As we age, our skin loses its natural fillers, the subcutaneous fat and other tissues that give it structural support. This natural process leads to wrinkles, a loss of shape and thinner skin. Sun exposure and smoking speed up this process.
The most visible signs of aging usually begin at the lips, chin, cheeks, eyes, with a hollowing of the cheeks, temples and areas around the mouth.
Dermal fillers help the appearance of aging skin by plumping up the tissue. Fillers can be used to fill out the following:
- Frown lines between the eyebrows (in combination with Botox or Dysport)
- Horizontal forehead creases (in combination with Botox or Dysport)
- Crow’s feet around the eyes (in combination with Botox or Dysport)
- Lines on the upper lip caused by pursing the lips or smoking
- Downturned corners of the mouth
Commonly used dermal fillers include Bellafill, Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and silicone.
How dermal fillers work
Fillers are placed through a series of injections under the skin, often with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort (especially around sensitive areas like the lips). Each treatment lasts 20 to 30 minutes. It requires skill and careful attention to fill the treated areas so that there is a smooth, natural appearance.
The number of treatments required depend on your individual skin and the results desired. Fillers generally are divided into temporary (Restylane, Juvederm); longer lasting (Sculptra) and never resorbing (silicone and Bellafill) They can generally last from 6 to 36 months, depending on the type used. Even when permanent fillers are used, additional treatments may be needed as the aging process continues. However, the interval required is longer for semipermanent and permanent fillers.
Recovery time
Most patients need very little time to recover after soft-tissue augmentation. Because there are no incisions or sutures, typical recovery time is one to four days. Minor bruising and swelling are the most common side effects and are usually minimal.
Dr. Niroomand will recommend the right dermal filler for you based on the location being treated, other treatments you may want, and your personal preferences.
Learn more below about the fillers we use at Uptown Dermatology.
Bellafill
Bellafill is a long-lasting and affordable solution to wrinkle correction. Although initially it may be more expensive, in the long-term it may be more economical because it requires fewer injections than some other fillers.
Juvederm
Juvederm is a smooth gel filler that smooths away unwanted wrinkles and lip lines around your mouth and nose. Just one treatment can last up to one year.
Non-surgical Juvederm is infused with lidocaine to improve comfort during treatment. Most patients experience one to four days of recovery time.
Before being treated with Juvederm, you should avoid any medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), for at least a week prior to treatment. The injection itself usually takes about 15 minutes.
For 24 hours after treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise; consumption of alcoholic beverages; and extended exposure to sun or heat.
You may experience pain, tenderness, temporary redness, swelling, bruising, firmness, and bumps at the injection sites. Studies have shown that these are usually mild to moderate in nature and clear up on their own in 7 days or less. If you experience swelling at the injection site, you can apply an ice pack for a brief period.
Report any redness and/or visible swelling that lasts more than a few days (or any other symptoms that cause concern) to Dr. Niroomand.
Restylane
Restylane offers an excellent choice for fuller lips and was the first FDA-approved dermal filler for lip enhancement. When makeup fails to enhance the look of your lips, Resytlane may help. It lasts for up to six months and typically only requires one treatment.
After treatment, you might have some mild swelling, redness, pain, bruising, or tenderness and last fewer than 14 days. Swelling may be more common in patients under 36 years of age, and bruising may be more likely in patients over 35 years.
Sculptra
Sculptra Aesthetic is made with biocompatible, biodegradable, synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid, which is gradually and naturally absorbed by the body and helps to rebuild lost collagen through a series of treatments. It is used to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds.
Results appear gradually over the treatment regime (typically three injections over the course of three to four months) and can last up to two years.
Silicone
Silicone has been used as a filler by dermatologists for more than 50 years. It is most often used for soft tissue defects or facial augmentation such as the lips, lines, cheeks, under the eyes, and for HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. Silicone offers a natural-looking, long-lasting solution.
Our office also uses Botox and Dysport to support younger looking skin. See our Wrinkle Treatment page to learn more.
If wrinkles and lines are bothering you, call our office at 214-303-1102 or request an appointment with Dr. Niroomand to learn more about your treatment options.