Fall brings with it warm, golden colors and cooler weather with plenty to enjoy before the world slows down for winter.
But with all great things Fall gives to us, we also find that after a summer of sun and fun, many people become more concerned about sun spots, wrinkles, and volume loss. And because life tends to move faster as the days grow shorter, this leaves people pressed for time during the fall season with little time to dedicate to themselves.
So, let’s talk about why Dermal Fillers are a great option during these short, busy days:
- Quick with no down time which make it easy for anyone to enjoy a little boost of rejuvenation. (What’s not to love about this, right)???
- Dermal fillers are a non-invasive way to turn back the hands of time and look great for your age even as the weather grows cooler.
- All it takes is a simple visit for patients to leave with visibly smoother skin or uplifted features with little to no side effects in return.
- Fall is a good time for Fillers. Shorter Days with less sun exposure make it easier to avoid the sun’s damaging rays.
If you have ever considered dermal fillers but aren’t sure where to begin, we are here to help. Fillers (and the desire to have them) have grown in popularity, so when you’re ready to take the leap into esthetics, we want you to be in the know!
More than 1 million men and women choose these popular cosmetic treatments every year to maintain a youthful appearance or undergo facial rejuvenation without complicated and invasive surgery, which has significant downtime and risks! Fillers are incredibly versatile, can be used in nearly any area, tolerated well by almost all patients, and easy to administer. A key priority for many patients is to look great for their age but not dramatically different. They just want to looker fresher and brighter.
The reality is that as we age, the elasticity of our skin deteriorates. Lines develop and we can lose volume. This can lead to individuals looking tired and deflated. There are many things that can be done to minimize the effects of aging, including having a good skincare regime and always using a quality SPF sunscreen (yes, even in the fall), but some deterioration in the quality and structure of the skin is inevitable. Our skin loses both collagen and elastin, key components that provide youthful support and definition to overall facial structure. Aesthetic injections can absolutely help with this inevitable deterioration.
Some patients that come in for consultation specifically say they don’t want dermal fillers. However, their reasons are often based on misconceptions and myth.
We don’t have to look very far to see cosmetic procedures that look anything other than natural or attractive and this can give the impression that all fillers look the same; this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Dr. Shaw and his talented team of Providers strive for natural, understated, and beautiful cosmetic results that are age appropriate. It is far harder and takes significantly more skill and expertise to deliver a ‘has she or hasn’t she?’ result that simply enhances natural beauty whatever the age.
Dr. Shaw and Whitney often administer Injections of deep dermal filler to replace lost volume in strategic parts of the face to lift, support and restore the youthful contours back to where they once were. There is no ‘filled’ or ‘over- plumped’ look; in fact, no one should be able to know you had something done; only that you look better!
There is no age limit to filler treatments. We have patients that range from their 30’s to their 70’s that enjoy looking the very best they can for as long as they can. Of course, patient experience and results may vary. These are dependent on numerous factors such as lifestyle, age, and medical history.
Let’s look at why Filler may be a great option for you!
DERMAL FILLERS AND BOTOX ARE DIFFERENT:
What Are Dermal Fillers? Simply put, dermal fillers are injectable substances that are used to fill and rejuvenate the face. They lift and smooth deep wrinkles and folds by adding volume to the face for a fresher look.
Dermal fillers AREN’T the same treatment as Botox and Dysport. I know what you might be thinking. Don’t they both make you look…younger? Yes, they do. However, there are key differences between these injectable treatments. Neuromodulators (like Botox and Dysport) act to precisely relax muscles that cause lines and wrinkles on the face. Dermal fillers work differently by adding volume under or filling in a fold, crease, and wrinkle for a smoother, fuller, refreshed, and more youthful appearance. Different types of fillers are optimized for lip enhancement, cheek and jawline rejuvenation, or chin augmentation. Dermal fillers can address issues Botox cannot.
HYALURONIC ACID IS ONE OF THE KEYS TO YOUTHFUL SKIN:
Popular fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane are made of hyaluronic acid, the not-so-secret ingredient to youthful-looking skin. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in our body that helps retain moisture in the skin and keep it looking smooth and plump. Sadly, it diminishes over time, causing deepening folds, sagging cheeks, and deflating lips — leading many patients to look for answers. Dermal filler can give you back that supple, full, smooth skin by replacing the loss of hyaluronic acid, or simply adding more volume in areas lacking natural fullness.
THE BEST INJECTABLE IS UNDETECTABLE:
Many first- time patients are concerned that filler will change their overall appearance, make them look overfilled, or that their spouse will notice they have “work” done. Dermal fillers have a negative connotation because there are so many unnatural results out there. The dreaded “trout pout” and “duck lips” don’t have to be your reality, and frankly, shouldn’t be.
Natural. Not Overdone. Our patients frequently use these words to describe their filler experience. Our team prides themselves on providing the most natural-looking results that enhance your very best features. The changes we make are noticeable, but it won’t have people asking, “where did you get your filler?” Remember, properly done filler is undetectable to most.
IT MATTERS WHO DOES YOUR FILLER:
Plain and simple, it’s your face, so it matters who does your filler! Getting cosmetic treatments isn’t the same as getting your hair or nails done. While someone can give you those “to die for this season” bangs or choose a funky seasonal nail polish color, undergoing an esthetic procedure by an untrained or poorly trained practitioner is unadvised. You may end up paying much more to remove the filler than you could ever save with finding the cheapest injector in town. Esthetic injections require thorough knowledge of facial anatomy and mastery of technique that takes dedication to education and years of experience to perfect. However, esthetic injection isn’t just science, it’s also art, so you want to find an “artist” whose work you like. When selecting a practitioner, be sure to look at their credentials and where they have been trained. We also recommend looking at their before and after photos. These photos show a practitioner’s skill, artistic sense, experience, and what to expect from your own procedure.
IF YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR FILLER, YOU AREN’T STUCK WITH IT:
One of the most common questions patients ask at a filler appointment is, “If I try a dermal filler and don’t like the results, is there anything I can do about it?” The answer is yes, HA filler is not permanent. If you aren’t satisfied or happy with the results, there’s no need to worry. We have options to mitigate, soften, or erase any negative stigma that patients sometimes get with filler. Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid are always reversible using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This process does involve an injection into the problem area, but the effects kick in quickly — around 24-48 hours later. Fortunately, hyaluronidase injection is rare in our office.
THE DURATION OF FILLERS VARIES:
HA filler results typically last for at least 6 months, depending on the product and location of injection. In areas of high mobility such as the lips, filler won’t last as long. At the top end of the spectrum, Juvéderm Voluma, which is a little less fluid and more gel-like, can be expected to last up to 2 years! Over time, the body naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers, so plan on touch-ups in 9-12 months to maintain your desired look. Consistency is key. Consistent and regular treatments are the best way to get optimal improvement.
On the other hand, if you were unsure about committing to such a long time with a filler, it can be comforting to know the effects will fade away without any long-term risks.
YOU WANT TO AVOID FILLER IF:
Though fillers are generally considered very safe, there are a few reasons to postpone treatment. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or you’re battling an active infection, it’s best to hold off, especially in the facial area as it could spread to the injection site. In addition, if you’ve scheduled your filler appointment, don’t have a dental procedure for two weeks before or after (yes, this includes a cleaning). Dental work temporarily pushes bacteria into the bloodstream and has been shown that it can increase the chance of having bumps, nodules, or other inflammatory reactions in the filler.
DERMAL FILLERS ARE VERSATILE:
Dermal facial fillers are quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, and with this popularity has come to an extensive range of options. Not only is there a wide range of products, but did you know there are at least nine common areas on your face that can be treated with dermal fillers? These popular areas are the temples, cheeks, marionette lines, jawline, under eyes, lips, smile lines, chin, and the nose. Whether you want to get that perfectly kissable pout or to achieve that perfect jawline, each product can be used to create a balanced, sculpted, and natural look to reach your specific esthetic goals.
THE COST OF FILLER DEPENDS ON THE TREATMENT AREA AND YOUR PERSONAL GOALS:
Fillers range considerably since every patient’s goal and how to reach those goals vary. This can be dependent upon the product used, location of the product placement, and your idea of what correction or enhancement ultimately involves, all will affect the cost of your dermal filler experience. However, we can tell you that dermal fillers are priced per syringe. Our most common fillers typically range between $600-$850 per syringe.
At Travis Shaw, MD, we offer a range of fillers that include JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC; JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus; Volbella; Vollure; Voluma; Restylane®; and Sculptra®.
MINIMAL PAIN:
Don’t let the fear of needles hold you back from looking and feeling your best. I know it might come as a surprise, but the pain from dermal filler injections is not a major complaint. Our patients do very well. But if the injection pain is your primary concern, we have a few tricks to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the whole procedure. Topical numbing cream can be applied before injections (longer is better). Many of the products contain lidocaine, which means you get more comfortable as the treatment progresses.
We hope this blog gives you a little peace of mind in considering trying dermal fillers. If you desire to look fresher, younger, or if you are looking for a bit of enhancement, we can get you there. Dermal fillers are an excellent option for gaining back your confidence in a safe, comfortable, and artistic 30-minute appointment and once you try it, we know you will “Fall for Filler”.
Call or text our office at (804) 775-4559 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Shaw or Whitney today!
