Dermal Filler and the aging process?

Did you know that collagen and elastin  production begins to diminish Around age 21? Collagen and elastin are the two proteins that work together to keep tissue firm and skin elastic??

As we lose collagen and elastin, the body begins to display the typical signs of aging (things like sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, deep lines and wrinkles) .By age 40 we start to lose about 1% each year. For reference, even at 3% loss of collagen can be very visible on the skin. As we begin to lose collagen and elastin, when we lose volume and elasticity in the skin ( aka lose saggy skin). Facial features begin to hollow out and without that elasticity( the ability of our skin to stretch and snap back) we see more wrinkles, and lose hanging skin. On top of that, and important aspect to our facial structure is our facial fat. Ever see when someone loses alot of weight, their facial features can hollow and they sometimes feel they look older? That's because they have lost volume and fat that was providing structure and support. Our facial fat is divided into subunits, also known as fat-pads...each of which helps to give volume, contour and a healthy fullness to the face.

When we get older, they begin to thin and descend, so our face loses the plump, lifted appearance of youth.

In fact, the aging process begins earlier than you might think:

Facial Volume timeline:

20 -30 YEARS – Fat begins to disappear from under the eyes and hollows form, and we begin to look older and more tired. 

30 -40 YEARS – malar cheek fat descends, nasolabial lines appear and jowls start to form

40 -50 YEARS – our cheeks begin to flatten and nasolabial lines deepen. Hollow concavities appear in the temples, eyes appear sunken and marionette lines and jowls form giving that ageing jawline.

50 -60 YEARS –  the menopause has a drastic effect on aging at an exponential rate. Fat hangs in saggy skin and creases substantially deepens. The jawline has a compound hit with jowls, double chin and turkey neck.                            

What is dermal filler made with??

Injectable fillers are made from a range of different substances,  but the filler I am referring to today is Hyaluronic acid — a water-loving molecule, found naturally in the dermis of the skin. You may recognize hyaluronic acid as a hero ingredient used in popular skin creams. This molecule is the backbone of many soft, gel-like injectable fillers, which are injected under the skin to give cheek/temple  hollows, lips, and deep facial wrinkles a plumping boost.

How long does it last??

The length of time the filler lasts is dependent upon the area injected into. For those areas that are more stable and don't move much ( cheeks, temples, jawline) typically 9months to a year . Lip filler is tricky, I find when you don't want it to hang around it does, and when you do it doesnt! Am i right injectors??? But it typically lasts 3-4 months. Some say they can stretch to 6 months. 

What areas can dermal filler treat?

The uses of dermal filler are really vast. Many know about dermal filler for puluming up the lips, and yes that's great, but they can be used for much more !

• Volume Loss: Add plumpness and support  to the cheeks
• Laugh Lines: Smooth the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles
• Lips: Make lips look more voluminous
• Temples: Fill the hollowness of the temples to provide support for many structures of the face
• Jawline- Define and chizel the jawline
• Chin- Build a more defined and prominent chin 
• • Hands
  
  
  

  Does it hurt?

  Topical numbing cream can help minimize pain from the needle insertion, along with the lidocaine that is added to most injectable fillers. Injecting certain areas of the face, including the cupid’s bow area of the lips, can elicit a pinching feeling, while other areas are less noticeable

  
  

  Why we love it?

  Dermal fillers are a great treatment to add some plumpness and volume back to the face. Its an alternative for more aggressive procedures such as ablative laser treatments and surgery. But make no mistake it is invasive and needs to be done by an experienced injector. On that note the assessment is a really important part of your treatment. As cosmetic injectors we have to assess the ENTIRE face. Certain structures as they lose volume can effect how other structures are supported. So having a full facial consultation is key. I love filler because its relatively painless, its a quick treatment and results are pretty instant!! In this instant gratification world whats better right?? The best part is that over the next two weeks after your treatment, filler draws water in and gets even better. My favorite areas to treat are cheeks, it can really add dimension and youth to your face, and of course lips becasue who doesnt want a pretty pout!

  
  

  What dermal fillers cant do??

  As always At Revive Wellness we strive to give you the most honest opinion so that you get the best results for your money. That being said, dermal filler is not right for everyone based on the results they which to achieve. For some patients a surgical approach, such as a facelift, brow lift, or eye lift may actually be the best approach. If there is alot of excess skin, or it is very heavy, dermal fillers cannot support that structure and will not give you the results you need. Often, more aggressive lasers can tighten the skin enough so that after you heal, dermal fillers can then support the tissue. Again, I will always give you the options and help you choose what is best for you! A consultation is the best way to start!