Fillers: How Much Is Too Much

Posted by Dr. Julian De Silva | July 20th, 2015

Dark circles under the eyes, deep “smile lines,” droopy nose, and sunken cheeks are some of the most apparent signs of aging that appear on the face as we get older. However, in recent years, technological advancements in the cosmetic field have allowed millions of Americans every year to flock to cosmetic surgeons in order to turn back time and restore their youthfulness. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a total of 15.6 million cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, were performed last year. A large percentage of these procedures included the use of injectable fillers.

Fillers are substances which can be injected directly through the skin using a syringe. They are very versatile and can be used for various purposes. Some common uses include fixing scars, filling up wrinkles and creases, enhancing cheeks and lips structure, and improving the contours of the face.

Two of the most common types of fillers include hyaluronic acid (used in Restylane and Juvéderm) and purified botulinum toxin A (used in Botox and Dysport).

• Restylane: This filler is most effective for increasing the plumpness of the face and bringing more volume to the skin. Deep wrinkles and skin folds can be easily reduced by Restylane fillers. On average, this filler will maintain its effects for six months and may even last for up to nine months.
• Juvéderm: Another popular choice of filler is Juvéderm. This works great for lip augmentation, reducing lines around the lips, treating acne scars, and minimizing “smile lines.” If done properly, Juvéderm should last for six months.
• Voluma: A newer generation of filler that has the advantage of a cross-linking structure, this enables the filler to last for considerably longer, 1-year or more. This filler works well for volume augmentation in specific parts of the face.
• Botox: As the most well-known filler available for cosmetic procedures, Botox is the ideal choice for you if you are looking to get rid of crow’s feet, wrinkles on the forehead, frown lines, or to treat muscular spasms on the face. Typically, Botox will maintain its results anywhere from three to four months.
• Dysport: Dysport is a relatively new filler which is very similar to Botox. It relaxes muscles that cause wrinkles on the face. Thus, it is a good option for treating wrinkles around the eyes, lips and on the forehead. When compared to Botox, Dysport is less expensive, as well.

Regardless of which injectable filler you use, inserting too much filler or improper treatment can cause severe side effects, such as malformed and irregular features, excess swelling and bruises, or weakened muscles. Therefore, it is crucial that you only have an experienced surgeon perform the procedures to ensure your safety and to achieve impeccable results.

Some of the fillers, like Botox, have been used by doctors for more than a decade. And many of them are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are all strong proofs that these things work well and can genuinely give you a more attractive overall look.

Dr. De Silva is proficient in the use of fillers and specializes in facial cosmetic and plastic surgeries. Unlike other surgeons who work on various parts of the body (and sometimes fail to produce desired results), Dr. De Silva’s exclusive focus on facial surgeries has enabled him to become exceptionally innovative and highly experienced in his work. Moreover, he goes above and beyond his work to show extra care and concern for his patients.

To him, his patients will always come first. This is evident from his philosophy because he chooses to only perform facial procedures when he is certain that he can make a positive difference in his patient’s life. He will not conduct any procedure if he deems it to be harmful to his patients. So, when you visit Dr. De Silva, you can rest assure you are in safe hands!