As a natural part of the aging process, we lose bone and soft tissues throughout the face and body. This process, combined with the effects of gravity, commonly leads to deepening wrinkles, sagging skin, and an increasingly gaunt countenance. Injectable dermal fillers offer an excellent non-surgical treatment to reverse these effects and restore a fresh, youthful appearance, and they are one of our most requested services.
To ensure that our patients receive gentle dermal filler treatments and natural-looking results, we use the advanced microcannula technique, a delicate procedure that is customized for each patient. Here are some of the most frequent subjects we discuss when considering treatment:
What are dermal fillers? The most commonly used dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that is naturally found throughout the human body. The hyaluronic acid molecule is too large to penetrate the surface of the skin, but when injected under the skin it can be used to lift, plump, and restore the smooth contours of the face and hands.
Hyaluronic gels are available in various consistencies, each used for a specific purpose. For example, a robust filler is needed to sculpt the midface, whereas a softer, creamier filler is needed for the lip and eye areas.
Which areas do you treat with dermal fillers? We use dermal fillers primarily for restoration of midface volume, eye rejuvenation, softening of smile and marionette lines, sculpting of the nose, chin, and jaw, lip augmentation, treatment of wrinkles, and hand rejuvenation. In all of these treatment areas, the experience and technique of the injector are paramount. Product selection, the amount used, placement, and injection technique all affect the final result. Good work produces a rejuvenation that is natural and refreshed without looking artificial.
Why do you prefer the microcannula technique? The microcannula technique involves the use of a thin, flexible tube that gently pushes blood vessels and nerves to the side as it travels through the treatment area. This technique involves only one insertion site per area, and it allows the injector to follow the natural architecture of the face with precision. Prior to the procedure, the insertion site is numbed with anesthetic, and most patients feel little to no discomfort during the treatment. Tissues are lifted evenly without lumps, and with skillful cannula use the bruising rate drops to nearly zero, in contrast to a rate of nearly 60 percent when the injections are done with needles. Mastering this technique requires training and experience, but the benefits to the patient are well worth the extra effort.
How long will the results last? The effects of hyaluronic acid fillers generally last between 12 – 18 months, depending on several factors: the type of filler, the amount used, the treatment area, and how the body processes the filler over time. Most of our patients prefer hyaluronic acid fillers because of the natural looking effects they provide, as well as the fact that the amount and placement of the fillers can be adjusted to match the treatment areas as one ages.
If you are considering dermal filler treatments and would like to learn more, we encourage you to visit our office for a complimentary consultation. To schedule your appointment, please call us at 703-992-7979. We see patients from Monday through Saturday of most weeks, and we look forward to meeting you.
