When it comes to skincare, age-related concerns are inevitable. Volume loss is a major issue for many clients as it can lead to both sagging skin and an overall decrease in skin quality, which is why dermal fillers are a powerful resource in both initial treatments and on-going maintenance to address volume loss.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
As we age, skeletal tissue is gradually resorbed (or broken down) by the body, which translates to less bony support for the overlying muscles, fat pads, and skin. The fat pads underneath the skin also shrink and descend—again offering less support to the overlying muscles and skin—and these changes in the underlying structures supporting our skin can cause our skin to start sagging. As a result, skin folds begin to form in the nasolabial and marionette areas, as well as hollowing under the eyes and temples, and cheeks begin to sag.
Temporary dermal filler is a gel-like substance used to correct these issues. When injected under the skin, dermal filler simulates lost soft tissue and bone in order to restore volume to treatment areas, allowing your skin to return to the original position and reducing any sagging skin.
Typically, most dermal fillers last around 1-2 years depending on the areas of the face in which they are placed, the amount of product used, and the type of filler chosen. Areas with more movement, for example, usually don’t retain filler as long as areas of the face which don’t move as much.
“The type of dermal filler used during treatment varies,” explains Laura Altman, Physician Assistant, at Tribeca Medspa who specializes in dermal fillers, “Each dermal filler is made with slightly different properties to be used in different areas. Some are more robust to address deeper structures and to rebuild the foundation, while some are softer and best for finer lines and more delicate areas.”
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gel-like substance that is naturally produced by your body. Large amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes, and its main function is to keep your tissues well-lubricated and moist by retaining water. As a dermal filler, hyaluronic acid is incredibly versatile.
“The hyaluronic acid dermal filler gel can be injected into different areas of the face,” Altman explains. “Plus, these fillers are reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.”
Some of the commonly-used hyaluronic acid dermal fillers include:
- Restylane-L, JUVÉDERM Ultra XC, and Juvederm Vollure provide natural-looking results by smoothing away facial wrinkles and folds, as well as by adding volume to lips.
- Restylane-L and Juvederm Volbella are used to correct under eye hollows and darkness.
- Restylane Silk and Juvederm Volbella provide subtle lip enhancement, smooth the lines around them, and can be used to fill other shallow lines in the face.
- Restylane Lyft and Juvederm Voluma add fullness and support to the cheeks, midface area, chin, temples and jawline.
- Restylane Lyft also can be used on the back of the hands which can result in a more natural-looking, youthful appearance.
- Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne provide natural-looking results to laugh lines with flexibility that allows you to maintain your natural expressions.
- Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, JUVÉDERM VOLLURE and JUVÉDERM XC are used to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
- Ravenese Versa can be used to correct the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds.
Revance Teoxane — Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA) Dermal Fillers
Newly approved by the FDA, Revance Teoxane is a resilient hyaluronic acid filler that has been used in Europe for years, and it’s a fantastic choice for treating dynamic lines in the face such as the skin around the lips, as well as any “accordion lines” that form below the cheek area.
According to a 2019 study, resilient hyaluronic acid fillers offered higher immediate and long-term satisfaction in patients, and their increased stretching ability helps produce more natural results that can be used in superficial lines. Plus, resilient hyaluronic acid fillers integrate well into the skin, meaning they don’t cause bunching.
Radiesse Dermal Filler — Calcium Hydroxyapatite
A powerful dermal filler made of calcium hydroxyapatite, Radiesse is a non-reversible filler that lasts for approximately 12-18 months. Unlike other fillers that are typically used solely for volume replacement, Radiesse also stimulates collagen, fibrin, and elastin production, meaning it works immediately and can improve your skin’s overall health in the long-term.
In a diluted form, Radiesse can be used in the body and face to improve skin quality. Undiluted, it can be used in the face for both volume replacement and skin quality improvement.
The Bottom Line on Dermal Fillers
The aging process is continuous, which means there is no quick-fix solution for age-related concerns. Initial treatments of any skin concerns you have might include multiple syringes of filler, threads, and a combination of skincare procedures designed to address your skin’s unique concerns, but on-going maintenance typically requires far less product. It’s important to work with trusted medical professionals in order to determine exactly which procedure would be best for your individual concerns and needs so you can receive the results you deserve.
If you’re interested in learning more about how dermal fillers can be used to address any age-related skin concerns you might have, book a complimentary virtual or in-person skin consultation to speak with our expert providers today. Together, we can develop a customized treatment plan that is designed to address your rejuvenation goals both now and in the future.
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How can Tribeca MedSpa help you reach your skin care and body goals?
With the multitude of techniques and treatments available to help achieve your goals, Tribeca Medspa’s treatment plans are customized to each individual. Start with an initial complimentary consultation!