Dermal Filler Injections in Charleston, SC | Réforme
Dermatology & Aesthetics
What Are Dermal Filler Injections?
With age, facial volume, muscle definition, bone structure, and skin elasticity begin to decline. With this volume loss comes deflated cheeks, thinning lips, sagging skin, and wrinkles and folds. Fortunately, injectables are a non-surgical treatment that offer a convenient, natural-looking approach to facial rejuvenation.
We offer two types of cosmetic injectables:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a substance naturally found in the joints, eyes, and skin. Fillers contain injectable HA to diminish wrinkles and folds, enhance facial structure, and add volume to the face and lips, with its rejuvenating results immediately visible. Our HA fillers include Juvederm and Restylane products.
Biostimulatory Injections
Biostimulators are compounds injected into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer. Rather than adding volume, biostimulators stimulate new tissue growth, helping the skin naturally produce its own volume. Biostimulatory injectable products include Sculptra, Radiesse, and Voluma.
When a qualified expert strategically injects the appropriate filler into the targeted areas, patients can enjoy immediate, refreshing results with no downtime and minimal discomfort.
What Causes the Face to Lose Volume?
Age isn’t the only cause of volume loss in the skin. Lifestyle and environmental factors may also contribute to the plumpness and vitality of the skin. Causes of volume loss can include genetic traits, ultraviolet radiation, poor diet, smoking, stress, and weight fluctuation.
Areas of Volume Loss
- Flattened cheeks
- Jowls
- Thin, ill-defined lips
- Sunken temples
- Forehead and brow wrinkles
- Hollowness around the eyes
Dermal fillers offer a convenient, non-invasive way to restore lost facial volume or accentuate features that lack fullness.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, commonly known as HA, is a substance that is naturally produced by the body and found in abundance in the connective tissues of the skin, joints, and eyes. HA is responsible for retaining moisture, adding volume, and creating softness in the skin by drawing in and holding water. With age, sun exposure, and stress, the supply of HA in the body decreases along with other structural components like collagen and elastin.
When injected into the skin, HA helps to restore volume and repair the structure of the patient’s facial features. Most dermal fillers contain HA, while some use similar biodegradable substances like poly-L lactic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite.
What Areas Can Dermal Fillers Treat?
Here are a few common ways that we use dermal fillers at Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics:
- Enhance volume to sunken cheeks or temples
- Fill out lines around the nose and mouth
- Plump and define thin lips
- Augment the chin
- Rejuvenate sunken under eyes and brighten dark circles
- Improve symmetry among facial features
What Are the Different Types of Dermal Fillers in Charleston, SC?
At Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics, we offer a variety of dermal fillers to help reach the specific goals of our patients. Each line of dermal fillers is uniquely formulated to have a certain texture and density, which means some fillers work better in certain areas.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is one of the most well-known types of dermal fillers. There are six unique and long-lasting filler options in the Juvéderm line, and each one is formulated for different needs and specific areas of the face, including lips, cheeks, chin, smile lines, tear troughs, and jawline. Juvéderm Voluma is one of the six long-lasting fillers lasting up to 18 months making this option particularly popular.
Restylane
Restylane® is another line of hyaluronic acid-based fillers that smooth wrinkles and add volume to the cheeks and lips. Restylane® is more granular in consistency compared to Juvéderm’s smooth gel-like consistency, which allows Restylane® to stay where it is initially injected. Restylane® can be used to smooth under-eye troughs, enhance the cheeks, smooth marionette lines, soften nasolabial folds, and smooth vertical lip lines.
Sculptra
Unlike Juvéderm® and Restylane® products, which are made with hyaluronic acid, Sculptra® is comprised of Poly-L-Lactic acid, a biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic molecule chain. With its unique formula, Sculptra® does more than simply replace volume loss in the face. It stimulates collagen production, which helps the skin naturally rejuvenate itself. Sculptra® treatments are ideal for full face rejuvenation.
Radiesse
Radiesse® uses calcium hydroxyapatite in a gel base, which still improves the treatment area with additional volume but has the additional benefit of naturally stimulating the body’s production of collagen and elastin. Radiesse® treatments are ideal for rejuvenating the hands and chest, enhancing the chin and jawline, and adding volume in the cheeks.
Schedule a Consultation
Explore the fully customizable and transformative dermatological treatments with double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile, who combines her extensive knowledge of skin health with her passion for finding innovative reparative and preventative treatments. Dr. Vasile’s collaborative, personalized approach to skin health and vitality meets the specific needs of her patients by utilizing state-of-the-art technology, science-based skincare products, and peer and patient-reviewed techniques and treatments.
With a keen aesthetic eye and precision, Dr. Vasile creates balanced and natural results for a variety of aging and skin-related concerns while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. Schedule your consultation today and experience a self-esteem boost with beautiful, healthy, vibrant skin.
How Long Do Dermal Filler Results Last?
The effects of dermal filler injections depend on the product used, the area being treated, and how quickly the patient’s body metabolizes the filler. In general, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® tend to last from 6 to 12 months, making them ideal for patients experiencing dermal fillers for the first time.
The results from Sculptra®, Voluma, and Radiesse® may last longer since they provide volume and stimulate the body’s production of collagen and elastin.
Why Choose Dr. Gabriella Vasile for Your Dermal Filler Injections?
As a fellowship-trained Double Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Gabriella Vasile is equipped with the knowledge, years of extensive training including a fellowship in cosmetic dermatology, and natural skills to perform injections. In addition to her impressive education and background, Dr. Vasile has also developed a sizable reputation on social media platforms and is known for her expertise, natural-looking results, and compassionate approach to aesthetic care.
Ready To Schedule Your Appointment at Réforme in Mount Pleasant, SC?
If you’re ready to restore lost facial volume, accentuate your natural facial features, and confidently embrace aging, we invite you to schedule a consultation for dermal fillers with Dr. Vasile. To get started, contact Réforme today by calling (843) 974-1230 or completing our online form. We look forward to meeting you soon!
FAQs: Dermal Fillers at Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics
How Are Dermal Filler Injections Administered?
Facial fillers are injected in one of our comfortable, well-equipped office rooms. Initial treatments begin with a consultation, during which patients will meet with Dr. Gabriella Vasile to discuss their concerns and overall goals. Dr. Vasile takes the time to meet with each patient, listen and understand their goals, and develop a treatment plan that best suits their needs.
Prior to the treatment, the targeted area will be cleaned, and a topical anesthetic may be administered to numb the area before injections. Once the patient is comfortable, a precise amount of filler will be injected beneath the skin. Depending on the type of filler and the treatment area, patients should be able to notice their results immediately after receiving their injections.
Is There a Recovery Period After Dermal Fillers?
Dermal filler injections are a non-surgical treatment, which means no recovery time is necessary. Some patients experience mild to moderate bruising and swelling, but these side effects are temporary and should resolve themselves in the first few days following treatment. Patients are able to return to their normal activities right after their appointment, but it is advised that exercise or other strenuous activity be put on hold for the first 24 hours.
How Long Do Dermal Filler Results Last?
The effects of dermal filler injections depend on the product used, the area being treated, and how quickly the patient’s body metabolizes the filler. In general, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® tend to last from 6 to 18 months, making them ideal for patients experiencing dermal fillers for the first time.
The results from Sculptra® and Radiesse® tend to last longer since they provide volume and stimulate the body’s production of collagen and elastin.
Can dermal fillers be dissolved?
Yes, if your aesthetic preferences change later, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be quickly and painlessly dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This enzyme disperses the hyaluronic acid, naturally breaking it down at a rapid pace, allowing your features to return to normal. The process of injecting the hyaluronidase is similar to the dermal filler injections themselves. Dr. Vasile will discuss your desired results before strategically injecting the enzyme into the target location. There is a brief swelling period as the hyaluronidase breaks down the dermal fillers, but after just a few days, you’ll see your natural features come through.
Are dermal filler injections painful?
Many of our patients find their dermal filler experience to be more comfortable than expected. Many of our dermal filler products contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that helps soothe the skin and minimize discomfort. If you are hesitant or anxious about needles, a topical anesthetic can be applied to the treatment areas to lessen the sting of the injection process further. Most importantly, Dr. Vasile’s extensive experience and precision as a dermal filler injector makes for a comfortable and relaxing treatment.
What is the difference between dermal fillers and Botox®?
Both treatments involve injecting a substance into the skin; however, the ingredients within these treatments are what set them apart. Botox® contains botulinum toxin, which relaxes the muscles, limiting movements that result in a reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Dermal fillers contain a viscous hyaluronic acid gel to plump and hydrate the skin, reducing facial sagging and restoring plump, supple skin. Oftentimes, these treatments can be combined for a total non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure.
How much do dermal fillers cost?
The cost of your dermal filler treatment is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of dermal filler used, how many units are needed to achieve your desired results, the treatment area, and your practitioner’s set rates. During your consultation, Dr. Vasile will review the cost of your unique treatment and provide an estimate that works with your budget.
What can I do to make my dermal filler results last longer?
Now that you’ve invested in your skin and fallen in love with your results, it’s understandable that you’d want to maintain your results for as long as possible—and we have some recommendations to help you do just that.
First and foremost, protect your skin from the sun. The harsh UV rays can not only increase damage to your skin but can also cause your dermal filler to break down faster. To help protect your investment and maintain your results, wear an SPF of 30 or higher whether you’re inside the house or the office, driving in the car, or exploring the city. For some added protection, wear a cute baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat to further protect your skin.
Our second recommendation is to invest in high-quality skin care products. A skin-nourishing moisturizer can make a significant difference when it comes to maintaining your results. If you need any assistance finding products that will work well with your skin type or skin concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss your options with Dr. Vasile. She will make recommendations based on her knowledge of your skin and her work as a licensed dermatologist.
Our last recommendation to help you maintain your results longer is to avoid things that can dry out your skin. These situations can include overly harsh cleansers or other skin care products, hot showers, saunas, heaters, and even a dry environment. The goal is to keep your skin as moisturized and hydrated as possible, so we encourage our patients to avoid these situations that might impact their skin.
How can I prepare for dermal filler injections?
The preparation for your dermal filler injections is fairly simple. We recommend that you come in on the day of your treatment with clean, make-up-free skin. We also encourage our patients to refrain from drinking alcohol 24 to 48 hours before their scheduled treatment as alcohol can dry the skin, leading to prolonged irritation from the injection process. Patients should also stop blood-thinning medications, including Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, and other prescription medications, unless medically necessary. Blood thinning medications can lead to excessive bruising that may take longer than necessary to resolve.
