Did you know that over one million Americans receive dermal fillers each year? According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, this makes dermal fillers one of the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments.
Dermal fillers allow you to contour your face, smooth away wrinkles, and restore lost volume, all without surgery. Fillers are well-tolerated with very little downtime, and they are available at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Impact Surgery.
If you wish your skin was a little more supple or that your cheeks were a little fuller, dermal fillers might be right for you. There are many types of fillers, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you explore the benefits of dermal fillers.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a type of cosmetic injectable that consist of a smooth, gel-like substance. Botox and dermal fillers are sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Botox is an injectable — a neurotoxin — that gently relaxes specific muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles.
Dermal fillers are also injectables, but they aren’t made from the same ingredients as Botox. Rather, dermal fillers don’t relax muscles. Dermal fillers achieve their results when the gel-like substance is administered under your skin.
There are many different brands of dermal fillers with many different types of ingredients. Some fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (a component that is naturally-occurring in your skin) and some are made from collagen.
Regardless of which type of filler you use, they can enhance your appearance and help you reach your aesthetic goals.
How dermal fillers enhance your appearance
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dermal fillers are used to soften fine lines and restore facial volume. Dermal fillers can enhance your appearance in the following four ways:
1. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Unlike Botox, dermal fillers soften static wrinkles and fine lines by plumping up your skin. Static wrinkles aren’t caused by repeated facial expressions. These lines occur as part of the natural aging process. As collagen and hyaluronic acid production slows down, your skin loses its elasticity. This can lead to sagging as well as fine lines.
Dermal fillers smooth these wrinkles and lines by supplying hyaluronic acid or collagen to your skin. Hyaluronic acid is like a sponge, soaking up moisture, which makes your skin smooth, softer, and more youthful, according to a study published in Dermato Endocrinology.
2. Restore facial volume
As the name suggests, dermal fillers “fill” in specific areas on your face. The smooth consistency of each filler helps to add volume. Dermal fillers can restore volume in the cheek area, your lips, your forehead, and even around your nose.
3. Reduce sagging
As your skin loses elasticity, it not only leads to wrinkles but also sagging skin. This is most common around the cheeks. Dermal fillers such as Perlane plump the cheek area, restore a more youthful appearance. Perlane is a good option for the cheeks since it is a thicker formula, ideal for addressing the hollow areas.
4. Reduce the appearance of facial scars
Dermal fillers can also “fill” in the depressed areas caused by acne scars. According to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, dermal fillers only reduce the appearance of certain types of scars — ones that leave divots on your skin.
Which filler is right for you?
Not all fillers are designed the same way or treat the same problem areas. Before you can decide on a dermal filler, we can discuss all of your aesthetic goals and concerns. You may benefit from multiple injectables, including a combination of Botox and dermal fillers.
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we want you to feel good about the way you look, and that’s why we’re proud to offer a variety of cosmetic dental services as well as soft tissue fillers. To request an appointment in one of our three locations — Burke, Reston, or Alexandria — call the location of your choice today. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.