Dermal Fillers

Once upon a time, our choices for non-surgical cosmetic procedures were limited, but today, it’s a different story. In fact, the options for dermal fillers alone are so numerous that it can be overwhelming. At Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine in San Diego, we specialize in non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and many of our patients swear by their favorite dermal fillers. Others like to mix-and-match or try this here and there. But if you’re new to dermal fillers, just getting started may prove somewhat daunting.

No problem. We’re here to help!

Below, we’ve provided a brief overview of some of our favorite dermal fillers, explaining what kind of anti-aging results you can expect from each one. So if you’ve been asking yourself, “Which dermal filler is right for me?” take a look below at the options we offer.

Juvederm®

All Juvederm® fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that’s naturally present in the body. HA is found in the highest concentration in our eyes, and in our joints. Hyaluronic acid binds to water, which helps it create a cushioning effect in our joints and a moisturizing effect in our eyes. As an active ingredient in dermal fillers, it does the same, drawing water to the treatment area to add volume, fill in lines and wrinkles, and create a more youthful appearance.

While many dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, Juvederm® has the highest concentration of HA and provides stunning results.

The most common area of treatment for Juvederm® is the nasolabial fold, or the creases that run from your nose down to the corners of your mouth. Dr. Chang often uses Juvederm® to fill in these folds and restore a youthful appearance to the lower half of the face. In some cases, she may also use Juvederm® to smooth moderate wrinkles in the cheek area or to plump the lips.

Juvederm Voluma®

Where Juvederm® treats folds and wrinkles, Juvederm Voluma® addresses age-related mid-face volume loss. Juvederm Voluma® is injected deeper into the skin, where it adds volume, lifting sagging skin, and filling out hollow areas. Juvederm Voluma® enhances the facial contour, providing a natural, anti-aging effect.

Restylane

Restylane is a great product for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. The clear gel is a formula with hyaluronic acid as its active ingredient, so it, too, provides gorgeous, natural looking results. Restylane can also be used to plump the lips. Many doctors have found incredible success using Restylane in the tear troughs to eliminate under-eye circles. Because Restylane stays in place when molded into the desired shape, it’s a great choice for building volume and smoothing facial contours.

Belotero

Yet another amazing dermal filler featuring hyaluronic acid, Belotero is an extremely versatile anti-aging product. Not only will it soften lines and wrinkles around the nose, mouth, and eyes, but it’s also gentle enough to treat the delicate areas like the lower eyelids and crow’s feet.  In the forehead area, Belotero complements Botox® wonderfully. Where Botox® relaxes the muscles, Belotero fills in the deep lines for age-defying results.

Radiesse

Unlike the other fillers that use hyaluronic acid, the Radiesse gel contains Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres to plump skin and provide the volume that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Radiesse results in the immediate correction of signs of aging, but it also stimulates your body’s own collagen production. The best areas for treatment with Radiesse include: the temples, the cheeks, the corners of the mouth, the chin, and the backs of the hands. As the gel and the CaHA microspheres are absorbed over time, your skin is kept plump and smooth by your collagen. The results are natural-looking, beautiful, and long lasting.

Bellafill®

Bellafill® works differently than products containing HA, too, but it works just as beautifully. Bellafill® is an injectable gel comprised of 80% collagen and 20% PPMA (polymethylmethacrylate) microspheres. It effectively addresses volume loss and the wrinkles that come with it. The collagen in Bellafill® works just like other fillers, providing volume below the wrinkles, and the PPMA microspheres stimulate your own body’s collagen production. So the results are both natural-looking and extra long-lasting.

While Bellafill® works on most areas of the face, Dr. Chang is especially pleased by how well it works on the areas that are more difficult to treat with other fillers. These areas include:

• Under the eyes
• Fine lines around the lip

It’s important to note that although Bellafill® works well on lines around the lip, it does not work for lip augmentation. The good news for those seeking both lip enhancement and the reduction of lip lines, Dr. Chang can combine both Bellafill® and Juvederm® treatments to give you the plump, youthful lips you desire.

Speaking of treatment combinations…How about a liquid facelift?

At Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine in San Diego, Dr. Chang can create a customized treatment plan involving a combination of procedures that address multiple aging concerns at once. We call it a Liquid Facelift, and you won’t find a better provider than Dr. Chang. Not only is she a highly skilled doctor who is gifted in the art of aesthetic medicine, but she’s also a Platinum Plus Injector with Allergan, the maker of Juvederm®, Juvederm Voluma®, and Botox®.

Imagine leaving our office looking as young as you feel – with little to no pain and minimal downtime! With Dr. Chang’s Liquid Facelift, that’s exactly what you get.

For more information on dermal fillers, the Liquid Facelift, or any of our other cosmetic services, give us a call or drop by our Mission Valley location today.