Will Facial Fillers Make Me Look Younger?

It is common to want to preserve a youthful appearance while still looking natural. However, many people dismiss that idea as impossible. 

woman smiling

Cosmetic science has come a long way since its beginning. There are several ways to achieve your desired look and fight off signs of aging without sacrificing your natural beauty. 

Keep reading to learn if facial fillers will make you look younger!

Weighing Your Different Options

Some people are able to commit to procedures like brow lifts and other surgeries, but many find themselves desiring less invasive options. That is why injectables have become so popular. 

Typically, Botox is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about injectable cosmetic procedures, but it is not the only option. Dermal fillers are another effective treatment and are a great way to start your cosmetic journey with Ellis Eye & Laser Medical Center.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are cosmetic injections designed to rejuvenate the appearance and volume of your skin. They are capable of delivering a swift and effective treatment.

woman with with her palms on her head

To maintain results, you will need to keep having dermal filler treatments every so often, as the body breaks down the ingredients over time. The primary ingredient is a synthesized hyaluronic acid, which is a natural sugar found in the body. 

Dermal fillers also include calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral found in bones, and another acid called Poly-L-lactic acid. Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic but biodegradable material. 

What Exactly Do Facial Fillers Do?

The gel-like substance of dermal fillers is injected into skin sites to eliminate wrinkles and add volume to desired areas. When administered accurately, dermal fillers can plump up thin lips and soften wrinkles or creases in the face.

Dermal fillers can also help fade scars, brighten dark circles under the eyes, enhance shallow contours, and even aid in reconstructing deformities on the face after surgery. However, their most popular use is to counteract the effects of aging. 

Cosmetic injections should always be delivered by a trained professional. The amount and concentration of solution matter with dermal fillers. 

If injected by someone who is not trained, there can be serious risks to your health and skin. 

What Happens During the Treatment?

When you come in for dermal filler treatment, your cosmetic specialist will first clean your skin. Some topical anesthetic may be applied to numb the area and minimize discomfort. 

woman smiling with her hands on her hip

The fluid is precisely measured and carefully injected into strategic points across the face to target problem areas. Results will likely be apparent almost instantly after your treatment. 

Side effects of the treatment are mild, if present at all, and can include some light bruising and swelling. If this does appear, it will likely go away within a few days. 

You may want to avoid exercise or otherwise strenuous activities for at least a day after the injections. However, you should be able to return to your daily routine immediately after treatment. 

A dermal filler visit is nonsurgical and can be done in-office after your pre-treatment consultation. 

What’s the Difference Between Facial Fillers and Botox? 

Dermal fillers and Botox share similarities in what they aim to accomplish, but they work in very different ways. While most dermal fillers primarily use ingredients found in the body, Botox uses a paralyzing toxin found in a specific microbe.

In the hands of a professional, Botox is perfectly safe to use. Your cosmetic professional administers Botox in very low doses, carefully measured to specifically target wrinkles with its paralyzing utility. 

Botox’s mechanism of action causes the muscles around the area to relax for several months before it needs to be reapplied. Botox also has some medical applications outside of the cosmetic world.

The most notable use of botox outside of the cosmetic world is the treatment of chronic, debilitating migraines. It can also be used for those who have consistent spasms in the eyelid and excessive sweating.

Are Dermal Fillers Right For You? 

If you want to achieve a more youthful look, both dermal fillers and Botox are great options. You will need to be seen for a cosmetic consultation prior to receiving treatment with dermal fillers or botox.

old lady with clear skin

During your consultation, your eye doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for either of the cosmetic treatments. You will also go over the benefits and risks of the procedure.

Even though they are uncommon and minimal, you should still be aware of the potential effects of dermal fillers and Botox. It is possible to remove or reduce fillers with a second procedure, although this can carry risks of its own.

It also may be impossible to remove the filler materials entirely once they have been injected. Your cosmetic professional will inform you of the different available dermal filler products during your consultation. 

There are many different options and brands to choose from, which may be overwhelming. Fortunately, you will have a trained technician to guide you through the process step by step and fill in any information you need to make an informed decision.   

Are you interested in learning more about how dermal fillers can help you maintain a youthful look? Schedule an appointment at Ellis Eye & Laser Medical Center in Sacramento, CA, today!