Facial Fillers
Dermal fillers have been around for years, but they’ve exploded in popularity recently. What’s responsible for the renaissance of these remarkable products? We think there’s a lot to love about what these injectables can do. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they can also be injected in under an hour, require little to no downtime and deliver immediate results. Although they don’t last forever, they create beautiful, natural enhancement for months — sometimes even more than a year — and they accomplish all of this without any surgery.
Gravity Med Spa offers a selection of injectable fillers to accommodate a variety of preferences and needs. We invite you to contact us to learn more about our treatment menu or schedule a consultation.
What Are Facial Fillers Used For?
Facial fillers are primarily used to accomplish two goals: anti-aging and facial contouring.
If you have fine lines, wrinkles or folds that you’re unhappy with, you may be a good candidate for facial filler. Fillers excel at minimizing lines like nasolabial folds around the mouth and nose, marionette lines along the chin and “lipstick lines” around the lips. They’re also a powerful way to address hollow areas of the face, such as the temples or tear troughs, and volume loss in the cheeks.
Facial fillers can also be used for contouring purposes. A skilled injector can use fillers to enhance the cheeks, add definition to the jawline, elongate the chin to create a more heart- or oval-shaped face and balance out mild asymmetry. Fillers can even be used to perform a “nonsurgical nose job.”
It’s equally important to understand what fillers cannot do. Fillers can’t counteract significant skin sagging or deeply etched lines, at least not on their own. Advanced signs of aging require surgical intervention for the best result. Fillers also aren’t meant to address issues on the surface of the skin, like hyperpigmentation, redness, broken capillaries or uneven texture. For these types of concerns, we recommend looking into facial treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, IPL or laser resurfacing.
Are Facial Fillers the Same as Botox?
Facial fillers are not the same as Botox, but they are complementary treatments. Neurotoxins like Botox are a different kind of injectable that smoothes lines by temporarily “freezing” the muscles that cause them. They’re designed to treat “dynamic” lines caused by facial expressions, such as crow’s feet, forehead furrows and vertical “elevens” between the eyebrows. Dynamic lines are mostly found in the upper face.
Botox does not work on wrinkles caused by reduced collagen production and volume loss in the face. These wrinkles are called “static” lines. They’re found more often in the lower face and should be treated with dermal fillers.
Because Botox and fillers are designed for different, but related, uses, they are often combined into one treatment. Using both at once can be a very impactful way to rejuvenate your face nonsurgically.
Who Can Inject Facial Fillers?
California has strict laws governing injectable treatments. Facial fillers must be administered by a physician or by a physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner (NP) or registered nurse (RN) operating under the supervision of a licensed physician. Aestheticians are not permitted to inject fillers in California, regardless of physician oversight.
Legal permissions are only one piece of the puzzle. In addition to having the appropriate training and licensing, your injector should have advanced knowledge of anatomy and facial aesthetics, and should demonstrate a commitment to transparency and patient education. You should also check your injector’s before-and-after photos to make sure you like their style and have an in-person consultation to verify that they’re a good personality match.
Since facial fillers require regular maintenance appointments, finding an injector you’re comfortable with for the long haul is critical. Dr. Tonya Boudreaux and her team are some of the most sought-after filler specialists in Orange County.
What Facial Fillers Are Available at Gravity Med Spa?
Every patient has different needs, so we offer a variety of FDA-approved facial fillers. Each filler has unique characteristics that influence the areas of the face where they work best, how deep they should be injected into the skin and their longevity.
JUVÉDERM XC
Juvéderm XC is a smooth gel filler made with hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance that helps to add hydration and volume to your skin. Approved by the FDA in 2006, this formula targets moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds or “smile lines” around the nose and mouth. It can last up to one year with one treatment.
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA
Juvéderm Voluma is a durable hyaluronic acid filler intended to correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area. Voluma uses Allergan’s Vycross technology to provide a subtle, natural-looking lift and add contour for a more youthful profile. Results can last up to two years with optimal treatment.
RADIESSE
Radiesse is a different type of injectable known as a “biostimulatory filler.” Instead of using hyaluronic acid to plump the skin, Radiesse contains calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres that stimulate collagen production. It’s used to address volume loss in the face and the backs of the hands, and can last up to a year in most patients.
RESTYLANE
Restylane’s family of dermal fillers contains multiple products, all made from hyaluronic acid, designed to address different concerns for the face, lips and hands. They work beautifully independently or combined with one another for comprehensive results. Depending on which formula is used, most Restylane patients can expect to enjoy their results for six to 18 months.
Wondering Which Filler to Try? We’re Here to Help
Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for, or you want to look refreshed but can’t put a finger on the thing that’s irking you, the Gravity Med Spa team is here to help you discover your perfect treatment plan. Facial fillers help our Orange County clients safely and effectively restore volume, smooth wrinkles and enhance contours, revealing natural-looking rejuvenation that can last for months. Our experienced injectors use their knowledge of the latest product options and injection techniques to keep you comfortable and customize your results.
Contact our San Juan Capistrano medical spa today at 949-387-6118 to request a consultation.