What are dermal fillers and why would I want them?
Dermal fillers are essentially gel-like, temporary substances that are carefully injected underneath the skin to soften fine lines or deep creases in the face, contour and define facial structure, or hydrate and plump up areas desiring more volume. These fillers enhance your natural facial features and subtly improve areas of concern, such as the lips, cheeks, laugh lines, chin, jawline & more.
Here at Edgebrook Dermatology, we love to use Juvederm fillers. Juvederm is the #1 filler brand in America, FDA-approved, and is composed of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a sugar molecule we produce naturally to retain moisture in and underneath the skin. Our natural production of HA decreases over time, drying out the skin and contributing to the appearance of aging. By utilizing a filler made of HA, we can plump up areas that have lost volume over time or add volume to enhance contours of the face & lips.
Using Juvederm Volbella XC, we can treat the lips or even fine lines above/around the lips. Volbella is Juvederm’s softest formula, perfectly catering to very miniscule lines, or to provide a very pillowy-plush effect to the lips. We love this formula because it imitates the softness of natural lips. We can use it to make them bigger, define the border of the lips, or hydrate just enough to smooth out fine lines and provide a naturally “glossy,” pouty appearance. The outcome depends on how much product is used, meaning we can create either a very subtle change or a more dramatic change by carefully planning placement of the product.
Laugh lines around the mouth are typically treated using Juvederm Ultra XC. This formula is a little more dense than Volbella, making it perfect for deeper creases and folds in the skin. The nasolabial folds (from the corners of the nose down towards the mouth) and the marionette lines (pulling at the corners of the mouth down towards the chin) are the most common areas we are treating with this product. As we age, starting as early as our 30’s, we lose a lot of volume in the lower face, causing our skin to fold and fall as gravity takes over. This is why filler in the cheeks is very helpful as well! We’ll get into that next.
By using Juvederm Ultra OR Juvederm Voluma, we can restore volume loss in the cheeks or define the cheekbones. We lose what is considered about a tube’s worth (1ml) of filler every decade starting in our 30’s. The actual structure and density of our facial bones also decrease over time, so the skin on top gravitates downwards over time, due to loss of this bony support. This lack of support causes a “flat” or “sagging” appearance of the skin. This is what makes us look more aged. We can start by placing Juvederm Voluma, the most dense Juvederm formula (which allows it to last longer as well!), along the cheekbones. This creates definition and can help with a lifting effect, improving jowls and nasolabial folds. We can then add either Voluma or Ultra, depending on your provider’s recommendation and your specific face structure, to plump up the apples of the cheeks. Restoring volume loss in the apple of the cheek helps to rejuvenate a youthful appearance without changing your natural face structure. This can even help to lift and soften the nasolabial folds by lifting the skin up again.
Some patients only wish or need to focus on specific areas, and some may need a full combination. This is why the consultation is so important: we can assess and map out your face in particular to customize your plan and provide best results as well as discuss specific risks of which to be aware. This will also suggest how many syringes to begin with to achieve your desired results, as it will vary for each individual. Some patients may need as little as 1 syringe, and some patients could need 6 or more, all depending on the areas you’re hoping to treat and how much of a difference you’d like to see.
“Many of my patients are afraid of being overdone with filler,” Amira Al-Basha, PA-C states, “but it is important to know that one whole tube of filler has 1/5th of a teaspoon in it. This means it would take 5 tubes of filler to even fill a ketchup packet, so adding a tube (or 2!) of filler gives a beautiful, subtle result that can be built upon over time without ever looking overdone.”
Dermal fillers are made to last about 6-24 months. They are a temporary support that will dissolve over time. If you chose to start with a small amount of product and are not pleased with the effect, then more filler can be used. Otherwise, we will refresh once the product begins to dissolve and you’re ready for a repeat treatment!
“I love the artistry component of cosmetic filler injections because it allows for the opportunity to enhance a patient’s natural beauty and restore a more youthful appearance,” boasts Katie, PA-C (pictured here injecting). “I strive to achieve subtle, long-lasting results that can visibly boost a patient’s confidence.”
Dr. Maria Al-Basha points out that fillers are the “perfect procedure to complement Botox to restore youthful face contours.”
That’s true! Filler pairs really well with Botox, laser treatments, and medical-grade skincare for overall skin rejuvenation and preservation. For more information or to consult about your specific concerns or goals, schedule a FREE consultation appointment with us today by calling (815) 229-9333 extension 2.
