As we age, our skin naturally loses volume, elasticity, and moisture. Over time, this results in the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, particularly in areas like the face, cheeks, and lips. Dermal fillers offer a non-invasive way to address these concerns, restoring lost volume, enhancing facial contours, and smoothing out wrinkles.
At PLSTK, we specialize in providing high-quality dermal filler treatments that are designed to deliver natural, youthful results. Below, we explore hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-l-lactic acid dermal fillers and highlight the benefits they offer for various aesthetic concerns.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances that are used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial features. They are typically made of various materials that mimic substances found naturally in the body. These materials are carefully injected into targeted areas to fill in lines, plump up hollow areas, and give the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Depending on the type of filler used, dermal fillers can address a range of cosmetic concerns, including volume loss, fine lines, deep wrinkles, and lack of definition in key areas like the cheeks and lips.
There are several different types of dermal fillers, each designed to address specific concerns and work in particular ways.Three of the most common types are hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, and poly-l-lactic acid fillers, all of which deliver effective, long-lasting results.
Your Dermal Filler Options for a Youthful, Rejuvenated Look
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps keep skin hydrated and plump. As we age, the natural levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin decrease, leading to loss of volume and the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. HA-based dermal fillers are designed to replenish the skin’s hyaluronic acid, restoring lost volume, improving skin texture, and smoothing out wrinkles.
How They Work
Hyaluronic acid fillers work by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. When injected into targeted areas, HA fillers help restore volume by providing moisture to the skin and plumping it up from within. These fillers are highly versatile, offering solutions for a variety of aesthetic concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: HA fillers can smooth out wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead by filling in the skin’s natural creases.
- Loss of volume in the cheeks: As we age, the skin loses volume, particularly in the cheeks. HA fillers can restore volume, giving the face a more youthful, lifted appearance.
- Lip enhancement: HA fillers are commonly used to add volume and definition to the lips, providing a fuller, more youthful look.
- Nasolabial folds: These deep lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth can be softened with HA fillers, improving the appearance of the face.
Popular HA Fillers
Some of the most popular HA-based fillers include Juvederm and Restylane, both of which are widely used for facial rejuvenation. Juvederm, in particular, offers a range of filler options, such as Juvederm Voluma for volume restoration in the cheeks, and Juvederm Ultra for lip enhancement. These fillers are known for their smooth consistency and long-lasting results, making them a favorite for people seeking natural-looking volume restoration.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a mineral-like compound found naturally in bones. As a dermal filler, it is used to restore volume and stimulate collagen production in the skin. CaHA-based fillers are thicker than HA fillers and are typically used for deeper wrinkles, folds, and to add volume to larger areas of the face, such as the cheeks.
How They Work
CaHA fillers work by providing immediate volume restoration and by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is a key protein responsible for keeping the skin firm and elastic. Over time, the body’s collagen production decreases, which can contribute to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. CaHA fillers address this by adding structure to the skin and encouraging the body to produce more collagen, which results in firmer, more youthful skin over time.
Popular CaHA Fillers
One of the most well-known brands of calcium hydroxylapatite fillers is Radiesse. Radiesse is commonly used for treating deeper wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and to restore volume in the cheeks. Radiesse provides both immediate and long-lasting results, as the filler continues to stimulate collagen production long after the initial treatment. This makes it an ideal choice for patients looking for more dramatic and long-term improvements in facial volume.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biocompatible synthetic substance that has been used for decades in the medical field. When used as a dermal filler, PLLA stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, helping to restore volume, improve skin texture, and smooth wrinkles over time. Unlike HA and CaHA fillers, PLLA fillers do not provide immediate volume restoration. Instead, they work gradually to build volume and improve skin quality over a series of treatments.
How They Work
PLLA-based fillers work by stimulating the skin’s own collagen production. When injected into the dermis, PLLA microparticles encourage the body to produce more collagen in the treated area. This results in a gradual improvement in skin texture and volume, providing natural-looking results over time. PLLA fillers require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.
Popular PLLA Fillers
Sculptra is one of the most popular poly-L-lactic acid fillers on the market today. Sculptra is used to treat facial volume loss and is commonly injected into the cheeks, temples, and along the jawline. Over a series of treatments, Sculptra stimulates collagen production, resulting in smoother skin and improved facial contours. The gradual improvement offered by Sculptra makes it an excellent option for those looking for long-term, natural results.
Which Dermal Filler Is Right for You?
- For fine lines and moderate wrinkles: HA fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are excellent options for smoothing out fine lines and softening wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
- For loss of facial volume: If you’re looking to restore volume in the cheeks or temples, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers like Radiesse offer a firmer solution, with the added benefit of stimulating collagen production.
- For significant facial volume loss: If you’re looking for a gradual, long-term improvement in facial volume, poly-l-lactic acid fillers like Sculptra are ideal for restoring a youthful appearance by stimulating collagen over time.
What to Expect from Dermal Filler Treatments
Dermal filler treatments are minimally invasive and generally well-tolerated. During your consultation at PLSTK, your provider will assess your skin and discuss your goals to determine which type of filler is best for you. The treatment itself typically involves a series of small injections into the target area, which may take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the number of areas being treated.
While the procedure is generally painless, some discomfort may be felt. Many dermal fillers come pre-mixed with a numbing agent to reduce discomfort during the injections.
After treatment, there may be some mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site, but these side effects typically resolve within a few hours to a few days. Results are visible almost immediately in some cases, with full effects taking anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to fully manifest.
When to Expect Results from Dermal Fillers
- What You’ll Notice Immediately: You’ll notice an immediate difference in the volume and smoothness of the treated areas as soon as the injections are completed. Whether you’re restoring volume to your cheeks or plumping your lips, the change will be noticeable right away.
- Full Results: While the initial improvement is visible immediately, the filler will continue to settle into the skin over the next 1-2 weeks. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside, allowing the filler to integrate into your skin for a more natural, smooth appearance.
- Duration of Results: Depending on the type of filler used and the area treated, the results of dermal fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, generally last between 6 to 12 months, while fillers designed to stimulate collagen production, such as Sculptra, can offer longer-lasting results. For long-lasting effects, touch-up treatments are recommended.
At PLSTK, you can expect your results to be natural and subtle, allowing you to look rejuvenated and youthful without the telltale signs of cosmetic procedures.
Aftercare Advice for Dermal Fillers
- Avoid Touching or Massaging the Treated Area: For the first 24 hours after treatment, refrain from touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated areas. This will help prevent the filler from moving to unintended areas.
- Avoid Excessive Heat and Sun Exposure: For the first 48 hours, avoid direct sun exposure, saunas, hot tubs, or excessive heat, as this can exacerbate swelling and bruising.
- Minimize Strenuous Activity: While you can usually resume regular activities right after the procedure, it’s a good idea to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours to allow the filler to settle.
- No Alcohol or Blood-Thinning Medications: Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of swelling and bruising. Also, refrain from taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, unless directed by your provider.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body metabolize the filler and keep your skin looking hydrated.
Rejuvenate Your Look at PLSTK with 5-Star Injectors in Brooklyn
Dermal fillers are a powerful tool in the world of non-surgical aesthetics, offering a safe and effective way to address volume loss, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. With options like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-l-lactic acid, there is a dermal filler solution for nearly every aesthetic concern. Whether you’re looking to enhance your facial contours, smooth out fine lines, or restore volume in your cheeks or lips, PLSTK offers tailored treatment plans to help you achieve your desired results.
Dermal fillers are a powerful tool in the world of non-surgical aesthetics, offering a safe and effective way to address volume loss, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. With options like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-l-lactic acid, there is a dermal filler solution for nearly every aesthetic concern. Whether you’re looking to enhance your facial contours, smooth out fine lines, or restore volume in your cheeks or lips, PLSTK offers tailored treatment plans to help you achieve your desired results.
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers”, they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles. They can smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses). Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples. Diminish vertical lip lines. Plump & enhance the lips. Smooth out a chin crease, and improve symmetry among facial features.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA approved HA fillers include:
- Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, VOLLURE
- Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane ContourBelotero Balance
- Revanesse Versa
- The RHA collection: RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most individuals. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.
Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (meaning it is safe to use in the body), biodegradable synthetic substance. It has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid products are technically classified as “collagen stimulators,” as their main mechanism to smooth fine lines is by helping your skin rebuild natural collagen—the filler gel itself dissipates a few days after treatment. Poly-L-lactic acid is typically used to treat deeper facial wrinkles, and results can last more than 2 years. FDA approved Poly-L-lactic acid fillers include Sculptra® Aesthetic.
What to expect from your Dermal filler treatment?
Just before the actual treatment, the area will be cleaned, and you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to injection. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment. Your provider will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically beneath the skin. Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Expect some immediate swelling which typically peaks between 48 and 72 hours after. You can use ice-packs and over-the-counter pain meds as-needed. We recommend have a couple days social holiday and to avoid exercise and salty foods for at least 24 to 48 hours just so they don’t get more swelling.
While the injection area may look out of sorts for the first couple days, be patient. Unevenness and lumpiness immediately after a treatment is completely normal. It may take up to two weeks for the swelling to completely subside and the filler to fully incorporate into the tissue to see those final, natural-looking results. Don’t be afraid to call your provider with questions or concerns.Your follow-up appointment will likely be 2-4 weeks after the initial treatment where your provider can then accurately build more volume or make necessary adjustments.
How long the effects of dermal fillers will last depends on the product, the area of treatment, and the individual Generally speaking, the denser the product is and the more deeply it is injected, the longer it will last, although this is not a hard and fast rule.
Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the most temporary option, and therefore are often recommended for first-time filler individuals. These will typically last from 6 to 18 months. Injections to the lips will wear out a little faster than those to the nasolabial folds. Certain HA fillers, such as VOLUMA, are formulated to last longer, but are usually limited to certain areas, such as the cheeks.
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