Dermal Fillers: Achieving Natural-Looking Volume & Contour

April 18, 2024

Woman receiving dermal fillers in her face

When it comes to creating a more youthful appearance, many people think that it takes a big investment of time and money to achieve their desired results. Fortunately, there are numerous minimally invasive, budget-friendly solutions, including dermal fillers. According to Certified Physician Assistant Kristen Ochsner of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Wichita, Kansas, “Dermal fillers offer a simple solution to smooth deep lines and wrinkles and plump skin. There are numerous dermal filler options available, and each offers unique benefits. A trained cosmetic dermatology professional can help you find the right option for your unique needs and create a treatment plan to deliver your desired results and keep you looking your best.” In this blog, Kristen discusses what dermal fillers are, the different types, and how to find the best one to meet your needs.

Understanding Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a cosmetic dermatology treatment commonly used to address lost facial fullness, deep wrinkles, acne scars, and thinning lips. The procedure is performed by injecting a filler material into the targeted area. The dermatologist then smooths and shapes the filler to create the desired appearance. The entire process is usually completed in under an hour.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers for Natural-Looking Enhancement

There are many benefits to choosing cosmetic fillers rather than more invasive cosmetic dermatology solutions, including:

  • Dermal fillers are a conservative and affordable treatment.
  • Results can last from several months to several years.
  • Improve the appearance of acne scars.
  • Quick, easy, and comfortable process.
  • Natural looking and feeling results.
  • More confident, youthful appearance.
  • Little to no downtime is needed.

Insights from Kristen Ochsner, PA-C

According to Kristen, “Dermal fillers are an amazing way to freshen your appearance and keep you looking more youthful. Done correctly, dermal fillers are typically very safe and effective. However, due to potential complications, it is important to seek out an injector with a lot of training and experience.” In addition to the need to choose a qualified provider to perform the procedure, Kristen provided the following dermal filler tips for patients:

  • Ask questions during your consultation. Don’t move forward with a treatment plan until you’re sure it’s the right option for you.
  • After your treatment, you can return to your regular routine for the most part, but you should still get plenty of rest and use ice or cold packs to alleviate discomfort and minimize bruising and swelling.
  • Minimize sun exposure and apply sunscreen frequently to prevent damage.
  • Don’t touch your face frequently unless your provider instructs you to do so.

Selecting the Right Filler for You

When it comes to choosing the type of dermal fillers for face contouring and smoothing, Kristen says, “Every person is different. They come to me with unique anti-aging goals, skin types, and skin health needs that will factor into their treatment plans. Before we get started, we’ll review all of the options. This ensures my clients are able to make an informed decision that they feel confident with and improves the odds of achieving their desired results.” There are many different brands and formulations of dermal filler available, but when you’re evaluating all of these options, you’re really considering the following three main types:

  • Hyaluronic acid filler — These fillers utilize hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body. Not only does this filler material provide an immediate boost in skin fullness, but it also offers long-term results as hyaluronic acid continues to draw in moisture and keep skin supple.
  • Biostimulatory filler – This type of filler is made from lab-crafted materials. While many people shy away from these man-made fillers, they offer the benefit of longevity. Depending on the type and the individual’s response to treatment, results can last up to two years.

Managing Side Effects and Risks

As a minimally invasive cosmetic dermatology option, there are few side effects or risks associated with receiving dermal fillers. According to Kristen, “There are few side effects with dermal fillers when they are applied correctly. Most are very mild and clear up on their own within a few days, including swelling and bruising.”

Maintaining Natural-Looking Results

Once you achieve your desired look, you will need to receive periodic maintenance retreatments to maintain the results. After your initial dermal filler treatments, your dermatology team will monitor the results and help you develop a retreatment plan to preserve your new look. Your provider will typically recommend retreatment two to four times each year for traditional hyaluronic acid fillers. Biostimulatory and PMMA fillers typically last longer. It will depend on the type of dermal filler you receive and how quickly your body begins to show signs of wrinkles or sagging again. With regular retreatment, most people can maintain their results for years.

Explore Dermal Fillers & Cosmetic Dermatology Solutions

If you’re interested in finding out more, it’s always best to work with a professional like Kristen and the dermatologists of U.S. Dermatology Partners. While many non-medical providers offer dermatologic procedures like dermal fillers, they don’t have the required training or experience to ensure these procedures are performed safely. At U.S. Dermatology Partners Wichita and all of our other locations, we have trained dermatologists and physician assistants who provide dermal fillers and a range of other cosmetic dermatology procedures, utilizing their advanced training and years of experience to ensure results. To get started, you just need to reach out to schedule a cosmetic dermatology consultation to learn more.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re interested in working with Kristen Ochsner PA-C and the U.S. Dermatology Partners Wichita team, you can get started by requesting a consultation visit online. If you’re not in the Wichita area, we have numerous locations in several states. You can find a skilled dermatologist near you by filling out our scheduling request form. Once a local dermatology office receives your request, they’ll be in touch to finalize the details of your visit.

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