Facial wrinkles appear due to a depletion of collagen or a loss of elasticity. Soft tissue fillers can replenish the missing fullness of the skin to give it a smoother, thicker, firmer, and more youthful appearance. 

Any kind of cosmetic treatment to change your facial appearance is a personal decision that you shouldn’t make hastily, even if the procedure involved is a minimally invasive one. It is vital to consult a board-certified facial plastic surgeon before making any final decisions. Find out what’s involved in the procedure, and learn what you can do to optimize your results. 

Although facial fillers are one of the least invasive procedures available and can seem very straightforward, there are some essential things to know about them. Here are some things that patients considering facial fillers from Greco MD should know before they decide to proceed.

Did you know that if your results from hyaluronic acid fillers aren’t what you imagined, they can be reduced or reversed?

For this, an enzyme called hyaluronidase is mixed with saline solution and used to start breaking down the hyaluronic acid found in Juvéderm® or RHA for immediate action. 

Keep in mind, though, that some swelling is expected and normal right after your initial filler injections, and your updated look will be apparent after two weeks. 

Give your results a chance to “settle” before deciding whether you like them and before you consider having the procedure reversed.

Results of hyaluronic acid fillers generally last for 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used. However, some fillers, such as Sculptra®, deliver longer-lasting results. 

These injectables, which are known as bio-stimulators, gradually stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen. The results are these fillers have a lasting enhancing effect that lasts at least two years on average. 

Since this type of filler triggers collagen production by your own body, it can’t be reversed. Some patients prefer more temporary fillers for their first go.

Fillers reduce the depth of wrinkles caused by aging and damage from external elements. They can also minimize the effect of lifestyle choices, such as smoking. 

However, they are not meant for dynamic wrinkles linked to frequent facial muscle contractions on the forehead and fine crow’s feet next to the eyes. Botox treatments are better suited for dealing with the dynamic nature of these types of wrinkles. 

If you have severe sagging skin that causes jowls or a double chin, fillers won’t be able to get rid of the redundant tissue. In such cases, plastic surgery would be the best choice.

Dr. Timothy Greco is Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon, skilled at all types of cosmetic procedures that help counter the effects of aging. 

Dr. Greco focuses solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you're looking for a younger, fresher appearance customized to your facial structure, Dr. Greco can help!

Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. For appointments, call (610) 664-8830 or check the doctor’s schedule online.