Dermal Fillers

What causes lost volume in your face and body?

When you’re young, a thick layer of padding plumps and smooths your skin. This padding is made of collagen, and is what creates the rounded features known as a “baby face.” 

As you age, you lose much of that collagen layer. That leaves your skin to pool and sag into lines, wrinkles, and folds. Bags can develop under your eyes, your cheeks can look hollow, and the skin at your jaw can droop into jowls. 

You may also notice changes in other areas of your body. Your earlobes can sag and you may experience wrinkling and other changes in the skin on the upper portion of your chest. Even the bones and connective tissues in the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet can become more visible.

Despite taking great care of your skin, you’ll still experience volume loss as time goes on. 

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gel-like substances that replace lost volume in your face or other areas of your body. Many of these fillers are made of a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in your skin. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and lubricates your skin. 

Dr. Blum uses dermal fillers to augment areas of your face where volume is lost. Fillers can also help enhance facial contouring and increase the volume of your lips or create a more defined lip line. 

There are also dermal fillers that enhance volume in other areas of your body, including your upper chest, upper breast, neck, shoulders, hands, feet, and earlobes. Known as whole body fillers, these injectables can help your skin appear more youthful and smooth. 

Are dermal fillers painful?

In the hands of an experienced practitioner like Dr. Blum, dermal fillers aren’t painful. The needles used to place dermal fillers are thin and injections take very little time. 

If you have especially sensitive skin, a numbing cream can be applied before your session to reduce sensations in the treatment area. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle enters your skin, but there’s no significant pain. 

After your session, a minimal amount of swelling, bruising, and tenderness is to be expected. Over-the-counter pain medications can reduce discomfort and your body will adjust to the filler materials in a very short period of time. There’s no significant recovery needed after having dermal fillers. 

During your consultation, Dr. Blum will discuss which fillers are right for your needs, as well as the proper placement and volume. Personalized care ensures you achieve the best possible treatment outcomes. 

When you’re ready to learn more about dermal fillers, schedule an appointment with Dr. Blum. You can book online any time of day or night, or call during business hours to check appointment availability.