How are you feeling about aging? Let’s assume you’re starting to get concerned about the fine lines or wrinkles that are appearing on your face. Or, you’ve noticed some volume loss in your cheeks or lips. Getting a dermal filler seems like a good option for you, until you start to do some research and become overwhelmed by the range of different fillers out there.
While there are a lot of fillers to choose from, deciding which is the best one for you isn’t as hard as it looks. As long as you know what you want from your treatments, finding the right filler can be a piece of cake.
What’s Your Goal?
The most important question to ask yourself when thinking about fillers is “what’s my goal?” What do you want the filler to do, and what to you hope to get out of your treatment?
Generally speaking, fillers can accomplish a few different things. They “fill in” lines and wrinkles that develop as a result of gravity and collagen loss. They also add volume to specific areas, such as the lips or cheeks. In some cases, fillers can provide a subtle amount of lift, helping to make slightly loose and sagging skin look firmer. Additionally, some people get fillers to restore volume to their hands or to mimic the results of rhinoplasty, minus the surgery.
If your goal is to fill in very fine lines, such as the tiny lines that develop around the mouth, you might be best off choosing a filler made from a very thin, delicate form of hyaluronic acid, such as Belotero.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to plump up the cheek area, you’ll most likely want a thicker, more viscous filler, such as Juvederm Voluma. Juvederm is also often used to plump up the lips, but in a different form. Juvederm Volbella is specifically designed for use in the lips and often provides results that last longer than other lip fillers.
How Long Do You Want Results to Last?
Speaking of results, that’s another thing to consider when you’re picking a filler. Some fillers only last for a few months while others can last for a couple of years. It all depends on the thickness of the filler and how quickly your body metabolizes it.
Usually, lip fillers only provide results for about six months. But, as mentioned above, a filler like Volbella is designed and formulated to last for up to a year. If you’re unsure how you’ll like having fuller lips, it might be worth trying a shorter lasting filler first, then switching to a longer lasting alternative.
Results can also appear immediately after the injection or develop gradually. For example, both Voluma and Sculptra help to add volume to the cheeks. While Voluma provides instant, long-lasting results, Sculptra takes time. The injectable works by stimulating collagen production to increase volume. That means it can take a few weeks or months before you notice an improvement.
How Many Treatments Do You Want?
Another thing to think about is how many treatments you want. You can combine fillers to get a more refreshed and rejuvenated look overall, for example. It’s also worth considering that some treatments require multiple injections to provide full results. For example, with Sculptra you might need a series of injections to produce the results you’re after.
Do You Really Want a Filler?
While all fillers are injections, not every injection is a filler. It’s worth pointing out that some signs of aging, such as crow’s feet and frown lines, don’t typically get treated with fillers. Botox, which is an injectable, is usually the treatment of choice for those types of wrinkles.
Botox doesn’t fill in the wrinkles. Instead it blocks nerve signals, preventing you from making the movements that end up etching those lines into your skin. If you’re bothered by frown lines or crow’s feet it might be that Botox is the option for you, not a filler.
Additionally, it’s possible to combine Botox with another type of injectable, depending on your overall goals. Your plastic surgeon can help you choose the treatment or treatments that are best for you.
About Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He offers patients a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options at his practice in New York, and can work with you to help you choose the cosmetic treatment that will help you reach your goals. Dr. Rubinstein offers patients a variety of procedures, from fillers to rhinoplasty, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC in Newburgh, New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, call 845-863-1772 today.
