In 2017, aesthetic medicine specialists provided close to 2.7 million dermal filler treatments in the United States, helping women and men across the country effectively erase years from their appearance. Thanks to continuing advances in aesthetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology, it’s possible to diminish or even erase the most common signs of aging safely, quickly, and easily — all without having to go under the knife.
When skillfully injected in just the right spots, dermal fillers help counteract age-related soft tissue volume loss by using medical-grade supplemental substances to enhance or redefine your features and rejuvenate your skin.
Here at Bayview General Medicine & Aesthetics in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we’ve seen firsthand just how effective the right combination of carefully chosen cosmetic injectables can be. Here are three interesting facts about dermal fillers.
Although there are a variety of synthetic dermal fillers that provide excellent results, many of the most popular filler products are made from pure, all-natural substances like hyaluronic acid or collagen.
Top-shelf fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® use hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that’s already present in your skin, eyes, joints, and elsewhere in your body. In your skin cells, the main function of hyaluronic acid is to hydrate and plump, or subtly enhance volume.
Other brands of all-natural fillers are made from collagen, an organic protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and youthfulness. The collagen that’s already naturally present in your skin, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues helps define and reinforce their structure.
Although some natural dermal filler products are derived from animal sources, many fillers are made from non-animal, biodegradable sources.
It’s not surprising that many of our first-time dermal filler clients here at Bayview General Medicine & Aesthetics are confused about the difference between dermal fillers and Botox® Cosmetic; after all, both are cosmetic injectables that are designed to erase or reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and creases.
But the benefits of dermal fillers go far beyond temporary wrinkle reduction. Dermal fillers are designed to counteract many age-related facial changes, ranging from deep wrinkles and fine lines to sagging skin and soft tissue volume loss, otherwise known as facial deflation.
Facial deflation is an age-driven process that typically begins in your early 30s; as it advances with each passing year, you may notice that your cheeks seem flatter, your temples seem narrower, or your lips seem thinner than they once were.
Depending on your personal aesthetic goals, you can use dermal fillers to correct age-related soft tissue volume loss, lift and tighten lax skin tissue, or significantly diminish the deep lines around your eyes, brow, nose, or mouth. You can also use them to subtly flesh out your cheeks, enhance your lips, correct minor skin depressions, or change the contour of your jawline.
With dermal fillers, you only need one quick and easy treatment to see instant and long-lasting results. Although all fillers are eventually broken down and absorbed by your body, the vast majority last at least six months, and some last as long as two years.
Even if you were hoping your dermal filler treatment would be permanent, there are significant benefits to their temporary nature. As your face continues to change over time, the amount and type of filler that will give you the best results also change. To put it another way, any dermal filler treatment you have today isn’t likely to be the same treatment you’d have in five years.
In short, using dermal fillers to help maintain a more youthful appearance allows you to respond to age-related skin changes as they develop, which means you’re much more likely to achieve subtle, natural-looking results.
If you’re ready to erase fine lines, reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, enhance your natural facial features, and refresh your skin, we’re ready to help. Call our Fort Lauderdale, Florida office or use our convenient online tool to schedule a consultation with Dr. Blanchar today.
