Fillers: Fad or Fantastic?

As they say, we are in a selfie generation. Older folks may criticize it, maybe even berate it, but for millennials, snapping a quick selfie is just another normal part of life. And as social media grows, the number of posts, snaps, likes, comments, and favorites will continue to grow as well. Is it any wonder why members of Generation Y are all a little image-conscious?

In this new, connected world, it’s important to maintain a good image. Millennials know this more than anyone; they have helped to popularize non-surgical procedures that use dermal fillers to get immediately rejuvenating results with minimal downtime.

But are fillers merely a fad? Or are they truly a way to keep up with the times? At Piedmont Plastic Surgery, fillers can be a great way to refresh your look and erase imperfections without going under the knife.

What Are Fillers?

Cosmetic injectable fillers can be used for a large variety of skin concerns, making them a versatile option that has and will continue to help them stand the test of time. Some fillers can be used to plump areas of the face, such as the lips or cheeks, and redefine certain contours for an overall improved look.

Fillers can:

• Smooth facial creases
• Fill in deep wrinkles
• Soften fine lines
• Plump lips and cheeks
• Decrease recessed scars or depressions
• Enhance sunken areas of the face by increasing facial volume

Fillers can be composed of naturally-derived substances or synthetic materials. Some fillers work by stimulating the production of collagen in the areas where they are used, creating a natural rejuvenation process. Other injectable treatments use neurotoxins from bacteria or other natural compounds to slow the use of facial muscles, preventing the formation of wrinkles.

Which Filler Is Best for Me?

Piedmont Plastic Surgery offers several types of fillers and injectables that can all help rejuvenate the skin and improve appearance:

RADIESSE®

This popular wrinkle filler uses tiny calcium-based microspheres in a gel that are injected to fill deep wrinkle folds along the face, such as smile lines, chin wrinkles, and the corners of the mouth and eyes.

RADIESSE® can reduce the signs of aging over time by stimulating the natural production of collagen. Effects are immediately apparent and can last up to a year.

JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC and JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC

These injectable gels are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that increases volume in the skin to improve appearance.

Piedmont Plastic Surgery offers JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC and JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC fillers, which can be used to fill moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds around the nose, cheeks, and lips.

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC

Also composed of hyaluronic acid, JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC is used to correct deep volume loss in the cheek area caused by aging. JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC creates an instant “lift” that naturally enhances facial contours. Results can last up to two years.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

This treatment uses small amounts of botulinum toxin to lessen the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most popular treatments among patients in their twenties, with statistics showing a 32 percent increase in that age group since 2010.

The treatment is injected into areas such as forehead furrows, frown lines, and other facial folds.

BOTOX® Cosmetic can also be used to block nerve transmissions in certain areas, which prevents those facial muscles from contracting, diminishing wrinkles and folds.

Treatments typically last three to four months. Continual treatments can be used to prevent signs of aging.

XEOMIN®

This treatment also uses a form of botulinum toxin to temporarily improve and decrease the appearance of the deep frown lines between the eyebrows called glabellar lines. XEOMIN® also prevents those muscles from contracting to reduce and smooth wrinkles. Results last up to three months.

What Results Can I Expect?

Fillers are typically administered quickly; an entire treatment regimen takes only a few minutes to complete. Results are also usually apparent fairly quickly, usually right away, but a few days following the procedure at the latest. Recovery usually consists of little to no downtime with minimal side effects.

Most fillers are temporary, and patients may need repeated treatments on a consistent basis to get long-lasting results. Many fillers, however, also work to encourage the natural production of collagen, leading to better-looking skin over time.

The ease of fillers and their rapid results have made them a staple in the cosmetic industry. Because of their effectiveness and versatility, fillers are likely here to stay through whatever trends time will bring.

Are you interested in learning more? Schedule a consultation at Piedmont Plastic Surgery by calling us at 336-886-1667.