Dermal fillers are a popular choice for restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing facial features. When injected by an experienced provider, they can deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover the many benefits of dermal fillers and explain why they are the secret weapon to achieving youthful-looking skin. Let’s get started!
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that aid in restoring lost volume, smoothing out wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours. Common dermal fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and replenish moisture in the skin, giving the dermal filler the ability to create a plump effect that delivers a refreshed, youthful appearance.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
HA dermal fillers produce immediate results with minimal downtime. Most patients can see a noticeable change immediately after the treatment, and the effects can last from several months to over a year, depending on the type of filler used.
Popular Areas for Dermal Filler Treatment
Dermal fillers can be used to address a variety of facial concerns. Here are those factors:
Cheeks and Midface Volume
One of the most common areas treated with dermal fillers is the cheeks. The cheeks can lose youthful fullness as we age, leading to a hollow, sunken appearance. Cheek dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm Voluma XC or Restylane Lyft, are designed to restore lost volume in the midface, creating a lifted, contoured appearance that takes years off your look.
Lips
If you want to enhance your lips without over-the-top results, dermal fillers are a great option. Lip fillers, like Juvéderm Ultra XC or Restylane Kysse, can add volume and definition to the lips, for a plumper look. Lip fillers are tailored to your preferences, whether you want to correct asymmetry or add subtle volume.
Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines
The nasolabial folds (the lines from the base of the nose to the mouth) and marionette lines (the lines running from the mouth to the chin) are common areas where wrinkles form due to aging and facial movement. Dermal fillers can soften these lines, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance without drastically altering your natural expressions.
Types of Dermal Fillers: Understanding Your Options
There are a number of dermal fillers on the market, each with unique properties designed to address specific concerns. Getting the right filler for your needs depends on your goals, the area being treated, and your provider’s recommendations.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is a cosmetic line of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers that restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and improve facial features. The Juvéderm family includes a variety of formulations, each designed for specific purposes:
- Juvéderm Voluma XC: Ideal for adding volume to the cheeks and midface.
- Juvéderm Vollure XC: Best for treating moderate to facial wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds.
- Juvéderm Volbella XC: A perfect choice for enhancing lips and smoothing out vertical lip lines.
- Juvéderm Ultra XC: A versatile filler used for lip enhancement and smoothing lines around the mouth.
Results from Juvéderm typically last between 6 months and two years, depending on the specific product used.
Restylane
Restylane is another trusted brand of hyaluronic acid fillers that offers a range of products to address various facial concerns. The Restylane family includes:
- Restylane Lyft: Great for adding volume to the cheeks and hands.
- Restylane Refyne and Defyne: Designed to smooth out deeper wrinkles while allowing natural facial expressions.
- Restylane Kysse: Specifically formulated for lip enhancement, offering soft, natural-looking results.
Restylane fillers typically last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the formulation and treatment area.
The RHA® Collection
The RHA® Collection of dermal fillers is an exciting new option for those seeking dynamic, natural-looking facial rejuvenation. Unlike traditional fillers, the RHA® Collection is designed to adapt seamlessly to facial movements, maintaining natural expressions and a refined appearance. This collection includes RHA Redensity™, RHA® 2, RHA® 3, and RHA® 4, each tailored to specific areas of the face. RHA Redensity™ is ideal for treating delicate areas such as under-eye hollows, while RHA® 2, RHA® 3, and RHA® 4 offer progressive levels of volume and support to address various facial wrinkles and folds, from subtle lines to deeper creases. These advanced fillers provide long-lasting results and are particularly well-suited for individuals looking for a natural finish that holds up with facial movements over time.
Sculptra
Sculptra is a unique dermal filler that stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production over time. This is not a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler but a filler that uses “seeds” of poly-L-lactic acid to grow new collagen. Unlike traditional fillers, which provide immediate volume, Sculptra’s results develop gradually over several months as new collagen forms. It is ideal for patients looking for a subtle approach and long-lasting results that improve the skin’s overall texture and volume. With proper maintenance, results from Sculptra can last up to two years or longer.
What to Expect During Dermal Filler Treatment
One of the main advantages of dermal filler treatments is the quick and easy process. Appointments generally take less than an hour, and patients can return to most normal activities immediately afterwards.
The Procedure
Before the treatment, your provider will discuss your goals and examine the areas you want to address. A numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to ensure comfort during the injections. The dermal filler is then carefully injected into the targeted areas using a fine needle or cannula.
Depending on the number of areas being treated, the procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. You will see results immediately after the procedure, although some swelling or bruising may occur in the days following your treatment.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
While dermal fillers require minimal downtime, following your provider’s post-treatment instructions is important to ensure the best results. Common side effects include mild swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days. Applying ice and avoiding strenuous activities for the first 24 hours can help minimize swelling.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
The longevity of your results depends on the type of filler used and the area treated. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane, typically last 6 to 18 months. Sculptra, which stimulates collagen production, can provide results that last up to two years or more. Regular touch-up treatments are recommended to maintain your desired appearance over time.
Our Final Say at The Derm Collective North Shore
Dermal fillers are a fantastic solution for anyone wishing to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance their facial features. Whether you want to rejuvenate your cheeks, plump your lips, or soften deep lines, dermal fillers can help deliver radiant, youthful appearance with lasting results.
Enhance your look with dermal filler treatment in Northbrook, IL. Find out if dermal fillers are the right choice for you by scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced providers at The Derm Collective North Shore.