What happens to our faces as we age? Facial aging presents unique concerns for each individual. The natural process of aging includes wrinkle and frown formation; decreased volume, especially in the mid-face along the cheekbone area; dissension of remaining fat, and diminished production of the substances like collagen and hyaluronic acid that keep our skin firm.
Non-surgical correction of aging skin can be achieved through the use of dermal fillers. Fillers are unique in both their formulations and their proper placement within the skin. It’s imperative to have this type of procedure done by a trained provider who specializes in facial and hand anatomy.
At Elite Plastic Surgery, we offer dermal fillers like Juvederm at our Grand Rapids, MI office to enhance the appearance and confidence of our patients.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gel products that work beneath the skin to add volume to depleted areas and minimize the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and folds that develop as we age. These products immediately plump lines and creases, reduce the appearance of depressed scars, and refresh the facial esthetic with minimal time investment for treatment and recovery.
What Can Dermal Fillers Be Used For?
Products developed for soft-tissue filling are used to achieve a number of cosmetic improvements. Common uses for dermal fillers include:
- Adding volume to lips that are thin or deflated
- Enhancing the contours of the cheek bone and restore depleted volume to this area
- Softening lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth
- Diminishing or eliminating the appearance of hollows under the eyes
- Rejuvenating the backs of the hands
Am I A Candidate For Dermal Fillers?
Adults of all ages make good candidates for dermal fillers. Because treatment does not involve surgery or anesthesia, and because most filler products are made with naturally-occurring substances, there is very little risk of adverse reaction. If you are concerned with the age-related changes that are appearing on your face or hands, you may be very pleased with what dermal filler treatment can achieve.
Dermal Filler FAQs
How Are Dermal Fillers Different Than Botox®?
Fillers are injections that can enhance certain facial features such as lips and cheekbones by adding volume. They also work to soften or diminish signs of aging by minimizing the appearance of mild to deep wrinkles that have already formed.
Neuromodulators such as Botox are injections that target muscles and diminish their movement. Over time muscle contractions in our face cause frown lines to form. Although these products are used to diminish wrinkles, and keep them from deepening by decreasing muscle motion, it’s important to know that neuromodulators can actually prevent some lines from forming in the first place if utilized early enough.
*Individual results may vary
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Filler Injections Using a Blunt Tip Cannula
Filler injections using a blunt-tipped cannula are safer than injections delivered with a traditional needle. Blunt tipped cannulas are made of flexible stainless steel. They are single-use instruments that attach to the end of a syringe of filler. Since there is no sharp end, cannulas significantly reduce the possible injection of filler into a blood vessel. This could cause serious side effects. There is also much less pain, swelling, and bruising associated with this technique. Cannulas deliver filler to a wider range of areas with only one insertion point. It can stimulate collagen production by the mechanical motion used during the procedure.
Will Dermal Fillers Make Me Look Unnatural?
Experience is key when developing a plan of care for obtaining a natural and balanced result. Correct product choice and placement, patient education, and knowledge of facial anatomy are top priorities at Elite. Our plastic surgeons are board-certified and our nurse injector is a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist with many years of training and injecting experience.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost In Grand Rapids, MI?
Filler prices vary from region to region but you can expect to pay around $700-$750 and up for a syringe of filler depending on the product chosen. Keep in mind that multiple syringes of the product may be needed for the desired outcome. At our Grand Rapids office, our consultations for injections are free, and we also offer multiple syringe purchase discounts.
How Much Downtime Can I Expect After Filler Injections?
Filler injections are associated with mild to moderate discomfort but the discomfort can be minimized by the use of ice, topical numbing agents, and the use of cannulas to inject the product instead of needles. Bruising and swelling can also occur but again can be significantly reduced with the use of cannulas during the injection process. Bruising can last one to two weeks, and swelling usually diminishes in several days.
Side Effects of Dermal Fillers
Your provider should educate you thoroughly about all the possible risks associated with filler injections including, less common side effects and risks such as lumps beneath the skin, asymmetrical results, over- or under-correction of lines and wrinkles or volume loss, and, depending on usage of certain products, a blue tinge on the skin in the area of treatment. In rare cases, blindness or stroke caused by an injection of filler into a blood vessel has occurred, as well as tissue necrosis.
Our trained injectors are conscientious about the filler products that are selected for each concern so as to minimize risks of unwanted side effects.
What Dermal Fillers Do You Offer In Grand Rapids, MI?
We offer a selection of dermal filler products including JUVEDERM XC®. Get to Know our Dermal Fillers.
Juvederm XC Grand Rapids, MI
Juvederm XC is a hyaluronic acid product held in a clear gel base. This filler is smooth and soft, capable of filling mild to moderate lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth without causing an “overdone” appearance.
What Is Juvederm Used For?
Common uses for these fillers include wrinkle-reduction, treatment for depressed scars, and lip and cheek augmentation. With the introduction of more specific fillers for lips and cheeks, the use of these products have become more limited to treating nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
Book A Dermal Fillers Consultation In Grand Rapids, MI
At Elite Plastic Surgery we will provide you with guidance in selecting the best filler for your needs. Our staff are experts at helping you achieve your goals while maintaining a natural overall appearance. Call (616) 459-1907 or click here to schedule a consultation today to find out which dermal filler is best for you.
