What Are Facial Fillers and How Do They Work?
As skin ages, it begins to lose volume and elasticity. Not unlike the air slowly leaking from a balloon, cheeks begin to lose the plump fullness of youth, and gradually start to sag and droop. The excess skin forms wrinkles around the nose and mouth, deepening the appearance of nasolabial folds and contributing to what are commonly referred to as marionette lines. At Atlantic Plastic Surgery, P.C., we offer many different options for facial rejuvenation treatments, including facial fillers like Juvéderm®, which are a non-surgical option designed to replenish the volume in the areas around the mouth, giving the features a more plump and youthful look.
Over the years, the popularity of facial filler treatments has continued to rise. According to statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of facial filler procedures performed has increased by almost 250% since 2000. While there are a number of different facial fillers available that are composed of collagen, synthetic material, or even fat, the products that have proven the most frequently used (accounting for almost 75% of total procedures) are composed of a substance called hyaluronic acid.
Youthful skin retains its resilience and pliability due, in large part, to its high water content. The key substance involved in retaining skin’s moisture is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is present throughout the body, everywhere from the vitreous of the eye to the tissues of the aorta. It plays key roles in hydration, lubrication of the joints, wound healing and even immune response. As the primary active ingredient in fillers like Juvéderm®, hyaluronic acid can be injected into a patient’s lips, cheeks, and wrinkles around the mouth as needed to address specific signs of facial aging. Volume to the lips is increased and wrinkles around the mouth are smoothed. The effects are nearly instantaneous, and can last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the brand of filler used.
If you are interested in learning more about Atlantic Plastic Surgery or any procedure that our providers perform, contact us at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices. Additionally, many plastic surgery procedures can be covered by insurance and we are pleased to be able to provide a variety of options for financing, including Care Credit®, in order to assist you. Please contact us with any questions you may have concerning the financial planning of your procedure. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news.
