Sadly, none of us are immune to signs of aging, whether in the form of fine lines, deep folds, uneven skin tone, roughness or sagging skin. While some bear these well-earned hallmarks proudly, many are less happy and keen to keep these signs of aging at bay for as long as possible.

Luckily, there are many non-surgical options for addressing minor and more major ‘imperfections’, including non-invasive treatments such as botox, chemical peels, micro-needling, radiofrequency, ultrasound, laser and dermal fillers.

Among the most popular for medical aesthetics are dermal fillers. What are they, and how can they help you?

1. What are Dermal Fillers?

If you’re struggling with eye circles, deep folds, loss of volume or lopsidedness, dermal fillers are an ideal contouring solution for you. The treatment involves injecting a gel filler (hyaluronic acid) underneath the skin in problem areas or hollows to add volume, definition, correct asymmetrical features and soften ingrained lines.

Although pharmaceutical-sounding, hyaluronic acid (HA) is simply a sugar, already part of the natural composition of your skin, connective and neural tissues. HA molecules are essential as they hold one thousand times their weight in water, hydrating our cells and helping to retain that moisture in our skin and joints. Our HA levels decline with age, leading to that all too familiar volume loss as with elastin and collagen.

2. What Can I Expect During and After my Treatment?

Based on experience and training, and after consulting with you on your objectives, your nurse will identify how much filler to use and where to apply it for best results. Your technician can also moderate the amount used depending on the condition of your skin and desired outcome, whether subtle or more significant.

Although mostly painless, you may feel some ‘pinching’ during the treatment and a little tenderness afterwards. You’ll also see some bruising, redness and swelling, which will dissipate naturally within a week.

Results are immediate and long-lasting, yet not permanent, with a gradual reduction of volume experienced for up to a year (or longer with some brands) as your body slowly absorbs the injectable. As everyone’s body is different, your results may vary. Your nurse will discuss your treatment schedule and expectations before your first session to answer any questions and evaluate any contra-indications.

3. Which Areas on My Face Can Dermal Fillers Treat?

Filler treatments are appropriate for several areas, the five most common being:

• Lips: Plumping out lips is one of the more popular uses of fillers. The results can be dramatic or nuanced, depending on your preference. Treatment with fillers will leave your lips volumized, smooth and symmetrical.
• Cheeks: Hollow, sunken or sagging cheeks are another favourite site for fillers. Injectables will restore fullness, minimize jowls, and leave you looking and feeling younger.
• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines: These folds that lie around the mouth or run from the nose to the corners of the mouth are usually deep-set and very aging. Creating volume in these channels with fillers instantly softens these lines, yielding a smoother, younger appearance.
• Forehead: Minimize lines by filling in the furrows using skin’s naturally occurring substances. Enjoy a smooth brow without risking the potentially static, ‘frozen’ look and feel yielded by neuromodulators.
• Vertical lines around the mouth: Technicians successfully use dermal fillers to revolumize these often deep lines, restoring a smoothed and youthful look to the area around your lips and leaving you feeling confident about your beautiful smile.

Dermal fillers are also invaluable for smoothing or filling out areas across or between scar tissue, helping to improve the appearance of these marks.

At The Laser Cafe, we offer a selection of safe, trusted dermal fillers including Restylane®, Juvederm® and Voluma®. Speak to your nurse to understand which option is best for you.

4. Testimonial from Makani, San Diego Resident and The Laser Cafe's Patient

My new favorite place to get laser treatments done. Their location is just a short ride from downtown. The entire staff is professional and can answer questions or concerns effectively. They also offer dermal fillers and injections. Been happy with my results so far after just two visits, I will be coming back for more!!