal layers of the skin, which then reduces or erases the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. When the skin appears plumper, you will look more youthful. Fillers can correct skin elasticity to take several years off your appearance.
Some skincare products are promoted as a way to reduce visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. But most skincare products for anti-aging aren’t effective when they work by themselves simply because applying products superficially won’t create long-lasting results. A filler, on the other hand, promotes anti-aging results from the inside out.
Contouring
Some people use dermal filler treatments as a way to contour their appearance. Whether you’re older or younger, there may be areas of your face that you may want to refine, such as the cheekbones, jawline, lips, or even nose. While fillers are sometimes referred to as “liquid facelifts”, they can also be used to place more volume in areas of the face to subtly change the shape of the face or facial features. The most common area to contour is the lips.
Scar Treatment
Finally, some fillers are designed to reduce the appearance of scarring, particularly shallow acne scars. Some acne scarring isn’t responsive to laser treatments or other treatments because the scar is too deep or requires too much collagen reformation. A filler, however, is often an ideal solution to challenging acne scars since it immediately creates artificial volume that fills in even very deep pockets of collagen loss.
If you have any of these concerns, dermal filler treatments are likely ideal for you. Let’s learn more about filler treatments before you schedule your consultation with one of our aesthetic experts.
Where Can Fillers Be Used?
Most fillers can be used almost anywhere on the face and some fillers are designed to also be used on areas such as the hands, arms, legs, or ear lobes. In general, fillers have the best results when used on fleshy areas of the skin, particularly the lower and mid-face. Filler treatments can be used to treat concerns like:
- Hollow cheeks
- Nasolabial lines
- Thinning lips
- Uneven lips
- Smile lines
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Temples
- Jawline
- Forehead lines
- Marionette lines
- Smoker’s lines
- Perioral lines
- Chin wrinkles
What Are Fillers Made With?
Many of the most common fillers are formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is a molecule found naturally in the skin that is known to retain several times its own weight in water to keep skin cells moist and plump. As we age, the skin produces less collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin. When a filler introduces artificial hyaluronic acid into the skin, the sub-dermal layers can attract and retain more water to appear more plush and youthful.
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are ideal because they are compatible with the human body, which means most people will tolerate these treatments very well. Additionally, hyaluronic acid-based fillers can produce natural-looking, flexible results that will subtly improve your appearance.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Usually, your appointment will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete, including the application of an optional topical numbing cream. Small injections will be made in targeted areas of the face, usually the zones where there is a visible loss of facial volume or in areas that require more volume for contouring goals.
Preparation
To prepare for this treatment, the most important thing you should do is avoid blood-thinning medications and some blood-thinning supplements, as that may increase your recovery time after treatment. You may also be advised to avoid drinking alcohol or using tobacco products for at least 24 hours before your treatment.
Aftercare
After your treatment, you can go back to work or your usual daily activities. That said, you will generally have the same type of restrictions after your filler treatment regardless of the specific product that was used. You should avoid touching your face, using hot water, sleeping on your face, or any other activity that may disturb the product as it settles into your skin. We will give you specific aftercare instructions when your treatment is finished.
When Will You See Results?
Most people will be able to see immediate results from this treatment. The formula that is injected into the sub-dermal layers of your skin will introduce a gel that will immediately make your skin fuller and more smooth. As this formula is absorbed, the remaining hyaluronic acid will start to attract water to your skin cells, which will allow your skin to appear more youthful as more water remains in your skin.
Some fillers are formulated with ingredients that actively encourage collagen production. For these fillers, you may need several days or up to two weeks to see any significant results from this treatment. Sometimes, the severity of your skin concern and the area where the filler is used will also determine how quickly you can see results.
How Long Do Results Last?
Most fillers can produce results that will last for 12 months or longer. Depending on the brand, area of injection, age, and the severity of your concerns, the longevity of your results will vary. For fillers placed in the cheeks or used for contouring, you can expect results for 12 to 24 months most of the time; for fillers placed in the lips, your results may only last for six months at a time. Your aesthetic expert can give you a better idea of how long you can enjoy your results.
How Can You Maintain Results?
Maintaining the results of your treatment will generally depend on how well you take care of your skin, as well as how frequently you have top-up appointments. For most people, touch-up appointments once a year or once every two years are usually adequate to maintain your desired appearance.
Adopting certain lifestyle changes can also help your results last longer. Drinking plenty of water, lowering your stress, eating a healthy diet, and moderating sun exposure are all things you can do to slow the aging of your skin and also slow the breakdown of the filler formula used for your treatment.
Who Are Ideal Candidates?
Most people are considered good candidates for these filler treatments. In general, usage is approved for anyone who is over the age of 21, who is not pregnant or breastfeeding, and who does not have a history of severe allergic reactions. A consultation will be able to verify that you are medically qualified for filler treatments.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you want to look younger but you don’t want to fuss with plastic surgery, then a dermal filler treatment may be an ideal option for your aesthetic goals. Dermal fillers are unique injectable treatments that increase skin volume to erase the signs of aging and scarring. Whether you want to contour your appearance or correct mild to moderate skin concerns, dermal fillers are a good option for most people. Please contact us at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center in El Segundo, CA to schedule your consultation today.