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 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 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:
- Juvéderm® Ultra Plus
- Juvéderm® Volbella
- Juvéderm® Vollure
- Juvéderm® Voluma
RHA® Fillers
Teoxane’s RHA fillers are relatively new to the U.S. market but have been available in Europe for over half a decade. RHA fillers still leverage hyaluronic acid to smooth out the face, but they have improved interconnectivity between proteins in the product. These fillers are designed to be resilient enough to adapt to your facial movements. Additionally, this provides longer-lasting results because it takes the body longer the metabolize and break down the product.
Different versions of RHA fillers—variants 2, 3, or 4—are useful in several areas of the face according to the structure and type of wrinkle to be addressed. RHA 2 and RHA 3 can be injected into the mid-to-deep dermis to correct moderate to severe dynamic facial folds and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds. RHA 4 is typically injected into similar areas, but for patients who show moderate to severe facial folds.
As an exclusive provider, Waltzman Plastic Surgery is proud to be one of the very few practices in the area to offer RHA fillers.
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.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to book a procedure with Dr. Waltzman? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your new aesthetic journey today!
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to book a procedure with Dr. Waltzman? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your new aesthetic journey today!
Explore Your Treatment Options for Facial Fillers
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 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. 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.
Contact Dr. Josh Waltzman today to schedule your consultation for dermal fillers in Long Beach.
Meet Josh Waltzman, M.D.
Learn why Dr. Waltzman has been trusted by many throughout Southern California and why you should choose him for your aesthetic journey.
Meet Dr. Waltzman
Learn why Josh Waltzman, MD has been trusted by many throughout Southern California and why you should choose him for your aesthetic journey.