Did you know that in 1900, the average life expectancy in this country was 46 for a man and 48 for a woman? By 1950, those figures improved to 66 and 71 respectively, and to 76 and 81 today. Simply put, Americans are living longer, healthier, better lives. We are working later into life, dating, and enjoying active lifestyles. Injectable fillers help us look as young and vital as we feel. The aesthetic skin care professionals at Dulles Dermatology Associates, now a part of U.S. Dermatology Partners, in Dulles, Virginia offer a full range of minimally invasive treatments, including fillers.
What causes wrinkles
There are two kinds of wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are the result of muscle contractions from repeated facial expressions that crease skin, such as squinting and frowning. This kind of deeply-etched wrinkle – crow’s feet, “elevens” between the eyebrows, and radiating lip lines – is best treated with an injectable neuromodulator. You can learn more about this treatment on the Botox page of this website.
The other type is static wrinkles, which are addressed with injectable dermal fillers.
A child’s face has smooth, rounded contours created by natural fat pads. Skin is taut and plump with hydration. As early as our twenties, that begins to change. We lose facial volume in the form of fat, muscles, and eventually, bone. This allows skin to sag into folds on the lower half of the face. Meanwhile, skin gets thinner, dryer, and lax as collagen depletes. The combination creates fine lines, creases, wrinkles, and folds.
Call our office at (844) 357-3376 or click here to Request an Appointment!
Rejuvenating effects of dermal fillers
Fillers are gel formulations injected into skin. The procedure serves multiple purposes:
- Replace lost volume. Injected into the cheek area, fillers bring lift to the upper half of the face, restoring youthful contours, and reducing sagging.
- Fill wrinkles. By plumping the crease in a wrinkle, skin smooths out and does not cast a harsh shadow.
- Fill hollows. Depressions at temples and other areas of the face contribute to an angular, aged look. Injectable fillers supplement hollows.
- Balance features. Ideally, the right and left sides of the face are symmetrical. When this is not the case, a trained injector can use dermal fillers to restore harmony.
- Hold hydration. Some fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring carbohydrate that binds with water molecules, hydrating skin internally.
- Stimulate collagen production. Filler injections stimulate fibroblasts to secrete collagen proteins, as well as chemicals that help to prevent collagen from breaking down.
Types of injectable fillers
Many popular injectable fillers, including the Juvéderm family of products, Restylane, and Belotero are formulated with hyaluronic acid (HA) for immediate volume. Each product has a different molecule size, dispersion pattern into skin, viscosity (thickness), and duration – lasting several months, up to a year or more. Therefore, it is imperative to work with a trained, experienced injector with a deep understanding of human anatomy and an element of natural artistry. This level of professionalism is necessary to select the correct product for your skin type and the area of treatment.
Rather than HA, Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. These tiny beads of calcium are suspended in a smooth gel. This filler adds instant volume and the microspheres trigger additional collagen production. As the CaHA is gradually absorbed by the body, natural collagen takes its place. This mechanism of action results in improvement of a year or more. Radiesse can also be used to restore volume on backs of hands.
Poly-L-lactic acid is the biocompatible material used in dissolving sutures. The Sculptra Aesthetic injectable filler uses this substance to boost collagen remodeling. Sculptra requires several injection sessions spaced over a few months, but it is a good choice for deep wrinkles and results that last up to two years.
While there are other options in injectable fillers such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and silicone, we do not recommend these synthetic, non-biodegradable products. Dulles Dermatology Associates uses only FDA-approved, fresh, genuine fillers made with biocompatible components.
Benefits of injectable fillers
- Minimally invasive.
- Little discomfort.
- No downtime.
- Immediate improvement.
- Long-lasting, but not permanent.
- Minimal risk of side effects.
- Work well with other non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and laser therapies.
- Enhance the impact of cosmetic surgical procedures.
Are you ready to start looking as young as you feel? Call Dulles Dermatology Associates, now a part of U.S. Dermatology Partners, at (844) 357-3376 to schedule a consultation. We are happy to answer your questions about injectable fillers and other procedures offered at our practice in Dulles, VA.
Click here to Request an Appointment!
