The Low Down on Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

The Low Down on Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers | RefinedMD Los Gatos

The Low Down on Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

If you’ve never tried dermal fillers before, maybe all those hours during lockdown scrolling through social media has you more curious than ever. RefinedMD offers a wide variety of dermal fillers, most of which use hyaluronic acid (HA) as the primary ingredient. HA is used in most dermal fillers and with good reason (although there are also some fantastic non-HA options!). If you’re new to the world of dermal fillers or already a fan who wants to expand their knowledge, let’s take a closer look at what exactly fillers are and how they work.

HA is the ingredient used in most types of filler because it’s an acid that already exists in the dermal layer of the skin. This means that there’s virtually no risk of your body rejecting an HA filler. HA is what makes our skin look youthful, beautiful, taut, and healthy. However, we have the most HA in our skin early in life, and it slowly diminishes over time. By the time we reach age 50, our bodies are making very little HA. That’s why the dermal layers of the skin really start to degrade and look depleted at this age. The result? Skin that’s sagging, wrinkled, and may look deflated.

Of course, this process is a little different for every person. Our race, gender, and how much time we’ve spent unprotected in the sun all play a role in how quickly our natural HA “runs out.” Those with fair skin and of European heritage, along with smokers, tend to burn through their natural HA reserves the fastest. So how can we replace that HA and get back our youthful appearance?

Dermal Fillers That Work with Your Body

Dermal fillers that use HA include popular and proven lines like Juvederm, Restylane, Versa, and Belotero. These are temporary solutions that can provide beautiful and organic-looking results. A lot of people think dermal fillers are just for the lips, and even though that’s a great spot for fillers it’s not the only one. You can use HA dermal fillers many places in the face including the cheeks, the tear troughs (under the eyes), and you can even put dermal fillers on the tops of the hands! Anywhere you’ve experienced lost volume, dermal fillers may be an appropriate option.

However, do keep in mind that HA dermal fillers aren’t a “one and done” treatment. Ideally, especially for those aged 50+, dermal fillers should be part of a filling and volume-replacement strategy. Most HA dermal fillers last about one year at best, so this is a maintenance solution that you’ll need to consistently revisit. Cost is determined by the type of dermal filler as well as how much volume is needed. Typically, dermal filler amounts are “by syringe.” A syringe might sound like a lot of filler, but tear troughs (one of the “smaller” areas treated) can often take more than one syringe. An entire facial rejuvenation can require 6 – 10 syringes in order to recreate volume and symmetry. On average, a 1.0 cc syringe costs $650 – $750. As you can see, those who plan to rely exclusively on dermal fillers to retain a youthful appearance should be prepared for the associated cost.

Alternative and Supplements

HA dermal fillers certainly can be a great solution for some clients. For instance, if you want to try out the look of a fuller pout or get a sneak preview of what a more aggressive procedure might look like, HA fillers are fantastic. They’re temporary and let you enjoy a new look for a few months. However, for those who want a more permanent solution, there are other possibilities. Non-HA dermal fillers like Radiesse, Sculptra, and Bellafill work by encouraging the body to create its own collagen in specific areas. These collagen-building dermal fillers provide longer-lasting results. Unlike HA dermal fillers, the results aren’t immediate, but you will start to see the results appear in a few weeks after the treatment.

If you’re mostly considering dermal fillers to “inflate” skin that has become lax and wrinkled, a facelift, deep chemical peel, or laser skin rejuvenation might be the right solution for you. The severity of the skin laxity and wrinkles will dictate the best solution for you. Sometimes it’s a combination of procedures, and working with Dr. Supeep Roy and the RefinedMD aesthetics team is the best approach to getting the results you’re after. Every anti-aging and rejuvenation treatment should be customized to the person—none of us age the exact same way and we all have preferences when it comes to skin goals. Learn more about your options for dermal fillers and much more by connecting with RefinedMD today at (408) 688-2082.