Which Dermal Fillers Are Best for You?

At Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA, we understand that each client is unique. If you are displeased by the appearance of your face and feel that you’re not quite ready for surgery, dermal fillers may be a great option. Injectable fillers also tend to be a great option for people who want to extend the longevity of their surgical results. Today, we’re taking a closer look at which fillers may be the best for your unique goals.

Which Dermal Fillers Are Best for You? 

Collagen-Stimulating Fillers

A collagen-stimulating filler may be best for you if you are concerned about severe volume loss and want long-lasting, natural-looking results. This type of filler works by stimulating the production of collagen. You don’t have to worry about your results looking unnatural because the results of the treatment come from your skin producing its own filler at a greater rate. You can generally expect these results to last for up to five years.  

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

You may be a better fit for hyaluronic acid fillers if you are interested in treating moderate volume loss. This type of filler is effective for the treatment of severe concerns, but you can generally expect the results of this type of dermal filler to last for up to two years. Factors affecting the potential longevity of your results include the severity of the concerns being treated, the areas being treated, and your habits, such as your skincare routine.

What Can I Do to Extend the Longevity of My Results? 

To help ensure that you enjoy your youthful countenance for as long as possible, you need to prioritize caring for your skin. The leading cause of premature skin aging is UV damage, so you should limit your time in the sun when UV radiation levels are very high. You also should reduce UV damage by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Tanning beds and similar UV-based tanning methods should be avoided altogether.

You also should avoid tobacco consumption if you want your skin to look young, smooth, healthy, and beautiful for as long as possible. Tobacco products, including cigars, cigarettes, and electronic cigarettes, contain nicotine, a chemical compound known to damage collagen. Additionally, nicotine impedes your skin’s ability to produce more collagen, and collagen is one of the most important proteins that keeps your skin healthy and young.

Is There Anything Else I Can Do? 

Yes, there are other steps you can take to help keep your skin looking young and beautiful. One such step is to try to keep it hydrated and moisturized. To help ensure that the deepest layers of your skin are hydrated, drink at least six cups of hydrating fluid daily. To help keep your skin moisturized, apply an occlusive moisturizer once or twice daily depending on your skin type. It is also a good idea to limit your alcohol intake.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dermal Filler Injections? 

To confirm that dermal fillers are a good fit for you, an initial consultation is necessary. Generally, if you are over the age of 21 and want to smooth out volume loss-related wrinkles, you will be deemed a good fit for dermal filler injections. However, exceptions apply. For example, regardless of your age, you will not be able to get treatment if you are pregnant or nursing.

You also will be considered a poor candidate for treatment if your rhytids are caused by muscle hyperactivity rather than volume loss. Dermal fillers are only effective for the treatment of wrinkles and other cosmetic concerns that exist due to an insufficient amount of fat, collagen, elastin, or hyaluronic acid.

What Contraindications Are There for Dermal Fillers?

You will be considered a poor dermal filler candidate if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or must take blood-thinners daily. Additionally, you won’t be able to be treated if you have a skin infection, sunburn, or any other form of irritation in the targeted areas at the time of your appointment. During your initial consultation, we will advise you on all of the contraindications for this treatment and what you can do to help ensure you will qualify.

Which Areas Can Be Treated Effectively With Dermal Filler Injections? 

One of the most compelling benefits of dermal fillers is that they can be administered virtually anywhere experiencing collagen loss. Typically, hyaluronic acid-based fillers are administered into regions of the face, like the cheeks and lips. Collagen-stimulating fillers are also commonly injected into the cheeks, but they tend to be a bit more versatile. For instance, it is not uncommon for them to be used to enhance the jawline or the backs of the hands.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Collagen-stimulating fillers may be optimal for you if you are worried about the appearance of your cheeks, jawlines, or hands. Hyaluronic acid fillers may be the right fit for you if you want to treat small areas with moderate concerns, like your lips. To identify the optimal fillers for your unique goals, contact us now at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA to schedule your initial consultation.