Youthful skin has a certain bounce and glow. With the right amount of elastin and collagen in your skin, you do not have to worry about imperfections like wrinkles or sagging skin. The problem is that as you age, your skin loses the ability to hold onto those fibers, leading to sunken cheeks, thinner lips, and wrinkles.

This is where dermal fillers come to your aid. This cosmetic procedure has long been used to restore skin elasticity. Several products, such as JUVÉDERM®, have proven to be very reliable, with JUVÉDERM® VOLUX XC gaining quite a bit of popularity.

 

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers represent a minimally invasive procedure that relies on injections rather than cosmetic surgery to restore a youthful appearance. Unlike products such as BOTOX® Cosmetic which relax the muscles, dermal fillers aim to fill in the gaps. If your facial features have begun to lose their volume or show creases and lines, then dermal fillers can help restore the strength and youthfulness of your skin.

 

Types of Dermal Fillers

There are different types of dermal fillers, depending on the base ingredients and the purpose. Here are the most common fillers that you will come across: 

1. Hyaluronic Acid 

Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the skin, and it keeps the surface hydrated while offering more volume. As you become older, hyaluronic acid is not as easily produced, in which case you may need to resort to cosmetics. It is often used in skincare creams, but a longer-term effect may be provided with a dermal filler like JUVÉDERM®, which is one of the most popular and commonly chosen fillers. The effects of JUVÉDERM® usually last for six months before you need to schedule a follow-up appointment; however, depending on the JUVÉDERM® filler used, you may be able to see results for up to two years or longer.

2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite

This type of filler uses a substance that occurs naturally in your bones. For the most part, it is used for deeper wrinkles and has a longer-lasting effect. Since it is thicker than hyaluronic acid, it often lasts for 12 months and is a frequent choice for men. RADIESSE® is the only filler of this kind that was approved by the FDA.

3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid

Rather than artificially increasing the volume of your skin with its own fibers, this filler triggers your body into creating collagen. Unlike other fillers, you will probably not see the effects immediately, but they most often become noticeable within four to eight weeks of your injectable filler treatment. It is one of the most long-lasting options, as it may last up to three years. Sculptra® Aesthetic is the only FDA-approved filler of this type.

4. Polymethylmethacrylate 

This filler mainly contains collagen along with some small-volume balls that remain under your skin. This will allow the treated area to maintain its volume for a longer time, sometimes even years. Bellafill® is the only filler of this type.

During your consultation, you and Dr. Hotchandani will decide which option works best for your needs, goals, and desires at this time. The results are often noticeable immediately, with minimal recovery time, and the effects can last for months or even years.

 

Why Do Men and Women Use Fillers?

As your body begins to age, you lose collagen faster than usual. This naturally occurring substance is what keeps your skin together, giving you that plumped look that makes you look very young. As the collagen amount decreases, your skin becomes thinner and begins to sag. 

Dermal fillers can be used for the following purposes:

• To add more symmetry to your facial features
• To give more volume to your sagging skin
• To smooth out the creases and wrinkles on your face
• To make your cheeks and lips look fuller and plumper

Some people may decide to get a dermal filler to combat the effects of age. Others choose fillers to correct an existing imperfection. For example, dermal fillers can be used to correct a drooping brow or saggy cheeks. They contour the face, filling up the empty pockets beneath the skin.

Differences Between Men and Women When Using Fillers

Dermal fillers are very popular among men and women alike, with the purpose and application being very similar. However, the goals may be different depending on each gender. For instance, women get fillers because they want to be perceived as more feminine, accentuating face parts such as their lips or cheeks.

On the other hand, men want to look more masculine. For this reason, the focus is more on the lower half of their face. They look for enhancements like a stronger jawline or a more defined chin. 

Men can also use fillers to increase their forehead prominence, making them look manlier. In this case, they will often inject the fillers right above the brows. This is something that women tend to avoid doing, as they often want their foreheads to look small and delicate.

Some men may decide to add fillers to the cheeks, but not always, and usually in small amounts. At the same time, they are careful to avoid the lip area, as pouty and large lips are commonly seen as feminine. Men usually opt for lip injections when they have asymmetric lips or a scar to disguise (a reason that is common among women as well).

 

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Not every dermal filler treatment is equal. Some will only last for as little as six months. Others may last up to one year or more. It depends on their formula. 

For example, fillers such as JUVÉDERM® VOLUX XC can last up to two years. For some people, the filler may last for a longer time, but a checkup is still necessary to ensure that everything is going smoothly. 

The good news is that the effects of most dermal fillers can be seen immediately. While they might require some slight healing time, the swelling is minimal and your results will look natural.

 

Are You Ready to Look Younger?

Dermal fillers represent a good option for you to restructure and provide volume for your facial features. They can make you look younger by several years, and they may also enhance your femininity or masculinity. Schedule your appointment with Hotchandani Laser, Vein, and Cosmetic Surgery today!

If you want to learn more about lip fillers at Hotchandani Laser, Vein, and Cosmetic Surgery please call our Green Bay office at 920-497-9996 or our Appleton office at 920-738-6666 or fill out our online contact form.