As we age, we gain wisdom through our experiences, but the joys and sorrows of life leave their marks on our faces. Everything from sun damage to environmental pollution to everyday choices can take a toll on our skin, etching fine lines around our mouths and causing sagging and volume loss in the mid-face, lips, and jawline. In the past, surgery was the only way to resolve these concerns. But now, aesthetic medicine has given us a new solution in the form of dermal fillers.
What are dermal fillers, how do they work, and what are your options for restoring your appearance through this anti-aging technology? Read on to learn all about cosmetic injectables and why they have become the top choice of busy people throughout the San Francisco area.
The Wonderful World of Fillers
Young, healthy skin has abundant moisture, which we lose gradually during the natural aging process. The result is wrinkles such as smile and frown lines that bracket the mouth and chin. The combined effects of gravity and collagen loss also cause a downward shift in the face, as skin becomes less elastic. You might notice your lips seem thinner or flatter, your tear troughs are more prominent, or you have developed hollows at your cheeks or temples.
Injectable fillers have revolutionized aesthetic dermatology as a minimally invasive, instant-gratification option for people who want to look younger without surgery or recovery time. In one quick, in-office appointment, our experts can provide you with a full-face rejuvenation. As a result, you can enjoy benefits such as:
- Minimized fine lines and wrinkles
- Uplifted facial features such as the corners of your mouth
- Plumper and better-defined lips
- Restored volume in the temples and cheeks
What Makes Fillers So Effective?
FDA-approved dermal fillers such as Juvéderm® and Restylane® are smooth, gel-based formulas whose main ingredient is hyaluronic acid. While the word “acid” might sound off-putting, rest assured that hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. This mighty molecule can attract and retain many times its weight in moisture to improve the skin’s resiliency. You might already be using a topical moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid, so imagine the anti-aging benefits of injecting it under the surface of your skin!
Fillers can minimize fine lines, but they can also create a volumizing effect in your lips and cheeks. If you’ve ever wanted to perfect your pout or contour your cheekbones, Dr. Matarasso can inject dermal fillers in precise amounts to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Different formulations are available in various thicknesses that we can combine to produce a customized result. You may also choose to add neuromodulators such as Botox® or Dysport® to your treatment to relax wrinkles around your eyes and eyebrows, such as crow’s feet, forehead furrows, and glabellar lines.
What to Expect After Treatment
After your appointment, you should notice an immediate improvement in the treated areas. The most common side effects of anti-aging fillers are mild bruising and swelling, which should resolve on their own after a day or two. You can minimize these with strategic application of ice packs.
If you want, you can go back to work after getting dermal fillers injected, provided your job isn’t strenuous. However, we do ask that you avoid excessive heat – such as hot tubs or saunas – and vigorous exercise for at least 48 hours after your procedure. These activities can dilate the blood vessels and make bruising and swelling more pronounced.
Discover Your Fountain of Youth
Anti-aging fillers are an ideal solution for anyone who wants to turn back the clock without the potential risks or downtime associated with surgeries such as a facelift. To learn more about how you can achieve more volume and contour with dermal fillers in San Francisco, schedule your consultation with the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco today.
