The Scoop On Dermal Fillers: Seven Things You Didn’t Know

Many of us have heard of injectable dermal fillers like Juvéderm®, but you may not know all the benefits that fillers truly offer. With a wide variety of injectable fillers on the market and a long list of skin concerns that can be addressed through the use of fillers, there is always something new to learn.

Dual board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi and his expert team are committed to providing patients with the highest level of service and care, beginning with patient education. During an initial consultation at our Louisville, KY, office, Dr. Mizuguchi will assess your case, discuss your goals and concerns, answer your questions, explain the filler options, and recommend a treatment plan to best meet your needs.

In preparation for your consultation, it is always a good idea to do some preliminary research. To get you started, here are seven things you may not know about injectable dermal fillers.

1. Fillers help reduce signs of aging

Arguably the most common reason people choose injectable fillers is to combat early signs of aging. The various fillers available today can be used to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles as well as increase volume in hollow-appearing areas of the face. Some of the areas most commonly treated with injectable fillers include:

• Under the eyes

• Cheeks

• Laugh lines

• Crow’s feet

• Marionette lines

• Lip lines

As we age, the natural substances that keep our face looking plump and youthful — collagen and elastin — begin to break down, resulting in lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and sunken areas of the face. Dermal fillers can restore this volume and also boost collagen production, effectively fending off the aging process a little at a time.

2. Injectable fillers provide instant results

One aspect of injectable dermal fillers that patients enjoy most is the relatively immediate results they provide. Depending on the areas being treated and the fillers being used, the process usually takes about 15 – 30 minutes, and patients will see an immediate difference. In some cases, patients may experience some slight bruising or redness, but this typically subsides quickly, and there is virtually no downtime following the injections. Unlike a traditional facelift and other surgical procedures that require a significant amount of time for results to be visible, patients who undergo dermal filler injections can walk out of our office and enjoy their fresher, younger-looking appearance.

3. The results are long-lasting

As if instant results weren’t enough, most fillers also offer relatively long-lasting results. Depending on the filler used, the area treated, the patient’s skin, and the severity of the symptoms, some fillers can produce results lasting up to several years before an additional treatment is needed. The knowledgeable team at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery can help you find a filler that best meets your needs, while giving you the best possible chance to enjoy your results for as long as possible.

4. Some fillers are natural

All of the fillers offered at the Louisville office of Dr. Nana Mizuguchi are FDA-approved and considered safe and effective. Some of the dermal fillers are actually made of natural substances, making the potential for an allergic reaction relatively nonexistent in most cases. Restylane®, for instance, is made up of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring hydrating substance found in the body. This filler is highly effective at filling moderately deep lines, wrinkles, and folds. For patients seeking a natural injectable filler, HA fillers may be a fitting option.

5. Fillers aren’t just for women

Though men and women age at different rates and show signs of aging in different ways, both are subject to a similar set of issues over time. As collagen and elastin break down and sun exposure and gravity take a toll, men will also experience lines, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume in certain areas. Injectable dermal fillers offer men a safe, effective option for addressing these concerns and restoring a more youthful appearance. Injectable fillers can also be used to produce a more pleasing facial contour.

6. Dermal fillers are an alternative to surgical procedures

For a variety of reasons, patients may not be quite ready to take the leap toward a facelift or other surgical cosmetic procedure. In some cases, fillers can provide an alternative to a traditional facelift in the form of a liquid facelift. By using a combination of fillers in a strategic and skillful way, the experienced team at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery can help patients achieve a more youthful look through a liquid facelift. However, this is not ideal for patients who already have advanced signs of aging, deeper wrinkles, or excessive skin sagging. It's important to note that while the results of a liquid facelift can be beautiful, a traditional facelift typically provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results.

7. Experience matters

When considering any form of plastic surgery or cosmetic treatment, the most important thing you can do is choose a qualified, experienced provider to perform the procedure. The face is how we make our first impression, and it is imperative that only a skilled provider is trusted to perform dermal filler injections. Dual board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi and his team have successfully treated numerous Louisville, KY, patients and are experts in the field of injectable dermal fillers.

If you think injectable dermal fillers may be right for you, call our office to schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a fresh, new you.