Ever wonder why celebrities’ faces look so smooth and wrinkle-free even into their late 30s, 40s, and even 50s? One tried-and-true series of procedures that often contributes to these ageless faces is the use of fillers.

Dermal fillers are products made from various substances that aim to reduce wrinkles and/or improve your facial and skin structure. Hyaluronic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, calcium hydroxyapatite, and collagen are some of the most common fillers on the market today.

What do fillers help with?

Common uses for fillers include:

• Reducing the appearance of creases and wrinkles in your face
• Adding contour to your cheeks
• Minimizing the appearance of scar lines
• Adding volume or shape to the lips

Are fillers permanent?

No. While they may last for a very long time, fillers are still a temporary solution. After a while, the effects will wear off and additional procedures will be needed for maintenance of your goal At Dynamic Dermatology, we will help you choose the right product based on both your preference and our recommendation in order to meet your desired appearance. This of course will all be discussed and agreed upon during an initial consultation with Dynamic Dermatology.

What are my options?

Juvederm Ultra

Juvederm Ultra is a hyaluronic acid filler used to achieve a fuller and more plump look for your lips. Juvederm is also used for smile lines, and can both smooth and correct such lines around the nose or mouth. The effects generally last around 12 months.

Juvederm Ultra Plus

Ultra Plus is like its ultra counterpart, but utilizes larger particles of hyaluronic acid to combat more significant lines. Ultra Plus also lasts around 12 months.

Juvederm Voluma

The hyaluronic acid in Voluma has a denser consistency, and is used to add structure and additional volume in the cheek area. These particles are mid-sized, and can also help with deep creases and lines around the nose and mouth. The effects of Voluma can last up to 2 years.

Restylane Defyne

Defyne helps to smooth out nasolabial folds and marionette lines, otherwise known as deep laugh lines, which can give you a more youthful appearance. This filler lasts approximately 12 months.

Restylane Refyne

Refyne is a hyaluronic acid product designed to soften laugh lines and give a more youthful appearance. It too lasts around 12 months.

Restylane Lyft

Lyft is a hyaluronic product with a dense consistency that helps to add volume and contour to your cheeks. Its large particle size helps to provide contour to deep layers of the skin tissue. Lyft lasts about 12 months.

Sculptra

Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable filler that helps replace lost collagen in the folds between the mouth and nose, also called nasolabial folds. It can last up to 2-5 years.

Belotero Balance

Belotero Balance is a hyaluronic acid filler that helps minimize the appearance of aging in the nasolabial folds. This product lasts from 6-10 months on average.

Are there any side effects?

With a reputable expert, like you will find at Dynamic Dermatology, side effects are almost non-existent outside of slight initial swelling/bruising or discomfort due to the needle injection. Uncommon side effects include prolonged swelling and lump formation, but again, this is very rare.

What’s the procedure like?

The procedure is split into a few steps.

First, mapping is done. Injection sites are marked and photographs are taken in order to guarantee the accuracy of the injections.

Next, you’ll undergo a pre-injection cleaning. Injection sites will be cleaned with an antibacterial agent to ensure cleanliness. Next, if the doctor deems it necessary, the area will be numbed or a cold instrument of some sort will be used to chill the skin and avoid any discomfort during the procedure.

After that comes the main event: the injection. Injections generally happen quickly and only take a minute or so per injection site. After each injection the doctor will evaluate and confirm the effectiveness and accuracy at each site. Overall time of the injections depends on the number of sites, but usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour.

Finally, you’ll have a quick post-injection cleaning. Once you’ve been cleaned up and your doctor verifies their work, markings drawn on before will be removed. An Ice pack will be provided to help minimize swelling and you’ll be good to go.

We recommend some minor sculpting on your own at home for the next few days. No more than 5 minutes per evening of slight pressure to smooth the filler out.

Is there any recovery time?

Recovery time depends on your discomfort level, which should be very minimal. Your doctor may provide an ice pack, but other than that you’re free to resume with normal activity.

Alright, what’s next?

What’s next is to call up Dynamic Dermatology and schedule a consultation. We will set goals, go over options, agree on a plan, and start the process towards your new, age-defying appearance. Call today or use the Book Appointment button for a Cosmetic Consultation!