Dermal Fillers in Columbus, OH
Dermal fillers (sometimes called “face fillers”) are one of the safest and most versatile cosmetic treatments in use today. They are an excellent choice for patients who wish to combat the visible signs of aging without surgery. This non-surgical treatment can also be used to quickly and painlessly correct certain blemishes and create more balanced facial features.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers are comprised of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) gel. HA is naturally produced by the human body, where it aids in the production of collagen. HA is found primarily in cartilage and connective tissue. Because HA is already present in the body, allergic reactions to dermal fillers are very rare.
When HA gel is injected into the skin, it adds volume around the treatment site while also prompting the body to produce more collagen. This collagen gradually improves the tensile strength of the skin in the weeks following treatment. It also makes the skin fuller and smoother by attracting water molecules. Because collagen depletion is responsible for many of the visible signs of skin aging, face fillers are frequently used as an anti-aging treatment.
There are a number of different dermal fillers currently available. Researchers have found that by controlling the viscosity and composition of HA gel, they can create fillers that are ideally suited to specific purposes.
Some fillers, like Restylane®, are relatively thick; as such, they hold their shape well. Thicker fillers can be precisely sculpted, allowing Dr. Zochowski to reshape the patient’s features by adding more definition to the lips, philtrum, or nose.
Thinner fillers, on the other hand, are excellent for adding diffuse volume to larger areas. To give his patients a number of different options, Dr. Zochowski provides all of the following FDA-approved dermal fillers: Juvéderm® XC, Juvéderm® Voluma, Juvéderm® Volbella, and Juvéderm® Vollure; Restylane®, Restylane® Silk, Restylane® Lyft, Restylane® Refyne, and Restylane® Defyne.
When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Zochowski will discuss your concerns and evaluate the area of concern. He will then recommend the best options to meet your individual needs, and together you can decide how to proceed.
Schedule a Private Consultation
If you’re in the Columbus area and have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Zochowski, please contact our office today.
What Can Dermal Fillers Treat?
HA-based fillers can treat a wide range of issues faced by adults of all ages:
- Acne scars: Dermal fillers can be injected into pitted scars, raising them and making them less noticeable.
- Facial hollows: As we get older, we typically lose facial fat. Sometimes, this creates distinct hollows, usually under the cheeks and eyes. Dermal fillers can add volume to these areas, effectively emulating natural fat deposits. (If you would like more permanent results, ask Dr. Zochowski about having a facial fat transfer).
- Wrinkles and fine lines: Face fillers can be directly injected into deep creases, like smile lines, filling them in so that they’re no longer visible. HA gel’s collagen-boosting effects also make wrinkles less likely to return following repeated treatment.
On average, the results of dermal fillers last between nine months to 1 year. If you like the results of your filler treatment, re-injection is highly recommended as you see your original results fade.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Dermal fillers usually take between 15 to 30 minutes to administer. Before your treatment, Dr. Zochowski will discuss your desired result, the plan to achieve it, and what to expect during treatment. He will then use a very fine needle to inject HA gel into problem areas. After your appointment, you won’t need to rest or take any time off work; you can return to all of your normal activities. You may notice some redness and mild swelling or bruising around the injection sites; this is normal. Redness will fade in a few hours, and mild swelling and/or bruising will improve in 3-5 days.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Treatment with Cosmetic Fillers?
Most healthy adults make excellent candidates for this procedure. However, some exceptions apply: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not have any injectable treatment. Likewise, while reactions to dermal fillers are very rare, these compounds are not usually recommended for patients with multiple severe allergies or chemical sensitivities. These patients should consider facial fat transfer instead.
Dermal Fillers in Columbus: Scheduling Your Consultation
Would you like to learn more about how face fillers can minimize the signs of aging or improve your features without surgery? The caring, dedicated staff at Zochowski Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Columbus, OH would be happy to explain this treatment to you in more detail. Simply contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Zochowski.