Cosmetic treatments are more popular than ever. People are living into their eighties or nineties, and they want to keep their youthful complexions for as long as possible. At Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA, we offer several dermal fillers that lift, tighten, and add volume to the tissues. Restylane is one of the most popular brands because the results are excellent and long-lasting.
What Is Restylane Used For?
Dermal fillers from the Galderma brand are made using hyaluronic acid. This substance moisturizes the tissues and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. It also adds volume to the treatment site, so patients no longer suffer from sunken cheeks and thin lips. There are several gels, and they all have unique functions.
While some can address moderate to severe wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and around the mouth, others are more suitable for lip augmentation. The thicker gels add volume to the tissues, while the thinner ones provide more detailed and subtle corrections. Some patients experience excellent results after being treated with one product, but others require a combination of several dermal fillers.
Refyne
Refyne is a gel designed to treat fine to moderate wrinkles. It’s often injected into the area between the mouth and nose to correct nasolabial folds. It can also get rid of the laugh lines that form at the corners of the mouth, the forehead, the tear troughs, the cheeks, and the forehead. Sometimes, it is injected into the tissue under the mouth to get rid of marionette lines.
Although Refyne is mostly used to address the visible signs of aging, it can also augment the patient’s lips. This filler produces very natural results because it isn’t as thick as some of the other options. The results can last for up to one year, especially if the patient takes good care of their skin and avoids excessive sunlight exposure.
Defyne
Defyne is very similar to Refyne, but the gel is thicker, so it can correct more severe wrinkles and produce more dramatic results. This is the ideal treatment for people who are having their first filler appointment at a later age or those who would like to change their appearance completely. Defyne can smooth nasolabial lines and marionette lines, and it is sometimes used to restore lost volume in the face.
Although the results are quite dramatic because the filler is so thick, they still look natural. The gel integrates into the treatment area and makes patients look youthful without affecting their expressions. It’s important to remember that Defyne is technique sensitive, so people who visit a reputable clinic are likely to see the best results. The effects of this filler last for six to twelve months, depending on the patient’s metabolism, skin structure, and habits.
Silk
The main purpose of Silk is to enhance the shape of the lips. This is the smoothest filler produced by Galderma, so it produces natural and attractive results. Silk is ideal for patients who have always had uneven or thin lips, or those who have noticed changes due to the aging process. The treatment is easy to customize because the gel is so smooth, so patients can choose their preferred lip shape.
When injected into the lips, Silk doesn’t just augment the shape. Because the hyaluronic acid particles are so small, the filler also addresses the fine lines around the mouth, sometimes called smoker’s lines. This gel is perfect for people who have never had lip treatment before and would therefore like subtle results.
Lyft
Lyft is another great solution for people who have moderate to severe wrinkles and lines. This formula can get rid of smile and frown lines, add volume to the cheeks, fill in hollow temples, and even change the shape of the nose. It is one of the most versatile options, and it can be injected into various areas of the face.
Lyft is recommended for people who have never had dermal fillers because it provides noticeable and pleasing results but doesn’t change the basic structure of the patient’s face. Most people report that their results last for at least six months. If the gel is injected into the mouth or another high-mobility area, we schedule a maintenance appointment a few months after the initial session because the results fade more quickly due to frequent movement.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in many of the body’s tissues. It attracts moisture and makes the skin look hydrated and healthy. The molecule isn’t aggressive or damaging, so HA-based dermal fillers are appropriate for a wide range of patients, even those who have mild medical conditions. We can treat patients of all ages and backgrounds, as long as they are in good general health.
You might not be eligible for HA treatment if you have severe allergies. Restylane fillers contain lidocaine to numb the tissues, so you can’t take part if your body can’t tolerate this substance. Before booking your first session, we check that you don’t have any skin conditions at the treatment site. If you’re currently pregnant or nursing, you aren’t a good candidate, and you have to wait until several months after you’ve stopped breastfeeding.
What Is the Best Age to Start Getting Fillers?
It’s impossible to come up with the best age for filler treatment because it depends on the patient’s situation, lifestyle, genetic factors, and goals. People who have naturally firmer skin and take good care of their bodies might not need to come to the clinic until their 40s or 50s. Those with fine skin that is prone to wrinkling might require their first fillers in their late 20s or early 30s.
Many people come to see us at an early age because they would like to prevent the first signs of aging. Others exposed their skin to a lot of sunlight or regularly visited tanning salons in their youth and are now struggling with premature wrinkles. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re worried about your appearance or would simply like to improve your complexion.
What Is the Appointment Like?
Unless you’re getting several different dermal fillers, you only have to come to the clinic once. We start by numbing your skin with a cream to reduce the sensation. Then, we mark your injection sites and inject the hyaluronic acid filler with a very thin needle. This doesn’t usually cause pain because the skin is numb.
The injections typically take 15-30 minutes. Try to arrive at least half an hour early because the numbing cream takes some time to become effective. After your session, you can drive yourself home and resume your routine.
Preparation and Aftercare
Before we book your first appointment, we ask you about your medications and diet. If you take substances that thin the blood, you have to pause them for several days before and after your treatment because they could interfere with the injections and the healing process. We might also give you skincare instructions. Follow these carefully because they are designed to make the treatment more effective.
Don’t take part in strenuous exercise routines for two days after your appointment. Avoid exposing your skin to too much heat. Keep your showers lukewarm, and don’t use a sauna or hot tub.
Expected Results
After your filler appointment, you might already look and feel different. However, the initial changes aren’t permanent. They are simply the result of having a gel injected under your skin. The hyaluronic acid takes one to two weeks to settle and attract moisture. You can see your final results several weeks after your appointment.
Not every filler lasts equally long. Some provide great results for over 12 months, while others start to fade after six months. You can get the most out of your sessions by leading a healthy lifestyle and taking great care of your skin. Always wear sunscreen when you go outside, even if it’s cloudy or raining. Stay in the shade as much as possible to avoid excessive UV light exposure.
Regain Your Youthful Complexion with Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can add volume to the cheeks, get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, and augment the lips. Restylane is one of the most popular brands because the results are excellent, and the active ingredient doesn’t damage the patient’s tissues. Reach out to us at Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA to find out more about dermal fillers. We’re happy to help you come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all your cosmetic concerns.
