The Beginners Guide to Injectable Cosmetic Procedures
Posted August 27, 2018
Understanding non-surgical augmentations and injectable procedures
We recently added multiple injectable cosmetic procedures to our list of services here at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery and Medi Spa. Dermal filler injections and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are becoming more and more popular in the United States. There were nearly 7 million injections of neurotoxin last year and nearly 2.5 million filler injections, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Additional non-surgical procedures at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa include medi spa services such as chemical peels, dermaplaning, microblading, microneedling, and laser treatments for acne scarring, comprehensive skin rejuvenation, and hair removal – to name a few.
What are “dermal fillers” used for?
Dermal fillers are used to help diminish facial lines, as well as restore volume and fullness to the face. Collagen production slows down naturally after the age of 25, decreasing even more in women after menopause. This causes facial skin to thin and stretch a bit, leading to loss of facial volume.
When this happens, injectable fillers can be used to help plump lines, enhance shallow contours, soften wrinkles, tighten skin. Doctors have even seen that fillers help rejuvenate skin by promoting the production of elastin and stimulating collagen.
Dermal fillers can also be used as a skin “prejuvenation” service to defeat early signs of aging.
What types of dermal fillers are available?
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body. High concentrations are found in soft connective tissues and in the fluid surrounding your eyes. It’s also in some cartilage and joint fluids, as well as skin tissue. It is processed and reformulated and now has become one of the most popular kinds of injectable fillers.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound found in human bones. It is biosynthetically produced so no animals or animal products are used. This lowers your risk of an allergic reaction and no skin testing is requested. As with hyaluronic acid, side effects are rare.
Polylactic Acid
Polylactic acid is a synthetic dermal filler that is injected into your face, causing your body’s own production of collagen. This type of dermal filler is known as a stimulator. This non-toxic, biodegradable substance has been used for more than 40 years as suture material.
Polymethyl-methacrylate Microspheres (PMMA)
PMMA is a semi-permanent filler and has been used for many years in permanent surgical implants. Most people do not opt for these fillers as a number of injections are needed to create volume. In addition to the quantity of injections used, PMMA injections sometimes take months to realize the full effects.
At Bellissimo Plastic Surgery, we opt to use hyaluronic acid because it is naturally occurring from the body and tends to last a lot longer than the previously used collagen fillers. The hyaluronic acid we use are:
- Juvederm
- Kybella
- Restylane
- Volbella
- Voluma
- Vollure XC
What are the types of facial cosmetic injections?
There are many types of facial cosmetic procedures – some of which may surprise you!
Lip Augmentation (Lip Injections)
Lip injections are used to enhance the lips, making them appear fuller and plumber. Lip injections are a great solution if you’re looking to add more volume to your lips or enhance your shape. Because we use Juvederm and Restylane for injections, our nurse injector, PA, or board certified plastic surgeon has control over how much lip volume is created. Injections can be given gradually over a span of follow up appointments until the desired results are achieved.
Cheekbone and Jawline Sculpting
Non-surgical facial contouring is a fast way to enhance the look of your cheekbones and jawline. It is perfect for a candidate whose jawline lacks definition or whose face is beginning to sag due to aging or weight loss. When it comes to defining facial contours, fillers are a great way to reverse the signs of aging. Fillers can address mid-face volume loss and lower facial contouring. Fillers can be used in both men and women.
Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines)
Fillers are used in the nasolabial folds to smooth and soften the appearance of wrinkles. Used in conjunction with skin care protocols, we can restore lost facial volume, improve skin health and youthfulness, and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds and wrinkles.
Tear Trough Augmentation
A tear trough augmentation is used to improve the lower eyelid and cheek area. It does so by adding volume to the area. This can result in a softer, younger look and may even help lessen the dark pigment or discoloration under the eyes.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
Using filler, an aesthetic provider is able to improve the nose’s contour, create a more symmetrical appearance, and fill in any imperfections. An injectable, non-surgical nose job is not meant to replace the traditional rhinoplasty, but it is a viable approach for patients who do not need a surgical reduction rhinoplasty yet desire an aesthetically pleasing nose shape.
Schedule a consultation at one of our Pittsburgh locations for more information on non-surgical procedures.
