Did you know that as we age, we lose about 1% of collagen per year? This means that by the age of 35 we’ve lost up to 15% of the firmness, volume, and plump we used to have when we were younger! If you’re looking into making the investment to enhance your appearance, understanding the body’s natural aging process allows us to determine whether aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers and Sculptra, or a combination of both, can help us address signs of aging. Both treatments have their own benefits, and understanding the differences between them can guide you in choosing the right option for achieving your desired look! Keep reading to delve into what each treatment involves, their benefits, and what you can expect from the procedures!
Dermal Fillers
What Is Dermal Filler Made Of?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to add volume and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. It is a gel-like substance made from hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance that can be found in our bodies) that our aesthetic providers will strategically inject into certain areas of the face to bring back volume and definition. There are many different brands of dermal fillers but some of our favorites are Restylane, Juvederm, and RHA.
Which Filler Is Right for Me?
Choosing the right dermal filler depends on various factors, including your specific aesthetic goals, the area to be treated, and your skin type. Each brand has different products with varying levels of support, strength, and flexibility that are made for specific areas of the face. A personalized approach through a consultation with a knowledgeable provider can help determine which filler best suits your needs. This ensures that you receive a treatment tailored to your individual concerns.
Debunking the Myth of Looking Unnatural
“Will dermal filler make me look fake or overdone?” This is a common concern we hear about dermal fillers and we’re here to debunk this myth! To put it in perspective, one syringe of filler is the size of a blueberry. It takes many sessions and many syringes of filler to look “overdone.” The unfortunate thing about the internet is that only BAD injections go viral. The beautiful, natural work? Not so much. But the caveat is- good work is undetectable! It is much harder to pinpoint someone that has received aesthetic treatments, as often times it is unnoticeable, and that is exactly the goal!
Our injectors at Thistle have gone through rigorous training, regularly continue their education, thoroughly understand anatomy, injection techniques, and all the nuances that come with injectables such as dermal fillers to provide the most natural yet impactful results. We’re here to let you know this is not the time to look for a Groupon! This is why it’s so important to do your research and find a team of professionals that have gone through extensive education and training. Our goal is to aim for gradual improvements rather than dramatic changes, which helps maintain a natural appearance. Having that initial consultation, helps us understand your goals and concerns in depth and allows us to create a customized treatment plan, ensuring we achieve tasteful results.
What Does Filler Treat?
If your concerns are a weak jawline, a back-set chin, hollowed cheeks, or thin/asymmetrical lips then dermal fillers may be a great option for you! Dermal fillers work by adding volume where it’s been lost and supporting the skin to reduce the appearance of sagging, lines and wrinkles. The choice of filler and technique depends on the specific area of concern and individual goals. Dermal fillers are versatile and can address a variety of concerns, including:
- Volume Loss: As we age, we naturally lose volume in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. Fillers can replenish this volume, giving a more hydrated and youthful appearance. Fillers can help to lift and fill in sunken areas, such as under the eyes or around the cheeks, which can make the face look tired or hollow.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Fillers can smooth out static wrinkles, which are wrinkles that are present even when the face is at rest. This includes nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth), marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth down to the chin), and vertical lip lines.
- Facial Balancing: Harmonizing your facial features so that they are proportionate is all about enhancing certain areas while still maintaining unique features to create balance. We can enhance contours of the jawline, add fullness to the cheeks and provide mid-face support, project a recessed chin, and correct any asymmetries to the lips with the correct techniques and maintain the inverted cone of youth aka the heart-shaped face for as long as we can!
Areas That Can Be Treated
Dermal fillers can be used in various areas of the face. Our team specializes in the following areas:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth)
- Marionette lines (lines from the mouth to the chin)
- Jawline
- Chin
- Earlobes
- Hands
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of dermal fillers can vary depending on the type of filler used and the area treated, as well as the individual. Generally, clients get to enjoy their results for about 6 to 18 months (everyone’s a little different!) If you have a fast metabolism or have an active lifestyle, unfortunately, your body may burn through the product quicker! Keep in mind, hyaluronic acid filler is a substance that absorbs into the body after time so that’s why maintenance treatments may be needed to sustain your desired look.
Sculptra
What Is Sculptra Made Of?
Sculptra is a different type of injectable treatment made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a natural biodegradable injectable that stimulates the body’s natural collagen production in the form of new tissue growth. While hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers work to correct the visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of facial volume, Sculptra addresses the main cause of aging which is collagen loss itself.
When we begin to lose collagen and volume in certain areas of the face we begin noticing a hollowing, sunken or sagging appearance of the face. Sculptra works to address those not so pleasant symptoms of collagen loss to help create a facial framework. We like to call this our “slow and steady” injectable as results aren’t necessarily immediate as it takes collagen time to rebuild.
What Does Sculptra Treat?
Sculptra is primarily used to address volume loss and improve skin texture and elasticity. It is especially effective for:
- Facial Volume Loss: Sculptra restores lost volume in areas such as the mid-face. A good rule of thumb is that for every decade of life, you’ll need one vial of Sculptra. For example, if you’re in your 40’s and are looking to replace some of the collagen loss you’re starting to see, we recommend about 4 vials over a period of time.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Over time, collagen production rebuilds the skin’s structure, creating a subtle, refined correction of wrinkles.
- Overall Skin Quality: As new collagen is produced, the underlying tissues strengthen, providing more resilience in the form of firmness of the skin.
How Long Do Results Last/When Will I See Results?
Sculptra results are not immediate; instead, you’ll notice gradual improvements as collagen production increases. Patience is key! Full results are typically visible after 3 to 4 treatment sessions over several months. Results can last up to 2 years or longer, depending on individual factors and maintenance treatments.
The Treatment Process: Filler and Sculptra
Pre-Treatment: Prior to the procedure, you’ll see one of our aesthetic nurses for a consultation to review your medical and past treatment history, discuss your goals, and choose the appropriate injectable based on your anatomy and the area we are treating. For the best experience possible, we highly recommend taking oral arnica tablets and eating fresh pineapple a couple days prior to minimize any post-procedure bruising/swelling. We encourage you to be mindful of any blood-thinning medications or supplements that you’re currently taking as they could also increase the chance of bleeding and bruising during and after treatment.
Day-of Treatment: After checking your medical history and pre-treatment questionnaire to ensure the proper pre-treatment instructions have been followed, we’ll review your goals with you one more time, being transparent about what you can expect and the product we’ll be using. Then, we’ll start numbing you with a topical anesthetic! The treatment is typically 45 minutes where your medical history review and numbing take about 15 minutes and treatment is 30 minutes. For additional pain management, we have distracting vibrating/spikey tools and we can perform a nerve block if needed.
Post-Treatment: After the procedure, you may experience mild swelling or bruising, which usually resolves within a few days (and is totally normal!) It’s important to follow any aftercare instructions provided by your provider, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities for 24 hours post-procedure, keeping the area clean (even sleeping with a clean pillow case!), and avoiding any massage of the area for 2 weeks.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Whether you’re considering dermal fillers or Sculptra, both treatments offer anti-aging benefits to help enhance your appearance and restore lost facial volume. The right choice for you depends on your aesthetic goals detailed in a personalized treatment plan designed by you and your provider. To explore your options and determine the best treatment plan, schedule a consultation with one of our amazing providers here! We’re here to help you achieve your desired look with confidence and care.
Xo, The Thistle Team
