When you look at yourself, are you happy with what you see, or are your eyes drawn to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging? The fact of the matter is that the aging process catches up with all of us eventually. The good news, however, is that countless cosmetic treatments can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. At Still Waters Day & Medical Spa in Pensacola, FL, we know that dermal fillers are some of the best and most effective cosmetic solutions for your age-related concerns.
In general, the role of dermal fillers is to restore volume to your skin that is lost through the natural aging process. Right now, fillers are some of the most diverse cosmetic treatments available to patients since these simple minimally invasive injectable treatments can be used to address a wide range of appearance-related concerns.
Dermal fillers are particularly helpful for filling in hollow areas of the face, such as the cheeks and the area under the eye. Fillers are primarily used to correct the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the mid-face, such as the nasolabial folds, chin wrinkles, and even crow’s feet. Some fillers can even be used on the back of the hands or on to contour the appearance of the face, such as augmenting the jawline or cheekbones.
At our med spa, we have several different dermal filler options to offer our patients. The type of filler you select will ultimately depend on your cosmetic concerns, such as the type of fine lines and wrinkles you want to treat, and the severity of your concerns. Our filler options include:
The Juvederm collection of dermal fillers is incredibly versatile and includes specialized fillers that are designed to address specific concerns. Juvederm fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, which is a natural ingredient that restores lost facial volume for a significant period of time. Some of your Juvederm options include fillers like Voluma to replace lost volume in the cheeks and Volbella to restore the appearance of the lips, as well as soften fine lines around the mouth.
The Restylane collection of fillers is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and offers comparable results to the Juvederm fillers. That said, Restylane is typically used for patients who have moderate to severe cosmetic concerns. Some of the Restylane filler options available to you include the original formula for general fine lines and the Defyne formula, which is ideal for restoring more volume and filling in deeper wrinkles around the nose and mouth.
Sculptra is a unique filler that is made from Poly-L lactic acid, which works to stimulate collagen production to restore lost volume as naturally as possible. Sculptra can be used on virtually every area of the face and is considered a good volumizer for moderate to severe concerns. Sculptra can also be used as a contouring filler, especially for the cheeks, jaw, and chin.
Filler treatments are fairly simple and can usually be completed in about 30 minutes, even if you are treating multiple areas at one time. Fillers work by adding artificial volume to the skin through special gel formulas, which are delivered through a series of small injections on various areas of the face. Depending on the type of filler you are using, your treatment may be measured in syringes or vials.
Broadly speaking, most fillers approach restoring volume through a two-pronged approach. The first prong is to increase skin volume by using a water-based gel to instantly lift the volume of your skin; the second prong is where the special formulas kick in, as many of them work to stimulate collagen production within the skin for natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Preparing for filler treatments involves a few steps, such as temporarily discontinuing the use of certain active skincare ingredients, such as Retinols and other acids that may be in your skincare products. It’s best to use simple and clean skincare products for at least three to five days before your appointment to minimize any potential skin irritation or interactions.
You will also need to prepare for your appointment by avoiding any blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You will need to avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for at least one week before your appointment. Please reschedule your appointment if you have an active skin infection or flare-ups, such as cold sores, fever blisters, or eczema.
After your treatment, you will need to follow a few simple instructions to ensure that the results of your treatment develop as desired. For example, you will need to avoid rubbing, touching, or massaging any injection areas so you don’t disturb the filler formula.
You will need to continue avoiding direct sunlight and tanning beds, as unprotected UV exposure may break down the filler formula more quickly. You will also need to avoid strenuous exercise for one to two weeks following your appointment. We will provide you with additional aftercare instructions after your appointment.
Most patients will notice an immediate improvement in their appearance since the filler contains enough water to plump the appearance of your skin on the same day as your treatment. However, these initial results are temporary and will fade as the filler formula is absorbed by your body. Your true results will begin to appear within three to five days of your appointment as the active ingredients in the filler will stimulate collagen production to restore your skin’s youthful appearance.
The length of time you can expect your results to last will vary depending on the type of filler being used and the area that is being treated. Many fillers can produce results that last up to 12 to 24 months, particularly fillers that are used on the cheeks and around the nose. Fillers that are used on the lips tend to breakdown more quickly, so patients can expect lip filler results to only last 6 to 9 months depending on the filler brand.
You may be able to extend the life of your results by taking certain treatment methods. For example, using skincare products after your recovery that encourage collagen formation may help improve the longevity of your results. Being proactive about suncare and using SPF products when you plan to be in direct sunlight may also help extend your results.
The frequency of your treatments will depend on how long each of your fillers lasts. Most patients opt to have additional treatment appointments before their results begin to fade so they can enjoy continuous results. In general, this means scheduling regular filler appointments about once a year or as frequently as you feel necessary to maintain your results. If you aren’t sure what the best treatment frequency is for your needs, we can help you create a treatment schedule.
Dermal fillers are incredibly beneficial for several reasons. For example, one of the primary benefits of this treatment is how versatile fillers are. A filler can be used on virtually every area of the face and can address mild, moderate, and severe fine lines and wrinkles, which makes it an optimal choice to resolve age-related concerns. The fact that there are also specialized formulas for different areas of the face and treatment purposes is also beneficial. Other benefits for fillers include:
As a non-surgical option, patients will not need to worry about pain, scarring, or lengthy recovery times when they use filler treatments. Non-surgical treatments such as fillers are good options for patients who want to improve their appearance quickly and painlessly. Non-surgical treatments are also good options for those who are not healthy enough or qualified for cosmetic surgery.
Fillers are incredibly customizable treatments. Whether you want to only treat one area or you want to have a liquid facelift, you can customize the results of your treatment to fit your specific needs and aesthetic desires. For example, some patients only use fillers to contour the lips, the nose tip, and the cheeks, while other patients combine contouring and anti-aging concerns with a single filler treatment.
The results of filler treatments are both long-lasting and natural-looking. Many patients appreciate the fact that the results of a filler treatment are natural-looking since this is both easier to maintain and ultimately looks better for the patient. Natural-looking results also tend to feel better, which makes the treatment more comfortable for the patient as well.
Finally, filler treatments are easily paired with other cosmetic treatments. It’s not uncommon to combine fillers with other injectable treatments, including Kybella or neurotoxins like Botox. Fillers can also be combined with treatments such as chemical peels, facials, and even laser treatments.
Any adult who is not pleased with the appearance of their skin is usually a qualified candidate for this treatment. Ideal candidates include those who are not allergic to the ingredients in the filler and those who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
You should be happy with the way you look every time you look in the mirror. If you want to turn back the clock to feel more confident and attractive, then dermal fillers may be the ideal treatment option for you. Please contact Still Waters Day & Medical Spa in Pensacola, FL to schedule your treatment appointment today.