When Should I Consider Fillers?

Second only to Botox®, injectable dermal fillers top the charts of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. In 2020, more than three million of these quick-and-easy treatments were performed to fight the signs of aging, and for good reason — they work.

Folks in the greater Salt Lake City, Utah, area trust Dr. Robert Topham and our team at Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics for expert filler injections that target the symptoms of aging skin and deliver noticeable results. 

If you’ve been wondering whether fillers are right for you and when to consider giving them a try, here’s a closer look.

The dermal filler concept

Like all body parts, your skin breaks down as the years roll by. Specifically, it loses the fat layer just under the surface that once gave your face gentle contours. 

You also slow down your production of two essential proteins — collagen and elastin — which are responsible for your skin’s resilience, structure, and ability to recover from being pulled, pinched, and wrinkled. 

These changes result in thinner skin that has no defense against the force of gravity, so your skin shrivels like a deflated latex balloon and begins to sag. 

Injectable dermal fillers reverse these issues by restoring the volume under your skin. There are many different formulas on the market, but they all work by adding back what was lost to bolster your skin from the inside. 

Types of injectable fillers

While all dermal fillers add volume under your skin, they all approach the job differently. Dr. Topham uses three of the top-performing brands to bring you a full spectrum of options.

Depending on the ingredients, each filler targets specific areas of your face, and some can even treat aging hands. 

Juvéderm® 

The Juvéderm line contains hyaluronic acid, a substance your body naturally produces, to restore fullness. The products can smooth out wrinkles around your nose and mouth, lift your cheeks, and restore healthy hydration. Your results may last up to two years. 

Radiesse®

Radiesse relies on calcium hydroxylapatite in the form of countless microspheres suspended in a gel-like solution to increase the volume under your skin. If you have smile lines, a wrinkled chin and mouth, and the beginning signs of sagging jowls, Radiesse can shore up the damage and restore a tighter look for about a year.

Belotero®

Like Juvéderm, Boletero uses hyaluronic acid, but in a much thinner formulation that can be injected closer to the surface of your skin, so it’s perfect for filling in the vertical lines just above your lips and around your eyes. Belotero injections typically last about six months.

When is it time to consider fillers?

Dr. Topham has many years of experience with all of these products, and he’s a skilled dermatologist, so he can help you navigate your product decision. 

But when it comes to deciding the right time to get fillers, the choice is all yours. Here are some factors to consider:

When you reach a certain age

Your age shouldn’t be the only factor that determines whether you get dermal fillers, but it may help to know that the largest percentage of filler patients are between 40 and 54 years old. As long as you’re at least 21, you can start filler treatments.

When you notice the signs of aging

Every face is different. You may start to see wrinkles in your 20s or have a perfectly smooth complexion well into your 50s. Your unique genetic makeup, your lifestyle, and your exposure to the sun over the years will determine when and how your skin starts to break down. Remember, fine lines and wrinkles are easier to treat than deep creases, so it’s smart to get a jump on it.

When your skin affects your self-esteem

Some people wear their wrinkled skin like a badge of honor, and others do all they can to hide the lines of aging. At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, our main concern is your health — and that includes your mental health. Studies show that low self-esteem can lead to emotional health disorders, such as depression. 

If you’re unhappy with your appearance because of your aging skin, dermal fillers can improve both issues. 

When you have an important event to attend

If you have a high school reunion, a first date, or a big job interview coming up, it might be time to think about getting dermal filler injections. The appointment is quick and painless, and you see the results immediately. 

Some patients experience slight redness and swelling that can last up to a week, but most walk away with instant improvements.

To learn more about injectable dermal fillers and which one can deliver the results you’re looking for, schedule an appointment with Dr. Topham by calling our office in Holladay, Utah, at 801-272-4408.