Dermal Fillers in Long Beach, CA
Loss of volume is one of the main factors that contributes to facial aging. As the pads of subcutaneous facial fat droop over time, certain areas of the face are left looking gaunt, which can produce shadows or a hollowed-out appearance.
Dermal fillers are an effective, non-surgical solution for treating loss of facial volume and similar age-related changes. They can smooth away lines and severe facial wrinkles, restore volume, plump the lips, and sculpt facial features. From hyaluronic acid to facial fat transfer, fillers come in a variety of options to address your cosmetic needs.
Dermal Fillers: What Are They?
Dermal fillers are generally divided into three categories: hyaluronic acid based-fillers, non-hyaluronic acid fillers, and autologous fillers
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. This moisture-binding substance helps the skin stay plump and hydrated. When used in injectables, hyaluronic acid creates a smoothing effect by filling in fine lines and facial wrinkles. It can also create a subtle lifting effect for areas of the face that are starting to droop, and it can restore volume to parts of the face that have lost their youthful fullness. The effects of these fillers last anywhere from 6 – 12 months, depending on the particular product used and where it was injected.
Common hyaluronic acid fillers include the following:
- RHA®
- Juvéderm®
- Restylane®
RHA® Collection
Deep facial wrinkles and folds are caused by the repetitive muscle movements we make each day. These movements, including talking, laughing, frowning, and squinting, are challenging to treat with fillers without making a face look stiff and unnatural.
The RHA® Collection of dermal fillers are the only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers effective on dynamic folds and wrinkles. What makes RHA® different from other (HA) fillers is its formulation. It employs a gentle manufacturing process that preserves the HA molecules’ natural structure, helping them mimic natural Hyaluronic acid found in the skin. RHA® is the latest development in HA filler technology, designed to perform in the most dynamic facial areas creating a natural and youthful skin presence. Results are immediate with proven clinical effectiveness and can last for up to 15 months.
What are Dynamic Facial Lines?
Dynamic or expression lines result from repetitive facial expressions and muscle movements. The most noticeable are:
- Glabella Wrinkles—Forehead furrows
- Nasolabial Folds—Smile or laugh lines
- Perioral Wrinkles—Lines around the mouth and lips
The RHA® Collection delivers a unique combination of strength and stretch, making it ideal for correcting dynamic folds and wrinkles.
The Levels of Our RHA® Collection
The three levels of our RHA® Collection are each formulated for different levels of strength and stretch. The different levels are developed to meet your unique needs depending on the fold or wrinkle development cycle.
- RHA®2: Treats moderate dynamic lines and wrinkles and lines found around the lips and mouth.
- RHA®3: Reduces moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles, including the mouth and nose.
- RHA®4: Adds volume to facial contours to treat severe folds and wrinkles.
- RHA® Redensity: Filler designed to treat the finest wrinkles and thinnest lines around the lips and smile.
Learn about our entire RHA® Collection and the fantastic benefits of this new dermal filler treatment available now at The Waltzman Institute Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics.
Autologous Fillers
Autologous filler, also called fat transfer or fat grafting, is a facial filler technique that uses a patient’s own fat. During this procedure, fat is harvested from the body using a gentle liposuction technique. After the fat has been purified for transfer, it is injected into the face.
Fat is an incredibly versatile facial filler, and it can be injected into nearly any part of the face to augment features, plump the lips, provide rejuvenation, and enhance facial contours. While part of the transferred fat cells will be reabsorbed by the body, the fat that remains will establish a blood supply and stay there indefinitely. Some patients may try temporary dermal fillers initially, and then eventually choose fat transfer for a long-lasting option.
Explore Your Treatment Options for Injectable Filler Treatments
Deep forehead lines and eyebrow furrows are some of the most frustrating signs of age. Dermal fillers can beautifully smooth out bothersome lines and wrinkles, and produce an overall rejuvenated appearance. These versatile injectables can also restore lost volume to the temples and under the eyes for a youthful, refreshed look.
When volume is lost from the cheek and jaw area, this tends to produce a sunken-in look. It can also cause facial tissues to droop and show severe frown lines. When volume is replenished with facial fillers, you can regain youthful contours and a subtly lifted appearance. Fillers can also augment facial features for patients who feel that their face lacks ideal definition.
Whether from aging or genetics, many people desire more volume in their lips. Dermal fillers are an excellent option for plumping up the lips, and this treatment is an attractive alternative for those who want to avoid lip implants. Lip augmentation with fillers can be completely customized to your preferred aesthetic.
Are Fillers Right for You?
Since fillers are minimally invasive, they are a safe, effective option for most healthy people seeking facial rejuvenation. Men and women considering dermal fillers in Long Beach typically exhibit the following:
- Facial lines and wrinkles, especially deep forehead lines, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines
- Sunken cheeks
- Appearance of “eye bags” due to volume loss
- Mild skin laxity on the cheek/jowl area
- Thinning lips
For patients seeking optimal rejuvenation, a combination of dermal fillers with Botox® is sometimes recommended. No matter your cosmetic concerns, Dr. Josh Waltzman will help you explore your full range of options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermal Fillers
You may experience some mild swelling or bruising at the injection site that may last up to a week, but you can resume your regular activities immediately after treatment.
This depends on what type of filler was used and where it was injected. Hyaluronic acid fillers generally last between 6-12 months. Radiesse® can last over a year, and Sculptra® can last up to two years. Fat cells that survive transfer will last long term.
Most patients do not experience discomfort during their injections. Many fillers contain lidocaine (a numbing agent) in their formulations to decrease discomfort, and you may also receive additional local anesthetic so that your treatment is as painless as possible.
Dermal fillers can treat areas of the face and neck where there is loss of volume.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that loves water and it is found naturally in the body. When it is made in gel form, it is used as dermal fillers. When injected into the skin to replace volume, it also draws in water which enhances the filling effect.
Together we will address your concerns and decide if filler is the best treatment option. Fillers are injected with needles so there may be some discomfort. It is normal to experience redness, bruising and swelling in the areas injected. A follow up appointment will be scheduled in 3 weeks. During the 3 week recovery time, expect some bruising, swelling and possible lumps which will slowly settle and integrate with the tissue.
Fillers generally lasts 9-15 months, however, studies are showing that filler lasts a lot longer than 15 months. In fact, studies show filler has been found to last for more than 5 years.
You will see results immediately after injection. Be mindful to expect some redness, swelling and bruising right after injection. Allow 3-4 weeks for the filler to integrate with the skin.
When injected in the appropriate areas of the face and used in conjunction with neurotoxins and skin resurfacing treatments, a liquid facelift is a way to enhance the face non-surgically. If the surgical route is a better option because of different factors such as the tissue is too heavy, too stretchy or what you want requires more than fillers, this will also be discussed and a consultation with Dr. Waltzman can be scheduled.
Contact Dr. Josh Waltzman today to schedule your consultation for dermal fillers in Long Beach.