If you were told that there was an easy, instantly effective and virtually painless procedure available to eliminate early signs of aging, you’d probably think it was too good to be true. However, dermal fillers, also known as facial fillers, have become like real-life magic wands that temporarily smooth and fill wrinkles in just one treatment, without ever having to go under the knife.
The demand for these innovative anti-aging treatments continues to rise, increasing by just over forty percent between the years of 2012 and 2017, and consistently landing on the list of the top five most requested non-surgical procedures, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). The versatility and safety of dermal fillers allow for seemingly endless possibilities, from eliminating wrinkles, folds, and creases to enhancing your lips and cheeks.
While almost all dermal fillers can provide you with the same smooth, youthful results, how they accomplish it will vary depending on the product used. Collagen-boosting injectables, for example, work by stimulating your body’s natural production of collagen in your skin, leaving you with a more supple, smoother face. Other injectable fillers utilize hyaluronic acid— another naturally occurring substance in our skin— to restore youthfulness to the face. Hyaluronic acid-based injectables work by plumping up soft tissue and absorbing water molecules, leaving you with refreshed, more hydrated skin.
Who are Dermal Fillers for?
Dermal fillers are safe, provide immediate results, and contain ingredients that are compatible with our bodies. Any healthy Torrance patient who wishes to address early signs of aging is eligible for facial filler injections. However, if you have more severe symptoms of aging and a significant loss of elasticity and tone in your skin, a surgical procedure such as a facelift may provide more optimal results. If you’ve encountered any one of the following signs of early aging, a dermal filler may be the right solution for you:
- Smile or laugh lines (nasolabial folds)
- Lines extending from the corner of the mouth to the chin (marionette lines)
- Acne scars
- Loss of facial or cheek volume
- Lines around your eyes (crow’s feet)
- Thinning lips
Which Filler is Right for Me?
Dr. Verbin will help you determine which dermal filler is best suited for you based on your expectations of the procedure and the type of wrinkles present on your skin. While dermal fillers all strive to erase visible signs of aging, each will vary slightly based on the area targeted for treatment. Below we will explore the differences between collagen fillers and hyaluronic acid fillers, both of which Dr. Verbin uses at SB Aesthetics.
Collagen Fillers
Collagen is a naturally-occurring protein found in your bones, cartilage, tendons and (you guessed it) — your skin. The collagen present within your skin is responsible for maintaining the smooth, firm appearance of your face when you’re young. However, as you get older, your body gradually produces less collagen and existing collagen begins to weaken and break down.
Thus, you start to lose that suppleness and volume of youth, and soft tissue begins to sag and wrinkle.
Collagen-boosting dermal fillers work by helping to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen in areas where it has depleted over time. Immediately, the natural fullness of your skin will be restored as the support structure of your skin is strengthened by increased collagen production.
Collage Fillers Results
Collagen-boosting filler injections are a relatively straightforward procedure. Dr. Verbin will administer the injections through a small needle into the areas of your skin you’ve chosen to treat. While you may experience some minor discomfort from the injections, the procedure can be combined with a local anesthetic to numb pain. Injections will take effect almost instantaneously to visibly smooth lines and add volume to the face.
The long-lasting benefits of collagen-boosting fillers will continue to be seen over time— as your body absorbs the filler, it also builds its own healthy new collagen to naturally supplement the treatment. Most patients can expect to enjoy their results of collagen-boosting fillers for up to a year or longer, though a regular schedule of injections may be recommended to maintain your aesthetic goals.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers first hit the U.S. in the early 2000s and are now considered by many to be the premier choice for wrinkle fillers. According to ASAPS, hyaluronic acid fillers have become one of the top non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and were the second most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure of 2017, behind Botox. Hyaluronic acid, like collagen, is present in our skin and helps maintain facial volume and softness.
The primary function of hyaluronic acid in our bodies is to maintain the correct balance of moisture through its ability to attract and hold up to a thousand times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid fillers effectively plump and hydrate your skin and lips by trapping water molecules beneath the surface, resulting in softer, smoother skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Results
Similar to collagen-boosting fillers, some discomfort may be experienced during your treatment, and minor pain at the site of injections may occur but will subside after a few days. Some bruising or swelling may occur immediately after injections but will also diminish within a few days.
Results of these fillers are immediate and can last anywhere from six to twelve months. Additional treatments are needed to maintain the appearance, but some research suggests that hyaluronic acid can stimulate your body’s natural production of collagen and continue to improve your skin months after the treatment.
Contact a Board Certified Torrance Plastic Surgeon
Dermal fillers may not stop the aging process, but they are the perfect solution for anyone hoping to restore facial contours and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles without having to undergo surgery. With his superior surgical skills and artistry, Dr. Verbin will help you put your best face forward with the facial filler best suited for you and your aesthetic goals.
If you’re ready to learn how collagen or hyaluronic acid fillers can turn back the clock on your appearance and give your skin the refreshed, supple glow of youthful skin, give us a call today at 310-997-4618 or email info@sbaethetics.md to schedule your consultation.
