Recently, a plastic surgeon revealed before and after shots of himself after he injected himself with 35 milliliters of hyaluronic acid. He wanted to prove to patients that larger volumes of the filler are not the reason celebrities end up looking like they’ve had too much work done to their face. It’s more about where that filler is placed and how it is used to balance the rest of your facial features.
When you pick a facial plastic surgeon, look for an expert in aging faces. You want a doctor who really understands how to use fillers to make you look younger. As the old saying goes: “Quality, not quantity.” That’s really what the use of hyaluronic acid fillers is all about. For some, the confusion comes from not understanding what hyaluronic acid fillers are.
What Are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?
Hyaluronic acid fillers help add volume and elasticity to skin that is affected by the aging process. By adding a cushion, the filler increases volume and also moves water to the surface of the skin to give it that healthy glow that younger skin has. Not only do these fillers erase fine lines and wrinkles, but they can also reduce dark circles under the eyes.
Your body already has hyaluronic acid in it, so this isn’t an unnatural substance. Its goal within the body is to help transfer essential nutrients from the blood to the skin cells. It’s also used to help alleviate arthritis and rheumatoid pain by adding a cushion in affected joints, help wounds heal, and is even used in ophthalmology.
Common brands of hyaluronic acid fillers are:
- Captique
- Hylaform
- Juvederm
- Perlane
- Restylane
Side effects from hyaluronic fillers are rare. In a few cases, people may have an allergic reaction. What most people experience is soreness, mild swelling, and slight bruising, much like you experience after a routine vaccination.
How Much Do Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Cost?
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery stated that the average cost of a hyaluronic acid filler injection was $550 in 2012. This may seem expensive compared to the more common injectable Botox that averages $326, but there is a big difference when it comes to needing touch-ups.
How Long Do These Fillers Last?
Some patients avoid hyaluronic acid fillers due to the higher cost. These people opt for Botox, an injectable that smoothes lines and wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscle below the skin. Consider the number of injections you need per year, however, and Botox may not be the best option for your budget.
With Botox, the average life span is three or four months. To maintain a youthful glow, you need an average of three or four injections per year. Hyaluronic acid fillers have varying lifespans. As an example, Juvederm lasts up to a year and Restylane can six months to a year, depending on where you have the filler injected. With those fillers, you only need one or two injections per year, half of the number of Botox injections. The aforementioned plastic surgeon who injected himself to put hyaluronic acid fillers to the test reached 18 months and still did not need a touch-up. The bottom line is that you save money by visiting your plastic surgeon less often.
View The Naderi Center’s video on the use of hyaluronic fillers to help alleviate dark circles and eyelid bags. You’ll also find several before and after pictures on the website. When you’re ready to gain a youthful appearance, schedule a consultation with aging face expert Dr. Jessica Kulak. Dr. Kulak is a Virginal plastic surgeon who sees patients in either the Herndon, Virginia, or Chevy Chase, Maryland, office. Reach the Virginia office at (703) 481-0002 or the Maryland office at (301) 222-2020.
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