5 Things to Know Before Choosing Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a popular choice for those looking for facial rejuvenation without having to commit to a surgical option, such as a facelift. However, before deciding to take the plunge, you must understand what dermal fillers are and how they work, how they differ from other injectables, like BOTOX, and how they can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. By gaining a clear understanding of these factors, you can feel more confident in making an informed decision that will best align with your facial rejuvenation goals. 

1. Dermal Fillers and Other Injectables Are NOT the Same

While dermal fillers and other injectables like BOTOX may seem similar on the surface, the fact is these facial rejuvenation treatments target specific facial concerns. For example, BOTOX targets dynamic wrinkles or wrinkles caused by facial movement. These include your frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and smile lines. BOTOX injections use botulinum toxin to relax muscle activity, reducing the appearance of these wrinkles.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, treat static wrinkles and lost facial volume. Static wrinkles are those lines and folds present when the face is at rest. These wrinkles are often the result of lost collagen and elastin as you age. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, are injected into wrinkles to smooth and fill in those fine lines, helping to restore a more youthful appearance. In addition, fillers can also help to plump up facial features, such as the cheeks that lose volume as you age. 

2. Dermal Filler Treatments Combine Science and Artistry 

Dermal fillers represent the perfect combination of science and artistry, transforming the way people look at facial rejuvenation. Dermal fillers deliver advanced formulations of biocompatible substances, such as hyaluronic acid, to help restore volume and smooth wrinkles. The artistry comes into play through the skillful and experienced hands of our team at Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Taking your unique facial contours and features, dermal filler injections help create natural and harmonious results. 

3. Experience Immediate Results with NO Downtime 

Unlike surgical procedures such as a facelift or a brow lift, dermal filler injections require no downtime, with most able to return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. In addition, you will experience visible changes immediately after your injections, though it can take a week or so to see your full results. 

4. What If I Don’t Like My Results? 

While you will experience immediate results with dermal fillers, what happens if you don’t like what you see? Are you stuck waiting for the body to metabolize the fillers or is there something you can do? Unlike many different facial rejuvenation treatments, dermal fillers can be reversed. If you are unhappy with your results, your provider can inject hyaluronidase into the treatment areas. This compound dissolves the hyaluronic acid gel from the filler and restores your original facial appearance. 

5. You’ll Need More than One Treatment to Maintain Your Results 

Dermal filler results are not permanent as the hyaluronic acid naturally breaks down in the body over time. While they aren’t permanent, they do last for a significant timeframe, ranging from 6 months to 2 years. How long your dermal filler results last will depend on the type of dermal filler and the location of your injections. Areas of higher mobility, such as your lips, will break down quicker than your cheeks. 

If you are looking to turn back the clock and rejuvenate your appearance, Dr. Chang, Dr. Wang and our team at Columbia Aesthetic will answer all your dermal filler questions and help create an individualized treatment plan that will help you achieve your rejuvenation goals. Call 410-740-9330 today to schedule a consultation and see how dermal fillers can help you turn back the clock.