Between the effects of sun damage, gravity and volume loss, the inevitable has happened. You look older. But you don’t feel as old and tired as you look. So, what now? You have heard about dermal fillers from friends, doctors, and the media but have been too scared to try. So many questions. How much will you need? What will it cost? Will other people notice? What if I get too much filler? How do I maintain my new look?
Regardless, you are still interested in getting these magical fillers and achieving a younger, natural look. Here’s what you need to know.
About Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers are a natural way to replace volume loss. These are cross linked to various degrees, so they last longer and have different properties depending on where you want to inject them. I think of them as a palette of options to use to enhance the face.
How much filler will I need?
Each syringe is 1cc worth of filler. Placing that in context, one teaspoon is 5 cc’s, so the filler in each syringe is 1/5th of a teaspoon. As we age, we lose about 1 cc of volume per year and a rule of thumb is to consider filling back about 1 cc per decade.
For example, for 50-year-old women, I would start with at least 2 syringes if not 3. A lot of the shared decision making has to do with the goals of the patient. And, of course, we also strive for a natural and not “overfilled” look.
Ultimately, for some patients to reach their aesthetic goals, they may need a few more syringes of filler because they have much more volume loss. I would recommend starting with a modest amount and having a staged treatment plan over a year’s time.
How much do fillers cost?
It depends on how much and the type of filler you will need. I recommend budgeting $1,000 – $2,000 for your first visit.
What if I get too much filler?
Most likely, you will not get too much filler. A licensed experienced professional will be knowledgeable about how much filler you will need to get a “natural” look. Over plumping is not only bad for you, the patient, but the injector as well. If you don’t look good, the injector won’t look good either and can ruin their reputation.
If you do get too much filler, it can be dissolved immediately. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm products (including VOLUMA and VOLBELLA) can be partially or completely removed with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Will other people notice?
With a balanced approach, people will notice that you look younger, but they will not notice that you have had anything done to your face. I recommend incorporating Botox in our plan to help smooth wrinkles in certain places for an overall younger looking appearance.
And, finally, great skin care and sun protection help brighten and thicken aging skin to restore the glow of youth.
How will I maintain my new look?
It starts with prevention. Great skin care and sun protection help brighten and thicken aging skin to restore the glow of youth and help prevent sun damage. Fillers eventually dissolve over time. Most people will need additional filler after 1 – 2 years.
As long as you see a qualified and experienced professional you will be happy with the results. Even if you are concerned about getting too much filler it is important to get enough filler to achieve your desired look or you may be disappointed. A quality injector will consult with you to determine what will work best for your specific needs and goals.
To schedule an appointment please call us at (425) 398-9355.