Dermal fillers are one of the most popular procedures for achieving a more youthful appearance. These products are injected into the skin and will soften or even eliminate the look of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nose and mouth. Additionally, fillers can be used to add volume to the cheeks and lips— creating a more contoured look in the process.
While fillers are most commonly used to minimize laugh lines, crow’s feet and frown lines, as well as to plump up lips and cheeks, there are also the following ways that fillers can be used that most people aren’t aware of.
Recessed Scars
One good thing about scars is that they tell a story, but the bad thing is that they can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed. Fillers can be used to temporarily alleviate the appearance of recessed scars by adding volume to the skin— creating a smoother texture in the process.
Facial Contour Deformities
If you have had a surgical procedure to correct facial deformities that were caused by accident or surgery, facial fillers can be used to help with creating natural looking contours across your face. By injecting fillers around your cheekbones, mouth, nose, and chin, fillers can help you temporarily eliminate facial imperfections.
What About BOTOX?
BOTOX is the most popular injectable available, but it is not a dermal filler. BOTOX injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves so that wrinkles are less noticeable. BOTOX is most commonly used to lift areas like eyebrows, eyes, and forehead. There is no downtime with BOTOX, meaning you can resume your normal activities right away. The effects last about three to four months, depending on what is being treated. BOTOX is also used for many other conditions including underarm sweating.
It’s important to realize that dermal fillers and BOTOX are medical procedures, not cosmetic treatments. These should only be done by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who is knowledgeable about injection techniques and product safety. Because there is a wide variety of different types of dermal fillers, and choosing the correct injection site is crucial, only your physician can recommend the specific strategy that will give you the results you are seeking. Dermal fillers are not appropriate for everyone and although the procedure is very safe, there are certain risks. Your physician will do a complete medical history to make sure that you are a good candidate, explain the procedure in detail, and answer questions that you may have.
Although temporary, facial fillers provide solid results that can help treat some major areas of concern. The results are usually immediate and will last 6 months to over a year depending on the patient and the type of filler used.
