Do you want a fresher, younger appearance without going into surgery? Would you like to soften the appearance of the folds along your cheeks and the corners of your mouth? If so, then facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are one of the fastest and most popular ways to rejuvenate your appearance. Because these fillers can be injected in an office setting, they are minimally invasive and much less expensive than surgical procedures. It is no wonder that facial fillers have become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. For those who are interested in injectable fillers or other wrinkle treatments and live in the Charleston area, Dr. Joseph Russell offers these and other minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
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What Are Dermal Fillers?
Injectable fillers are safe substances that can be used to fill wrinkles and other imperfections in the skin. The most commonly used filler, hyaluronic acid, is naturally present in the skin and decreases with age. These fillers are injected in an office and require no significant recovery. In addition, they are inexpensive compared to other procedures and can last six to eighteen months. As a result, an increasing number of people – both men and women – are using these fillers to subtly modify their features and give a more youthful appearance.
These fillers are being used in a growing number of innovative ways to rejuvenate and re-shape facial appearance. Their low cost and fast results are the main benefits. However, it is still important to have these substances injected by an experienced physician to avoid suboptimal results. They may not last forever, but unpleasant results can last up to a year.
How Are Facial Filler Injections Used?
Facial fillers are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- To fill in wrinkles and creases
- To reduce the appearance of laugh lines
- To fill “crows’ feet” and other fine lines
- To plump up thin lips and decrease deep lines
- To recontour undesired features and enhance natural contours
- To reduce the appearance of depressed scars and pock marks
- To decrease hollow areas under eyes that appear with aging
However, there are also things that fillers cannot do. If a patient has sagging muscles, very loose skin, or other more advanced signs of aging, surgical lifts are a more appropriate solution.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Injectable Filler?
People who are good candidates for fillers are those who have mild wrinkles, moderate folds around the nose and mouth, and fine lines, rather than those with more advanced signs of aging. In addition, people with scars or other indentations can get them filled quickly and easily. Fillers can also be used to fill out the jawline and otherwise reshape different features. Many people use these injections to test new looks to decide if a more permanent surgery will give them the results that they desire. Although we think of them as wrinkle treatments, they actually have many more functions.
There are very few contraindications to fillers. You should talk to your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners; while not an absolute contraindication, these conditions can lead to significantly more bruising and swelling. In addition, you should tell your physician about all medical conditions you have had and any medication that you are taking.
Facial Filler Consultation
Injected fillers are a fun way to experiment with a new look or simply to give your face a more youthful appearance. If you are interested in trying them, getting a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon is the first step. Dr. Joseph Russell is a Charleston area facial plastic surgeon who offers fillers as well as other cosmetic procedures to patients in the Charleston area. After graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and completing a five-year residency in head and neck surgery, Dr. Russell also completed a fellowship in New York City with one of the world’s top facial plastic surgeons. Dr. Russell has the experience needed to help you decide what procedures that will help you meet your goals.
If you are interested in getting facial fillers or another rejuvenating procedure, it is time to call Dr. Joseph Russell’s office at (843) 576-3302. A consultation is the first step toward getting the fresh, youthful appearance that you wish for.