It is only natural that our skin begins to change with age.

As time goes on, the face starts to lose much of the volume that was originally present during youth, resulting in hollowed features and a sunken appearance. The aging process can take a toll on self-esteem and cause feelings of discomfort, but with nonsurgical treatment, many of the features that have begun to tell your age can be reversed. Dermal fillers are an effective solution for combating wrinkles, creases and folds, and at Westside Laser & Light, we offer a variety of fillers that can promote a more youthful countenance.

Features in the face may begin to lose volume due to factors like sun exposure, gravity, diet, genetics, and the overall use of facial muscles. It is because of these attributes that many people seek facial rejuvenation procedures to restore the natural contours in the face. Dermal fillers can tighten the skin and take years off of your appearance.

What is a Dermal Filler?

There are many dermal fillers in production currently that contain various substances known to rejuvenate the skin, however the majority of fillers used at Westside Laser & Light are composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a hydrating solution responsible for keeping the skin full and plump. When injected into the skin, the filler restores otherwise sunken features in order to eliminate lines and smooth the skin.

The dermal fillers used depend on the areas being treated. We specialize in filling hollows under the eyes along with smile lines, sunken cheeks and temples. Additionally, we use dermal fillers to add depth to the jowls and enhance the fullness of the lips. A particular appeal of dermal fillers is how they can be adjusted to your facial structure to produce natural results. No dermal filler treatment uses a one-size-fits all methodology, meaning that your results will align specifically with the aesthetic desires you have in mind.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers

• Minimally invasive and nonsurgical
• Little to no downtime after treatment
• A fuller face that looks more vibrant and alert
• Youthful facial features
• Natural-looking results
• Improved confidence
• Easily combined with other rejuvenation procedures
• Softened lines
• Immediate results

Dermal Fillers vs. BOTOX®

Many people who are interested in softening wrinkles on their face consider both BOTOX® or dermal fillers as a treatment option, all of which target different portions of the face. BOTOX and other neuromodulators are injectables specifically used to relax the muscles causing lines and wrinkles. For instance, both forehead or frowning lines are attributed to the overexertion of muscles in the face. On the other hand, dermal fillers soften wrinkles that are present without muscle movement, like smile lines. The best way to determine the cause of your wrinkles is to schedule a complimentary consultation with our Nurse Practitioner at Westside Laser & Light. We will be able to evaluate your skin and select the most promising injectable.

Receiving Dermal Fillers at Westside Laser & Light

During a consultation in our office, we can discuss your goals for treatment. We consider your expectations, time frame and budget in order to decide whether dermal fillers will effectively treat your aesthetic concerns. We aim to understand the issues you have with your skin so that we can provide treatment that makes you feel beautiful for years to come.

Depending on the extent of your treatment, receiving dermal filler injections will take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Preparation for dermal fillers consists of removing any bacteria from the surface of the face and applying local or topical anesthetic onto the treatment area. During the procedure, a fine needle penetrates the dermis, which is the layer of skin underneath and protected by the epidermis (the outermost layer). Afterwards, the treatment area may be massaged in order to distribute the filler throughout the wrinkle. Once the acid is injected, it begins to bind to moisture in the skin and increase the volume in the dermis, resulting in a firmer and smoother texture. You can expect dermal fillers to last between 3 and 18 months depending on the area of the face that was treated.

There are some side effects to receiving dermal fillers, which include immediate pain in the injection area as well as swelling and bruising. Most side effects are mild and will subside after seven days. Redness may also occur at the injection site and your skin may feel firmer than usual. We typically do not recommend dermal fillers if you have to make any major appearances in two weeks or less, and although results are immediate, the hyaluronic acid will eventually become metabolized by the body, meaning that subsequent treatment may be necessary to maintain results. If, for any reason, you decide that dermal filler treatment does not meet your expectations, a solution called hyaluronidase can be injected into the affected area and break down the filler within 24 hours.

Dermal fillers are a gentle and efficient method for treating early signs of aging, and if you are interested in finding out whether injectables are right for you, give us a call and schedule a complimentary consultation.