Aging can change your appearance in several ways, causing wrinkles, sagging, and volume loss. Years ago, the only way to solve these problems was by surgically repositioning the underlying tissues and tightening the skin. Today, dermal fillers allow highly-trained facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Jeffrey Schmidt to diminish lines and add contour in one quick, comfortable office visit. If you are considering this minimally invasive treatment, you may wonder about fillers’ efficacy and how long they will provide you with a naturally refreshed look.
What Are Facial Fillers?
Dermal fillers are smooth, gel-like substances designed to minimize contours associated with aging, such as the parenthetical-shaped folds/lines starting at the outer nostril area and extending downward around the corners of the mouth. In the right hands, fillers also have the potential to lift and shape areas that have lost definition over the years. Products like RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid), Juvéderm® Voluma, Belotero Balance, and Radiesse® have variations in their formulations and consistencies that make them ideal for targeting a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including:
- Moderate to severe lines and wrinkles around your mouth
- Sunken cheeks
- Hollowing / bags around the eyes
- Thin, flat, or undefined lips
In addition to smoothing wrinkles and reversing some of the signs of aging tissue, dermal fillers also work within your body to produce more collagen. This structural protein helps make your skin more resilient and youthful. In other words, fillers’ revitalizing benefits are more than merely skin deep.
What Can Dermal Fillers Do for You?
Many of our patients choose injectable fillers as a gentler, less invasive alternative to surgical treatments. Often, though, they work to complement the results achieved with a surgical procedure, as they can address slightly different problems. Fillers alone, however, are popular, considering that they are generally associated with rather low downtime.
When performed by a plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in facial anatomy, dermal fillers produce predictably outstanding results with minimal risk of complications. We ask our patients to come to their consultations prepared to discuss their complete health history, such as any adverse reactions to previous medical treatments.
Dermal fillers are typically not considered to be a permanent solution because you will eventually metabolize them. However, their effects are usually noticeable for eight months to a year, and sometimes even longer. Juvéderm® Voluma, which Dr. Schmidt uses to restore volume in deeper areas of the face (e.g. cheekbones), produces results that studies have shown to last approximately two years. As the appearance of fillers begins to diminish, simply return to the clinic to maintain your results with touch-up treatments.
Learn More About Dermal Fillers in Denver
As a fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Schmidt has established a reputation as one of Denver’s leading providers of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. His expertise helps to ensure the most natural-appearing results so that you can look and feel like the best version of yourself.
Dermal fillers are excellent for patients wanting to add to the fullness in a portion of the face. For those wanting to rewind the proverbial clock, fillers are generally most effective in those with a less advanced degree of aging. Those needing a greater correction may find better value by opting for a surgical procedure alone or surgery plus volume enhancement with filler.
If you are looking for a low-risk, high-reward way to enhance your appearance and discover newfound confidence, you can learn if facial fillers are right for you by scheduling a confidential appointment with Dr. Schmidt. We take a concierge approach to make your experience as easy and comfortable as possible.
