One of the most common compounds used in dermal fillers (such as Juvéderm, Restylane, Versa and RHA) is hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid is a molecule found naturally throughout the body, with the highest concentrations in the joints and skin. As an organically occurring substance, it plays a major role in keeping skin hydrated and volumized.
When you think of dermal/HA fillers, think volume.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into the skin through a needle or cannula to correct the signs of aging by restoring lost volume and smoothing fine lines/wrinkles. Additionally, they can enhance the face by augmenting lips, cheeks, chin, and jawline. As an added bonus, the majority of hyaluronic acid fillers are premixed with lidocaine, a numbing agent, to maximize comfort during treatment.
“How much filler will I need?”
The answer varies based on several factors: area being injected, your age, skin quality, desired level of enhancement, and your budget, to name a few. Lips and cheeks require volumizing soft tissue which typically takes less filler than chins or jawlines where we are correcting deficits in bony structures. During your appointment, I will assess your features to pinpoint how I will be using filler in a specific area (e.g., building bone structure vs replacing volume loss vs enhancing existing structures). One syringe of hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler contains 1ml of product. The thought of 2 – 3 syringes per treatment area may sound like a lot, but to give a comparison, a single syringe of dermal filler is about the same volume as one blueberry; 1 ml = 1 syringe = 1 blueberry. Lips Often, just 1 syringe is used for augmenting the lips. Occasionally, we will build up to 2 syringes, but this reserved for extremely thin lips or older clients who have lost definition and structure as well as volume. Cheeks/Midface One syringe is typically used for each lateral cheekbone in younger clients. 2-4 syringes (1-2 each side) are recommended for replacing volume loss in the midface. Advancing age and weight loss negatively impact the fat pads in the cheeks requiring more filler to restore them. Smile Lines (Nasolabial Folds) 1-2 syringes each side work to improve the appearance of smile lines, provided the midface/cheeks have not lost volume. For many, the issue of deep smile lines is made worse by the midface losing volume and drooping over other parts of the face (such as the junction at the smile lines and jowls along the jawline). Jawline Jawline contouring can take 2-4 syringes per side to achieve a sharp, defined look. Temples The temples are often overlooked, however, 1-2 syringes per side to fill hollowed temples can completely change the proportions of the face and restore a more youthful look. Chin This process usually requires between 1-3 syringes of filler. Because the chin is a bony protrusion the use of a much firmer filler (injected deep) mimic bone’s firmness and gives a nice, elongated look to the profile.
Botox is a neuromodulator (form of botulinum toxin type A) that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. It works by blocking the nerve signals needed for facial muscles to contract. It’s the repetitious contraction of facial muscles that causes expression lines and wrinkles. Once injected, the neuromodulator relaxes the muscles and decreases their movement to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area. You will see your results gradually over 3-7 days following injection.
Botox can be used to address lines and wrinkles on a number of different facial areas, including the forehead, eye area (crow’s feet), and lip lines. It may be injected to soften dimpling of the chin. Botox can also be injected into the muscles of the jaw to help alleviate pain from teeth grinding or TMJ or for a jaw slimming effect. Some of these treatment areas may be considered off-label.
Botox treatments are quick with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Many people get Botox during their lunch hours and are able to return to work right after their appointment.