It may have been a long time since you felt like the “new kid on the block.” In the realm of anti-aging treatments, we continue to meet men and women who have yet to jump into the pool of wrinkle-reduction with injectables. If you are new to the idea of dermal fillers, the vastness of available products is enough to make you hesitate. This is where we come in. As your cosmetic and medical dermatologist in Spring Lake, Dr. LoBuono provides details on treatment options that are suited to your needs and preferences. Let’s take a brief tour of dermal filler land to introduce you to what may be in store for you.
How do fillers work?
There are two common types of fillers. The first type is natural fillers that are formulated with hyaluronic acid. This compound is a sugar derivative that is present in the body’s joints, eyes, and skin. The function of hyaluronic acid is to bind water molecules into one location. So, when we inject a hyaluronic acid product beneath the skin, it will attract water to plump lines and creases.
Fillers may also be made synthetically. Radiesse is an example. This filler is made of tiny granules of calcium hydroxyapatite. The result is similar to a hyaluronic acid filler, but the mechanism is slightly different. When Radiesse is injected beneath superficial tissue, it creates a light scaffolding that lifts the skin temporarily. As granules are slowly metabolized, the body is at work rebuilding collagen in the treatment area. When the calcium particles have diminished, new collagen stores continue to support youthful looking skin.
Uses of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are all about smoothing and plumping. Some of the common concerns for which filler treatment is recommended include:
- Under eye bags
- Deflated or thin lips
- Nasolabial folds and smile lines
- Hollowness below the cheekbones or at the temples
- Loss if midface volume
- Scars
A Word about Botox
If you are a complete Newbie to injectable anti-aging treatments, you may wonder why you wouldn’t just get Botox instead of dermal fillers. The reason is that the two types of products work in different ways. Botox is intended as a slight, temporary muscle relaxer that reduces lines and creases on the top portion of the face, those caused by facial expressions. Patients need not choose Botox or dermal fillers, either; combining the two is a great way to get the best results!
Is it your time to address the signs of aging? Call (732) 449-0167.
