Fillers
by Astrid Valles
Filler, also commonly referred to as dermal fillers or injectables, can be used to smooth fine lines, restore youthful volume, plump lips, and create a natural, fresh overall look. As we age, it’s natural to slowly, over time, lose volume to the face that can create a look that is less appreciated. In the right hands, fillers are a wonderful tool. Most first-timers are concerned with looking fake, puffy, or just not like themselves. It’s a valid concern but keep in mind that fillers are used to restore facial volume that has been lost over time -not to create a new face.
A thorough consultation is key to ensuring that your goals are both realistic and achievable. First and foremost, we like to hear what your concerns are and what it is that brings you to consider facial fillers. We’ll discuss the specific filler recommended and what the outcomes would be. This will give you an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.
Below, we’ve included a video of an actual service at our MedSpa and then we address some of the most frequently asked questions our skincare team receives about filler. Our consultations are always complimentary so if your pressing questions aren’t addressed here, give us a call. We’d love to sit down, discuss this treatment together and determine if it’s right for you.
Q: What’s the difference between Botox/Dysport and fillers? Are they different?
A: They are definitely different and here’s how: Botox/Dysport will relax facial muscles that cause unwanted fine lines and wrinkles whereas Fillers refill lost facial volume.
For example, if you look in the mirror and don’t love the fine lines around your eyes or between your brows or even lines of the forehead, Botox or Dysport will soften the natural movement of facial muscles that create those lines while also, over time, remove the evidence of said lines. Your body will keep creating collagen and skin cell turnover, which will fill in those upper face lines after a few treatments of Botox or Dysport.
Filler is completely different in that its goal is to fill a space. Some of the most common areas we use filler are to the cheeks, jowls, lips, and marionette lines. More often then not, people see the beginning signs of aging in the lower face because we lose collagen and fat in our faces and when this happens, we lose the support structures from below that keep our skin taut, toned, and plump. Filler comes to the rescue by restoring this lost facial collagen and fat and thereby erasing the more visible signs of the aging process.
Q: I’m curious about fillers but I’ve seen other people that look very obviously “done” or “fake” and I don’t want to look like that. How can I age gracefully without looking crazy?
A: This is where it’s so important to make sure that your chosen injector both listens to your goals and makes realistic recommendations for you. Most people that look plastic, fake, or puffy have a significant amount of filler in their face, think: several syringes, possibly with poor placement. Keep in mind that a single syringe of filler is 1/5 of a teaspoon. That’s correct, 1/5 of a TEASPOON. It’s a small amount that, when placed correctly and with proper technique, can make a huge impact on your overall look.
Another important consideration is to evaluate your areas of concern not just at rest, like when you’re looking at a photo of yourself or your reflection in the mirror. Faces animate and move and this should also be taken into consideration when selecting fillers. This is also one of the main reasons you don’t see many celebrities smile in photos, because when they smile, it pushes the large amount of filler up and creates a “she’s had something done look”.
Q: Is there downtime and will I bruise?
A: For the most part, there is no downtime, just instant gratification since the results of filler can be seen as soon as your service is complete. Lips are one area that involve a touch of downtime, typically about 48-72 hours of visible inflammation. Some filler in this area can take 2 weeks for swelling to completely subside. However, it’s not the kind of inflammation that is noticeable to others.
The most popular of all the filler questions is “will I bruise?” The answer is possibly, maybe, but not always! Here’s the thing, this service requires the use of a needle at some point and the face is very vascular, meaning lots of vessels under the surface that could result in bruising. Bruising can be covered with makeup if it does occur and we also have corrective makeup available.
Pro tip: Avoid alcohol, aspirin, NSAIDS/ibuprofen, other blood thinning medications, fish oils, high dose vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba for 1-2 weeks prior to a filler appointment to decrease the potential for bruising.
Q: There are several different kinds of filler so how do I know which one is best for me and my concerns?
A: This is another important aspect of choosing the right injector for you. In addition to listening to your goals, an injector should be well versed in understanding the many various differences of fillers on the market. For example, Hyaluronic Acid fillers (the only available option at Grand Salon & Medspa) are considered some of the safest fillers because they can be dissolved immediately if results are not loved or in the case of an adverse reaction.
The correct filler is chosen for you based on several factors, some of which include the area being treated, patient goals and outcomes, as well as how much that area of the face moves and animates.
Q: How long will the filler last?
A: Most fillers last 6 months to over a year. There are several factors that play a part in how long the filler results are visible. Placement of filler along with the type of filler selected play a large role in product duration. Patients also notice that filler lasts longer and longer when maintained over the years.
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** And be sure to take advantage of Grand’s November Special: This month you can save up to $300 on fillers (Restylane, Lyft, Refyne or Defyne). For more information, check out the MedSpa specials on our promos page and/or social media platforms and call or email us to reserve an appointment! We can be reached at 303-572-1435 or info@grand-salon.com
For more information about Fillers, other services at Grand’s MedSpa or to schedule a free skin care consultation, contact our front desk (303) 572-1435 or by email: info@grand-salon.com
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Astrid brings 13 years of experience as an esthetician and 6 years as a Registered Nurse to Grand’s Medical Aesthetics team. With a dedication to ongoing research and education, she stays at the forefront of a medical field that’s constantly innovating.
Her goal for every client is to make them happy and confident in the skin they’re in.
Astrid specializes in lip sculpting with filler, subtle & natural dermal filler injectables, the Botox sprinkle and microneedling with PRP.
