As much as you enjoyed having your kids home for the summer, you probably still breathed a sigh of relief when the big yellow school bus pulled away from your street on the first day of school. Now that you have a little extra free time on your hands, you may be looking for some well-deserved ways to pamper yourself.
What if we told you there was a quick and easy way to refresh your appearance with no need for anesthesia, stitches, or scarring? It’s not too good to be true – it’s an innovative breakthrough called dermal fillers.
Why Should You Consider Facial Fillers?
In 2018 alone, more than 2.6 million people opted for minimally invasive filler injections, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That figure makes them over 753 percent more popular than breast augmentation, the most sought-after surgical procedure in the same year.
Fillers can erase years of moderate to deep wrinkles and lines, while adding volume to your face in areas that have experienced age-related fat loss, such as the mid-face and tear trough areas. Many of Dr. Schmidt’s patients begin getting injectable fillers around their mid-30s to erase common signs of aging such as:
- The “parentheses lines” and “marionette lines” that bracket your mouth
- Thinning lips
- Sunken cheeks and prominent dark circles under your eyes
- Backs of the hands that appear bony
Reasons to Choose Facial Fillers
One obvious advantage of fillers is that they can help younger patients postpone more invasive surgical procedures, but the subtle improvement they provide is another benefit. People who are worried about co-workers or family members suspecting they have had “work done” may choose to update their look with fillers for a naturally rested and relaxed appearance.
Fillers are also ideal for any busy mom who is trying to juggle the responsibilities of your family, career, and social commitments. One in-office treatment can take as little as 20 to 30 minutes, and in many cases, you will see immediate results with no need for downtime or disruption in your schedule. You will be able to maintain your outstanding results with periodic touch-up treatments.
There is also little risk of side effects with dermal fillers because they are made with biocompatible hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body. The most common aftereffects are minor swelling, itching, bruising, and redness, which will resolve on their own over a brief time.
You might be concerned that your injections will be painful. Most people tolerate the injections easily, because the needle used to perform the procedure is so fine. In addition, many injectable formulas include a topical anesthetic called lidocaine.
What Is the Difference Between Fillers and Other Injectables?
You may be wondering what separates dermal fillers from other well-known products like BOTOX®, which has essentially become a household name since earning FDA approval in 2002. While anti-aging is the name of the game with both, BOTOX® and its sister product, XEOMIN®, do not fill in lines and wrinkles. Instead, they are neuromodulators based on a purified version of botulinum toxin. They work by temporarily preventing muscle contractions.
Depending on your cosmetic goals, you may choose to combine your filler treatments with neuromodulators for even more dramatic results. While fillers can improve the appearance of the mid-face and mouth region, neuromodulators go to work in the upper third of your face to smooth out your brow furrows, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Dr. Schmidt can also use neuromodulators in other areas, such as to minimize prominent neck banding.
How to Choose the Right Filler Provider
Given the popularity of fillers, you may be wondering how to decide on where to get your procedure, and which provider will give you the best results. Ideally, you should choose an experienced medical professional to perform your injections in a clinical setting.
With more than 15 years of experience in the field of cosmetic medicine and an extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, Dr. Jeffrey Schmidt can provide you with outstanding, natural-looking outcomes. When your kids go back to school, you can take the opportunity to treat yourself after a busy summer. Facial fillers are an easy and convenient way to rejuvenate your appearance and reverse the effects of aging, improving your self-confidence and making everyone around you wonder what your secret is. If you live in the greater Denver area, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schmidt today.