All About Facial Fillers

Are you concerned about deepening lines around the eyes, brow or mouth? Would you like to redefine the contours of your jaw or lips? Are you interested in reclaiming your youthful glow quickly with limited downtime? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then it’s time to learn more about facial fillers.

Dermal fillers, also known as soft tissue fillers or simply fillers, are a type of minimally invasive aesthetic injectable that adds volume to the face and defines its contours. The result is a natural-looking, fuller, smoother, and more youthful appearance.

Facial fillers are among the most popular aesthetic procedures done today because they offer immediate results, very few risks, and a short recovery time.

Fillers are administered with a syringe to targeted areas of the face, including around the eyes, along the jaw, around the lips, and in the forehead. The number, location, and depth of the injections depend largely on the type of dermal filler used and the desired results.

Dermal fillers can address concerns including lines around the mouth, eyes or forehead, diminishing volume the cheeks, jaw line or lips, and scars or depressions in the facial skin from acne, injury, or congenital imperfections.

There are a number of facial fillers to be considered, but fillers that are temporary or semi-permanent are the most commonly selected for those interested in aesthetic improvement.

For example, the family of injectables including Restylane®, Restylane®Lyft, and Restylane®Silk uses hyaluronic acid to plump and add fullness. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, making it safe and effective for adding volume. This temporary option will last anywhere from six to twelve months before reapplication is needed.

Semi-permanent fillers can last between twelve and eighteen months. Sculptra utilizes a biodegradable synthetic filler known as poly-L-lactic acid. This type of soft tissue filler are thicker and treat deeper facial lines and depressions. While semi-permanent fillers offer longer-lasting results than temporary fillers, keep in mind that it is possible that you will need a touch up several weeks after your initial injections.

It is important to select an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon when seeking care. In your initial consultation, your physician will ask you about the areas of the face that concern you and what outcomes you’d most like to see. He or she will then evaluate your facial lines and contours and offer expert recommendations on how to proceed. You will decide on the most appropriate dermal filler for your needs and which injection sites to target together. Your surgeon may also be able to advise you on alternative or additional treatments that will help you achieve your overall aesthetic goals.

Keep in mind that fillers can be administered the same day as your consultation because of their minimally invasive nature, limited downtime, and solid safety record. You will likely see results immediately following the procedure, though it’s not uncommon for patients to experience a little swelling or bruising at the injection site that will typically subside within a couple of days. As with any cosmetic procedure, stay in contact with your doctor during your recovery period; prolonged pain and swelling, acute pain at the injection site, or the development of nodules or bumps in or around the injected areas are concerns that should always be addressed to your doctor.

To find out more about facial dermal fillers and read patient stories, visit Smart Beauty Guide.

When you’re ready to move forward with achieving your aesthetic goals, contact Dr. Michael Villano of Villano | MD to schedule your complimentary consultation.