Aging is an inevitable part of life, changing our facial appearance. One day, you might look in the mirror and notice that your cheeks aren’t as complete as they used to be or that the skin around your mouth and eyes is beginning to sag. These changes can be disheartening, but there’s good news: dermal fillers offer a way to combat these signs of aging and restore your face’s youthful volume.
You might wonder how celebrities and influencers maintain such smooth and full faces despite the years passing by. While good skincare routines and healthy lifestyles play a part, many turn to dermal fillers to keep their youthful glow. These non-surgical treatments can make a significant difference, plumping up areas that have lost volume and smoothing out wrinkles. But what exactly are dermal fillers, and how can they help you?
Why Facial Volume Loss Occurs
Skin loses elasticity and firmness as collagen and elastin fibres break down over time. This degradation results in the skin becoming thinner and less able to retain its shape, causing sagging and deepening lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that helps retain moisture and create volume, also decreases with age. This reduction in hyaluronic acid leads to a loss of skin hydration and volume, contributing to a sunken and aged appearance.
The redistribution and loss of facial fat further exacerbate these issues. When we are young, facial fat is evenly distributed, providing a smooth and full appearance. This fat loses volume, clumps up, and shifts downward with age, leading to hollow cheeks and a more worn appearance.
How Dermal Fillers Work
A dermal filler is a subcutaneous injection that replenishes lost volume, smoothes wrinkles, and enhances facial contours. In most cases, these fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the skin that helps to retain moisture. Dermal fillers are gel-like formulas that are injected into specific parts of the face to restore volume and smooth the skin without the need for surgery.
A hyaluronic acid filler binds to water molecules in the skin, adding volume and hydration. With this process, wrinkles and fine lines are lifted and smoothed out, giving the skin a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. A hyaluronic acid filler will show immediate results, and the results can last for six months to two years, depending on the type of product and the area of treatment.
Types of Dermal Fillers Offered
Dermal fillers come in various formulations, each designed to address specific areas of the face and types of wrinkles.
Juvederm
The Juvederm line of hyaluronic acid fillers is famed for its versatility and effectiveness. The range includes products like Juvederm XC, Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Volbella, and Juvederm Vollure, each designed for different areas of the face. Juvederm XC is often used to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, while Voluma is designed to enrich the volume of the cheeks. Volbella is ideal for lip augmentation and smoothing vertical lip lines, and Vollure is used to correct nasolabial folds and other lines around the mouth. Juvederm fillers provide long-lasting results, with some lasting up to two years.
Restylane
The brand Restylane is also one of the most prevalent hyaluronic acid fillers on the market. This range includes Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne. Restylane Lyft is utilized for cheek augmentation and correcting age-related midface contour deficiencies. Restylane Silk is tailored explicitly for lip enhancement and smoothing fine lines around the mouth. Restylane Refyne and Defyne smooth out laugh lines while maintaining natural facial expressions. The results from Restylane fillers typically last between six months to a year, depending on the product and treatment area.
RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid)
A RHA filler is designed to adapt to facial dynamics, making it ideal for areas that move a lot, such as the mouth and eyes. Natural-looking hyaluronic acid is mimicked in these fillers, ensuring a smooth and natural appearance. The effects of RHA fillers last up to 15 months and can be particularly helpful for treating moderate to severe wrinkles and folds.
RHA fillers stand out due to their resilience and ability to adapt to facial movements, providing a more natural and long-lasting result. This adaptability makes them an excellent choice for dynamic areas of the face, ensuring that the skin looks natural and smooth even with facial expressions.
Dermal fillers Procedures
The process of getting dermal fillers begins with an initial consultation. During this consultation, a practitioner assesses your facial structure and discusses your aesthetic goals. The practitioner then recommends the most suitable type of filler and develops a personalized treatment plan.
Prior to the procedure, the treatment site is cleaned, and a numbing cream may be spread to minimize discomfort. Following that, a fine needle or cannula is used to inject the filler into specific areas of the face. In most cases, it takes between 15 and 60 minutes to treat multiple areas.
Bruising, swelling, and redness may appear after treatment, but these side effects usually disappear within a few days. While most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, they should avoid strenuous workouts and undue sun exposure for a short period.
Dermal Fillers Before and Aftercare
By adhering to these before and aftercare guidelines, patients can enhance the effectiveness of their dermal filler treatments and enjoy a smoother, rejuvenated appearance with minimal downtime.
Before care:
Preparing for dermal filler treatment involves several steps to ensure optimal results and minimize risks. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil at least a week before the procedure, as these can boost the probability of bruising and swelling. Alcohol consumption should also be minimized a few days before treatment for the same reason.
Inform your practitioner of any medications you are currently taking and any medical conditions or allergies. If you are prone to cold sores, your doctor might prescribe antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak. Drink plenty of water before your appointment to ensure you’re hydrated. You can lessen the chances of infection by arriving with a clean face, free of makeup or skincare products.
Aftercare:
It’s advisable to keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous physical activities, heat exposure (such as saunas or hot showers), and direct sun exposure for the first 24-48 hours. These activities can exacerbate swelling and increase the risk of complications. Additionally, avoid consuming alcohol or engaging in activities that increase blood flow to the face, as this can worsen bruising.
Your practitioner may recommend specific skincare products or routines to follow post-treatment. By following their advice, you will ensure the longevity of your results. It is important to follow up with your practitioner to assess the results and address any concerns you may have.
Takeaway
At Pure Hydration and Aesthetics, our experienced team specializes in the latest dermal filler treatments, including Juvederm, Restylane, and RHA, to help you achieve a youthful, vibrant look. Whether you want to smooth wrinkles, enhance facial contours, or add volume to your cheeks and lips, we tailor each treatment to meet your unique needs. Contact Pure Hydration and Aesthetics now and take the first step towards a recharged and revitalized appearance!
