What makes injectable treatments so popular? It might be the convenience and lack of downtime, or it might be the powerful results. Dermal fillers offer a tool for facial sculpting and rejuvenation. In the hands of an experienced practitioner like Dr. Leong, they provide smooth, natural-looking results.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore or enhance facial volume. Aging causes collagen loss, resulting in lines, wrinkles, and loss of volume from areas like the cheeks. In addition to treating signs of aging, dermal fillers can plump and define the lips or other features to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dr. Leong offers a range of dermal fillers that work in different ways. This variety of fillers allows her to choose the best ones for each area of concern.
Juvederm®
The Juvederm® family of dermal fillers uses a popular material called hyaluronic acid. This molecule occurs naturally in your skin, where it plays an important role in hydration. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers provide immediate results. Different cross-linked formulas mean that Juvederm® fillers can be used for many applications.
Restylane®
Restylane® is another family of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. It also has formulas that can address many concerns, including lines, wrinkles, lip plumping, and facial volume loss. Restylane® dermal fillers provide immediate enhancement. Hyaluronic acid is the most popular and widely used filler material, with several brands available.
Radiesse®
Radiesse® uses a material called calcium hydroxylapatite to trigger collagen development. This material, found naturally in your body, is injected in the form of tiny micro-spheres suspended in gel. It signals your skin cells to produce collagen, adding long-lasting volume over time. Radiesse® is approved to treat the face and add volume to the backs of the hands.
Sculptra®
Sculptra® uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a body-safe material with many medical uses. A series of injections trigger collagen production to provide long-lasting results. Sculptra® can be used to treat lines, wrinkles, and loss of volume in the cheeks and other areas.
Sculptra® can also be used in the buttocks to provide a safe, no-downtime butt lift. Unlike a Brazilian butt lift, a Sculptra® butt lift requires little to no downtime. With results lasting two years or more, Sculptra® butt lifts have grown in popularity as an alternative to invasive procedures.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years or more. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers typically last about a year, with fillers in the lips fading the fastest and fillers in the cheeks lasting the longest. Collagen-stimulating dermal fillers can last two years or more due to the new collagen produced in the skin.
Is There Any Downtime With Dermal Fillers?
Dermal filler injections only take about 15 minutes. You can return to your regular activities immediately with no downtime. Some people notice small spots of redness, bruising, or swelling in the injection area. These usually fade within a few days. Avoid rubbing your face after treatment, and discuss any concerns with Dr. Leong.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
The materials used in dermal fillers are FDA-approved and extensively tested for safety. Good candidates for dermal fillers want to smooth or enhance their features. With several materials to choose from, Dr. Leong uses dermal fillers as a tool to provide youthful, more defined results.
“Dr. Leong is amazing at what she does and makes you feel incredibly comfortable at the same time. I’ve gone to other plastic surgeons who make it feel like a business transaction, but Dr. Leong and her staff make it feel like a friend giving you advice. Her office is very cozy with pink walls, fluffy pillows, and crystal chandeliers. I am so happy with my results and felt so comfortable having her as my surgeon. I would trust Dr. Leong with any procedure.”
-S.S.
Take the Next Step
To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 844-8999 or fill out the consultation form below.