Over time, you will naturally experience wrinkles, deep lines, sagging skin, and facial volume loss. Various factors, such as too much sun exposure, environmental pollution, and the natural loss of the vital protein collagen, all contribute to these premature signs of aging.
Dermal fillers, also known as injectable fillers, can replace lost volume, help smooth wrinkles, plump lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. As convenient and versatile anti-aging treatments, dermal fillers are available in a wide variety of formulations.
At Gables Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jorge de la Pedraja offers his patients a myriad of dermal filler options to suit their different needs and achieve a refreshed, youthful, and vibrant look. For more information about our practice or schedule a consultation, contact our office online or call (305) 441-9144 today.
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. Men and women choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, often referred to as a “liquid facelift”, which can be cost-effective for looking younger without surgery or downtime.
Fillers are injected into the skin using fine, medical-grade needles and are used to contour and plump facial features such as the lips, cheeks, and midfacial region. They can do much more than smooth out wrinkles, and here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:
Botox® and dermal fillers are both minimally invasive treatments delivered through injections, but that’s where their similarities end:
There are a variety of FDA-approved filler products used by plastic surgeons, and these are categorized by the substances from which they are made:
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. Fillers made from hyaluronic acid are typically soft and gel-like and often infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA-approved HA fillers include:
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance found primarily in our bones. When utilized in a filler, the calcium particles are almost microscopic in size and suspended in a smooth gel. CaHA fillers are thicker than hyaluronic acid fillers and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is believed to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is generally used for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA-approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.
Poly-L-lactic acid products are classified as “collagen stimulators.” Their primary mechanism is to smooth fine lines by helping the skin rebuild natural collagen. Poly-L-lactic acid is typically used for deeper facial wrinkles, and results can last more than two years. FDA-approved Poly-L-lactic acid fillers include Sculptra® Aesthetic.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) takes the form of “microspheres” or tiny balls in dermal fillers where it remains beneath the skin to provide continued support.
PMMA fillers also contain collagen to provide structure and firmness. FDA-approved PMMA fillers include Bellafill®.
With so many dermal filler products available, it can be challenging to know which option is best for you without Dr. de la Pedraja’s guidance. Each product is uniquely formulated to provide a specific texture, density, and injection depth, which can be selected depending on the areas to be treated. During your consultation, Dr. de la Pedraja will determine which product is best for you.
With so many dermal fillers from which to choose, it can be challenging to determine which filler is best for you. Dr. de la Pedraja will evaluate your needs and create a customized cosmetic treatment plan specifically for you. He offers all of the latest FDA-approved fillers and continually adds newer fillers to his practice as they are approved.
As the most popular hyaluronic acid-based fillers, these are ideal for treating a range of aesthetic concerns, including volume loss, lines, and folds. The Juvéderm family of fillers includes Juvéderm Voluma, and Juvéderm Volbella, and Juvéderm Ultra/ Ultra Plus.
Like Juvederm, Restylane softens lines and wrinkles and is Dr. de la Pedraja’s go-to-filler for the undereye volume loss, tear troughs, and dark circles. There are various Restylane fillers such as Restylane, Lyft, Defyne, Refyne, and Kysse, each designed with their own unique purpose.
Tiny beads of calcium hydroxylapatite in this filler provide immediate volume and stimulate the ongoing production of fresh collagen.
Poly-L-lactic acid is excellent for panfacial revolumization, where it stimulates your body to produce its own collagen for gradual, long-lasting rejuvenation.
As an expert in facial aesthetics, Dr. de la Pedraja uses advanced injection techniques based on years of experience. Here is a list of problem areas he may typically address with fillers:
Because every patient’s body is different and can respond differently to the fillers, Dr. de la Pedraja recommends scheduling follow-up treatments to maintain the results. He also recommends that all patients maintain an at-home skincare regimen to preserve their results. For this regimen, a combination of antioxidants, sunscreen, moisturizers, and retinol is recommended, all of which are available from our skincare range of products.
General guidelines for filler longevity is as follows:
A filler may have a longer or shorter duration on different parts of the face. For example, with the lips tending to have more movement, filler injected into the lips tends to break down faster. The areas under the eyes, cheeks, and temples have less movement, and filler injected in these parts of the face usually lasts longer. Also, please note that results will vary between each patient.
There are several benefits to using fillers for facial rejuvenation, and these include:
Dr. de la Pedraja has extensive experience in providing facial injections. He has undergone rigorous training in each of the operations provided at Gables Plastic Surgery in Miami, Florida. He is fellowship-trained in aesthetic and breast surgery at the prestigious Georgetown University.
In addition to his extensive training and many years of practice, Dr. de la Pedraja actively seeks out the latest advancements in the field and stays current with the most sought-after techniques. He has dedicated thousands of hours perfecting his procedures in correcting facial concerns and asymmetries.
To find out if you are a good candidate for dermal fillers, please schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. de la Pedraja. He will help you understand how treatment with fillers can take years off your appearance while enhancing your appearance and confidence. Call (305) 441-9144 or contact us online today.
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