Wisdom may come with age, but so may fine lines, sagging skin, and a loss of facial volume. The desire to look good continues as we grow older, and it’s no surprise, considering the impact our appearance has on our self-esteem, no matter how wise we may be.
One non-surgical solution that combats the effects of aging on our skin are dermal fillers for people over 50. In this article, we take a deep dive into the different types of dermal fillers and how they can rejuvenate your face. But first, we’ll explain just what they are.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin on your face to rejuvenate your appearance. The fillers plump up specific areas to add volume, soften creases, smooth out lines and wrinkles, and/or enhance contours of your face.
Fillers are usually injected around the eyes, mouth, and nose to diminish the look of the crow’s feet and marionette lines. The injections produce immediate results, which can last from four to six months and up to two to three years.
Types of Dermal Fillers
When considering dermal fillers for individuals over the age of 50, it's important to understand the various types available and their specific benefits for aging skin. As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat, and the facial muscles work closer to the skin surface, making smile lines and crow's feet more apparent. There are many types of dermal fillers available to you - each with its own benefits.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound that’s found naturally in human bones. When it comes to using it as a dermal filler, it’s produced biosynthetically (without the use of animals or animal products), which lowers the risk of an allergic reaction and eliminates the need for a skin test.
Side effects are rare with calcium hydroxylapatite, which is also known for producing natural-looking results and not migrating (moving from the injection site to another area of the body). It’s often used to:
- Enhance facial contours
- Add fullness to the cheeks and other areas of fat loss
- Reduce the appearance of moderate to severe creases, such as frown lines and nasolabial folds
Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA)
Poly-l-lactic acid is a biodegradable and biocompatible (not harmful to living tissue) synthetic polymer of lactic acid. PLLA is known as a bio-stimulatory dermal filler. This means it activates your skin to make new collagen, which helps your skin look youthful.
The effects of PLLA appear gradually over a few months, producing natural-looking results. PLLA is used to create structure and framework, and add volume to the face to:
- Enhance facial contours
- Improve the appearance of sunken or saggy skin
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and nasolabial folds
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Polymethyl methacrylate consists of microspheres (microscopic particles) suspended in a collagen-based gel. The microspheres provide structural support for smoother-looking skin.
With PMMA fillers, several injections are required to create volume, so it can take up to three months to achieve the final result. PMMA may also be visible under the skin, but this can be avoided by working with a healthcare provider who has the skills and knowledge to administer PMMA using the proper technique.
PMMA is most often used to:
- Augment thin lips
- Improve the appearance of pitted scars
- Fill in medium-to-deep folds, furrows, and wrinkles, particularly nasolabial folds
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating and lubricating substance found in the eyes, skin, and joints. The fact it’s natural makes it well-suited for use in facial rejuvenation: it’s associated with a low risk of allergic reaction and doesn’t require skin testing prior to injection.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are typically made by fermenting non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid from streptococcal species of bacteria. The fillers can be used to:
- Redefine the lip border
- Improve contours of the face
- Reduce depressions in the skin due to lines, scars, or injury
- Improve the appearance of crow’s feet, marionette lines, worry lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows
Collagen-Based Fillers
Collagen is a protein that provides support, structure, and strength to our skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. Our bodies produce less of it as we grow older, so signs of aging, such as wrinkles, thinning lips, and sagging skin, begin to appear.
The good news is, collagen-based dermal fillers can replenish lost collagen and reduce those signs of aging, restoring a fresh-faced appearance. The collagen in these fillers can come from pigs, cows, or human cells.
PMMA and calcium hydroxylapatite are types of collagen-based dermal fillers. PMMA is also known under the brand name Bellafil. In addition to PLLA (which is also known as Sculptra), Radiesse (made of calcium hydroxylapatite) can also stimulate the production of new collagen.
Effects of Aging on Skin
We’ve already mentioned our bodies produce less collagen as we age and its effect on our skin. Our bodies also produce less elastin, another protein, as we grow older, resulting in skin that’s less elastic and saggy. Let’s take a closer look:
Our skin has three layers:
- The epidermis – the most superficial layer
- The dermis – the middle layer
- The hypodermis – the bottom layer
Most age-related skin changes involve the dermis. The dermis contains many substances that keep skin firm and smooth, such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. At around age 35, we start to produce less of these substances, and the skin becomes lax.
A layer of fat called subcutaneous fat also lies beneath our skin, which gives our faces volume and definition. When our skin begins to produce less collagen, elastin and other substances that maintain its firmness, the fat pads around our temples, eyelids, cheeks, and chin shift downward. The face loses its contours, leading to wrinkles and loose skin.
Other factors can cause changes to our skin, as well. These include nutrition, our environment, our genetic makeup, and sun exposure.
Benefits Of Dermal Fillers Over 50
If you’re over the age of 50, you may be familiar with one or two age-related skin changes. You may have even tried using anti-aging skincare products to fight them off, with little effect. If that sounds familiar, then dermal fillers may be a solution for you. They address a host of concerns, from reducing the look of wrinkles and volume loss, to rejuvenating mature skin.
Receiving a dermal filler involves a non-surgical, in-office procedure, and minimal (if any) downtime. In 20–30 minutes, you can, for example:
- Minimize furrow lines between your eyebrows
- Smooth the worry lines in your forehead
- Plump up thinned lips
- Enhance the symmetry of your nose
Another advantage of dermal fillers over 50 is the boost in self-confidence you’ll receive from looking your best. The benefits of dermal fillers are more than skin-deep.
Choosing The Right Filler for Your Needs
Now that you’re familiar with various types of dermal fillers, you may be curious about which one is right for you. The best way to find out is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
He or she can answer your questions, and will discuss your skin type, treatment goals, and desired outcomes. Your answers will help determine the best dermal filler for your particular goals, while taking other factors unique to you into account.
DLK on Avenue for Best Dermal Fillers Over 50
Minimizing risks and side effects is just one more reason why it’s important to work with a qualified healthcare provider, like the skilled and knowledgeable doctors at DLK on Avenue, when you’re considering dermal fillers.
Contact us today for more information on the best dermal fillers in Yorkville, Toronto, or to schedule a consultation.
