While part of the normal aging process, many people are disheartened by the wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines that come with getting older. With the advent of dermal fillers, these concerns no longer need to be a source of self-consciousness or distress. Restylane is an FDA-approved injectable treatment proven to counter the effects of aging skin. Our team at Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, Inc. in Redlands, CA is proud to offer Restylane treatments in addition to a comprehensive menu of restorative services.
Does Restylane Work Immediately?
Results are instantly noticeable as fine lines and severe wrinkles are filled and smoothed out upon injection of the gel. Restylane supports underlying tissues, leveraging hydration to lift sagging, dull skin. One treatment alone will make a noticeable difference as it instantly plumps the skin and restores elasticity, improving facial contours.
This product assimilates into the skin quickly, giving the convenience of fast results. Hyaluronic acid does so much more than just augmenting collagen loss and elasticity. Because it works by plumping and lifting the skin, it brightens sunken, hollowed areas of the face and hides flaws such as exposed blood vessels, acne scars, and sun damage.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Restylane is designed to address areas such as the nasolabial folds, which run from the nose to the corners of the mouth, and the marionette lines, from the corners of the mouth to the chin. It is also uniquely formulated to add volume and define the lips and is FDA approved for the treatment of the lips in patients over the age of 21.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Anyone who is over 21 and dissatisfied with their skin’s appearance can benefit from hyaluronic acid fillers. Many people who want to avoid (or are not good candidates for) cosmetic surgery turn to dermal fillers as a more acceptable option. The popularity of these treatments has grown exponentially because of their safety, effectiveness, and convenience.
In addition, you don’t need to worry if you are already receiving other skin treatments such as skin peels or other fillers. Hyaluronic acid products are compatible with other dermal treatments, so it’s simply a matter of timing. Our medical professionals can help you develop a plan that’s right for you.
Make Skin Care a Priority
Developing a consistent skincare routine will enhance your treatment’s effectiveness. Ensuring that the skin receives the nutrients and hydration it needs is a necessary component of any treatment plan. Drinking lots of water complements the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid. At Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, Inc., our qualified team can make recommendations for products and companion treatments that will maximize your results.
Your Skin: An Overview
As your largest organ, your skin works hard to protect you from the outside world. Everyday threats such as harsh weather, environmental damage, and harmful microorganisms put our skin to the test. But even while it’s defending us against these threats, it’s simultaneously transferring nutrients, regulating body temperature, and engaging in numerous other vital activities.
It is important to understand the basics of skin anatomy in order to understand the aging process and how dermal fillers work. Your skin is made up of three layers, each with different functions. From the outside in, these layers are the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis (or subcutaneous).
The Epidermis
The epidermis is the outer layer that acts as a waterproof barrier to the outside world. It protects from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, harsh weather conditions, and intruders such as bacteria and viruses. As the first line of defense, it is also the layer that takes the most damage over time. As this layer thins, the skin begins to look rougher and does not rebound as well from damage.
The epidermis also houses cells responsible for pigmentation. As we age, these cells thin out and the remaining cells grow in size. This creates what we are familiar with as “age spots” on the skin. Scarring also becomes more prominent as the epidermis layer stretches and thins as well.
The Dermis
The dermis is the second layer, and its flexibility cushions the body from stress. It contains sebaceous glands, which produce the necessary oils that support the skin’s elasticity and strength. It also contains hair follicles and receptors that are responsible for your sense of touch, pressure, and pain.
It is also home to smaller blood vessels. These smaller vessels are more prone to damage as we age, causing the skin to bruise more easily. As this layer is held together by collagen, it weakens with time as collagen production slows and breaks down.
The Hypodermis (Subcutaneous)
The subcutaneous layer acts as the body’s shock absorber. Also called the hypodermis, this is the innermost layer of skin that consists of fat and connective tissue. This area contains blood vessels that help transport nutrients to keep the skin strong and healthy. Its fat cells also act as an insulator and temperature regulator.
The loss of fat in this layer with time means there is less tissue to support the normal elasticity of the skin, especially in the face. Typical areas affected by this include the cheeks, nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth), chin, and surrounding areas.
Dermal Fillers: What You Need to Know
It’s no secret that our skin is quite literally the physical armor that protects us from the outside world, and it takes quite a beating in the process. Between foreign intruders such as bacteria and viruses and exposure to the elements, our skin (our largest organ) is continuously waging war against our environment to keep us healthy.
At the same time, it works hard to manufacture Vitamin D, ensure we are operating at the optimal temperature, and help us communicate with others. It is essentially impermeable to water, yet stores the necessary water and fat we need to survive. It only makes sense that we would want to give it the best care possible for as long as we can.
Effects of Aging
As we get older, men and women alike experience hormonal changes that often kickstart a domino effect of changes to the skin. As sebaceous and sweat glands begin to produce less oil and water, our skin becomes thinner and less hydrated. The outer layer of the skin becomes less resilient to environmental damage and sun exposure.
As a result, our blood vessels become weaker and less able to carry nutrients. As they become more prone to damage, we bruise more easily and find that it takes longer to heal. We begin to see more age spots and scarring, and the more delicate skin near our eyes and lips begin to appear sunken and wrinkled. This is why many people turn to dermal fillers to restore the volume they once had in these areas.
How Dermal Fillers Work
Dermal fillers are injected into the skin to replace lost collagen and improve the appearance of facial contours. Typically, thinner fillers are injected into the upper dermis layer of skin, while thicker fillers are often injected into the deeper dermis or into the subcutaneous layer.
The process is proven safe, and often completed in less than an hour. There is minimal downtime and most people can resume normal activities immediately. There are several types of dermal fillers.
What Kinds of Fillers Are Available?
In decades past, the main option for dermal fillers was collagen. However, technology has rocketed the science of dermal fillers into an extensive variety of solutions for nearly every cosmetic need. The resulting products are longer-lasting and promote long-term benefits.
Several new filler options have become available, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, calcium hydroxyapatite, polymethylmethacrylate, silicone, and poly-L-lactic acid. Restylane is a hyaluronic acid gel that has been FDA approved for multiple injection sites.
Understanding Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid consists of a chain of sugars that are already naturally created by your body. However, like other substances in your skin, hyaluronic acid production slows over time. This can cause some of the signs of aging, such as skin dryness, lost elasticity, and sunken areas near the eyes and cheekbones.
Hyaluronic acid is the molecule responsible for maintaining the skin’s hydration, as it can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water. It is made up of chains of sugars that already occur naturally in the skin. However, as we age, we produce less and less of the acid on our own. Add that to the UV exposure and environmental damage we accumulate over time, and that plump, hydrated appearance we once enjoyed essentially disappears.
Why Consider Restylane?
Hyaluronic Acid Formula Lasts Longer
Dermal fillers with hyaluronic acid not only smooth fine lines and wrinkles in the skin but also support collagen production and nutrient transfer. This improves the skin’s resilience and flexibility over time. Therefore, while people often notice the immediate volumizing effect on their skin after treatment, there is more than meets the eye in terms of long-term benefits as well.
Hyaluronic acid has a higher resistance to breaking down in the body than other treatments. And because the body already produces hyaluronic acid, treatments using this ingredient are generally well-tolerated. Research has shown that long-term use of hyaluronic acid products may even make permanent beneficial changes to the skin.
Non-Intrusive
Many people elect to try dermal fillers after they find that they are not good candidates for cosmetic surgery. Because it is a simple and non-invasive treatment, most people tolerate it well. Even though treatment consists of a series of small injections, we offer a numbing cream that helps minimize any discomfort.
Long-Term Benefits
In the past, collagen treatments and other dermal fillers broke down quickly within the body. Typically most only lasted 3-6 months. With the advent of newer technologies, a variety of fillers now last much longer.
Convenient
The injections are given in-office and sessions last under an hour. There is minimal downtime afterward, and most people can immediately resume their normal daily activities. Because hyaluronic acid products last longer than other treatments, there are fewer office visits for maintenance treatment, which saves time and money.
Consistent Results
Hyaluronic acid treatment has been proven effective time and time again after various studies. It remains a top recommendation for cosmetic professionals due to its history of long-lasting results with minimal risk and downtime. Research also indicates that consistent use of hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the quality of the skin itself well into the future.
Learn More and Get Started
Restylane is a safe, non-invasive treatment that will restore elasticity by plumping the skin and brightening shadowy, hollowed areas. Don’t let aging skin have power over your self-confidence. If you are ready to experience more vibrant, younger-looking skin, call our qualified team at Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, Inc. in Redlands, CA to schedule your consultation today.
