With Katie McCormick, BSN, RN at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology
In the right hands, filler can feel like magic, offering a non-surgical way to look and feel like a younger version of ourselves.
The providers at BACD have mastered the art of using dermal fillers to enhance your unique beauty while maintaining a natural look. But considering filler injections for the first time or even for a new area can be intimidating and no one wants to end up looking ‘done’.
As a registered nurse who has worked with Dr. Welsh and BACD for nearly two decades, I wanted to provide some details about the amazing results I see in our office every day.“We’ve all seen filler look unnatural. At our clinic, we re-create your natural face by replacing volume where it has been lost.” - - Kathleen Welsh, MD
NATURAL RESULTS
Skincare and rejuvenation treatments are key to slowing the aging process with natural results. Our team customizes treatment plans that combine highly personalized skincare routines with rejuvenating procedures. A solid skincare routine sets us up for success with in-office treatments like fillers.Dermal fillers are gel-like injectable substances that can restore volume, reduce wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They're used to plump our lips, fill in wrinkles, and make our skin appear more hydrated.“Successful and precise filler placement can make significant improvements in overall facial balance. I love using it conservatively and naturally as a refinement technique on top of progressive foundational skin rejuvenating treatments.”
- Steven He, MD
Patients often worry if fillers will look natural. We totally get that.
“Patients may be afraid of filler results looking unnatural because of social media and TV so my philosophy is restoration. I like to study photos of my patient as an adult where they felt their most confident about their face. I use the photo as my artist reference, so the results restore each person’s natural beauty.”
- Andrea Hui-Austin, MD
One crucial aspect to maintain a natural look is a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy. Our providers have a thorough knowledge of the underlying structures and proportions of the face to determine the appropriate placement and amount of filler required. Using that knowledge, we’re able to maintain natural looking results by strategically placing fillers where volume has been lost and avoid ‘overfilling.'
Fillers can offer instant gratification by adding volume and smoothness to your skin, but it's important to remember that each of us has unique facial features and aesthetic goals. So we always start with a conservative approach to maintain a natural look, I call this the “Northern California Aesthetic”.
A beautiful example of gradual results achieved over the course of 3 visits.
(Courtesy of Allergan, Juvederm)
(Courtesy of Allergan, Juvederm)
Rather than overfilling or creating an exaggerated appearance, we focus on subtle enhancements that work with your features. In some cases, this means easing you into your full results over the course of 2-3 visits. By using smaller amounts of filler and building up gradually, we achieve a more natural outcome.
"My favorite place to put filler is in the temples because this helps the full length of the face from your temple to your jawline. The filler replaces the volume loss at the temple and lifts and supports the cheek and jawline without giving unwanted or unnatural volume in the cheeks."
- Cynthia Chaghouri, PA-C
Safety is always our number one priority with any treatment at BACD so let’s talk more about the safety of dermal fillers specifically.
We only use FDA-Approved Products
Dermal fillers undergo rigorous testing and scrutiny before receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA ensures that these products meet safety and efficacy standards, providing reassurance to both our providers and our patients.
Temporary Results Minimize Long-Term Complications
Unlike surgical procedures, dermal fillers offer temporary results. Most fillers used by providers are made from naturally occurring substances in the body, such as hyaluronic acid. These substances are gradually metabolized and absorbed by the body over time, making the procedure reversible and reducing the risk of long-term complications. But what if you don't like your results? More about dissolving filler below.
Minimal Downtime or Side Effects
Dermal filler treatments typically involve minimal downtime, allowing you to resume their daily activities soon after the procedure. While some patients may experience temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, these effects are usually mild and subside within a few days.
Professional Administration
The safety of dermal fillers always depends on the expertise and experience of the provider performing the procedure. Seek out those with extensive years of injecting history.
TYPES OF FILLER & LONGEVITY
The effects of dermal fillers are temporary and can last anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the type of filler used. Over time, filler is naturally broken down and absorbed by the body.
Different dermal fillers are made up of various substances that determine their longevity. Here are some common types of fillers and their approximate durations:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers [ Ex: Restylane, Belotero, Voluma, Juvederm* ]
HA fillers are the most widely used types of fillers - these provide temporary results typically lasting between 6 to 18 months, depending on the specific product used. The body gradually breaks down the HA over time, causing the filler's effects to diminish.
I love using filler to replace volume which we lose as we age. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule naturally found in the skin that decreases with aging, so replacing lost volume with hyaluronic acid fillers naturally helps to plump, lift, and smooth your skin."
- Shannon Watkins, MD
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers [ Ex: Radiesse ]
CaHA fillers stimulate collagen production and provide longer-lasting results compared to HA fillers. The effects can last up to 12 months or more, as the CaHA microspheres remain in the skin and continue to promote collagen growth. Good to know, CaHA fillers are not dissolvable.
Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers [ Ex: Sculptra ]
PLLA fillers stimulate collagen production over time, resulting in a gradual improvement in volume and texture. The effects of PLLA fillers can last up to two years or more, as the collagen production continues even after the filler is absorbed. Our providers especially love Sculptra for temples and jowls.
It's important to realize the duration of filler effects vary among individuals and depends on several factors, such as the area of treatment, metabolism, and lifestyle. Additionally, the skill and technique of the injector also play a role in achieving optimal and long-lasting results.
For a comprehensive list of fillers and their intended uses, refer to this JDD article.
So.... what happens if I don't love my results?
FILLER CORRECTION: REDUCE OR REVERSE
As we've discussed throughout this article, most filler results are temporary and can last anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the type of filler used. Occasionally these fillers need to be reduced or dissolved when the desired response hasn't been achieved or if the filler has migrated to an undesirable location. In these instances our providers use Hyaluronidase, an injectable enzymatic solution that breaks down the filler into sugars and water naturally cleared by the body. The number of treatments required to dissolve varies based on type of filler and desired results.
BACD has a wide range of fillers available, each with its own unique properties and purposes. Our providers select the appropriate filler based on the specific area being treated and the desired outcome. Different fillers offer varying consistencies and textures, allowing your provider to choose the most suitable option for achieving natural-looking results.
MORE INFORMATION:
FILLER FOR EARLOBES?
Surprising but true, fillers can be used to replace lost volume in our earlobes! This procedure is commonly performed to address aging concerns such as thin or sagging earlobes or for those who have unwanted effects from wearing heavy earrings.
The results of earlobe dermal filler treatments are usually immediate and long lasting with minimal downtime associated. However, as with any dermal filler or injectable treatment, temporary swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site are all possible. These side effects typically resolve within a few days.