Dermal Fillers in Houston

Dermal fillers can have a profound impact on one’s emotional and physical well-being; I’ve witnessed this many times at Aesthetic Lab, our Houston Med Spa! This is a non-surgical solution to many common concerns, and you may be wondering… what exactly can dermal fillers do?

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectables designed to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. They’ve become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! These flexible treatments can address a wide range of aesthetic concerns, from subtle tweaks to more dramatic transformations.

Whether you’re looking to soften the signs of aging, enhance your natural features, or correct asymmetries, fillers offer a customizable solution that’s perfect for your specific needs.

1. Facial Volume Loss

One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is the loss of facial volume that comes with age. The aging process is natural, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying!

As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, two proteins that give our skin its youthful bounce and firmness. We also lose facial fat, which can leave us looking gaunt or hollow. This volume loss is often most noticeable in the cheeks and temples, which also happen to be the areas that play a major role in a youthful appearance.

For the cheeks specifically, fillers can restore that sought-after “apple” shape, helping you achieve a lift that can take years off your appearance. In the temples, fillers can fill in hollows that can make you look tired or older than you feel. A refreshed, rejuvenated appearance… who doesn’t want one of those?!

Since these treatments are customizable, we can add as much or as little volume as you need to achieve your desired look.

2. Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Wrinkles and fine lines are perhaps the most well-known signs of aging, and they’re another area where dermal fillers can truly bail you out. I must admit though, that it’s important to understand that not all wrinkles are created equal.

Wrinkles can be either dynamic or static. Repetitive facial expressions create dynamic wrinkles, which are most apparent when the face is moving. Picture crow’s feet when you grin or lines on the forehead when you raise your brows. Static wrinkles, however, remain visible even when your face is not moving.

While neurotoxins like Botox are typically the go-to for dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers are excellent when it comes to static wrinkles. Some of the most common areas we treat with fillers include:

• Nasolabial folds: lines extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth
• Marionette lines: lines running from the corners of the mouth down to the chin
• Smile lines
• Vertical lip lines

We can literally “fill in” these lines and creases, smoothing out the skin from beneath. The result is a softer, more youthful appearance that still allows for natural facial movement.

What many patients love about using fillers for wrinkles is the immediate gratification. Unlike some treatments that require weeks to see results, the effects of fillers are visible right away. 

3. Lip Enhancement

Lip enhancement is one of our most popular filler treatments, and it’s easy to see why. Full, well-defined lips are associated with youth and beauty, and a lot of people feel that their natural lips could use a little boost.

The most common concerns we address with lip fillers are:

• Thin lips
• Asymmetry
• Loss of definition in the lip border
• Downturned corners of the mouth

Dermal fillers can add volume to thin lips, creating a plump, more luscious overall appearance. But it’s not just about size – we can also use fillers to refine the shape of the lips, enhance the cupid’s bow, and create better balance between the upper and lower lips.

At Aesthetic Lab, we can create anything from a subtle, natural-looking enhancement to a more dramatic, pillowy pout, depending on your preferences. And, because we can control the amount of filler so precisely, it’s easy to gradually build up the volume over a few treatments if that’s what you’re looking for.

As we age, the lips can often lose volume and start to turn inward, creating a thinner appearance and sometimes even affecting speech. We can help counteract these effects of aging by restoring lost volume, potentially improving both appearance and function.

4. Under-Eye Hollows

The area under the eyes is one of the most delicate parts of the face and often one of the first to show signs of aging. Under-eye hollows, also known as tear troughs, can make you look tired, sad and aged, even if you’re well-rested.

These hollows can be caused by a variety of factors:

• The natural aging process
• Genetics
• Sun damage
• Loss of fat in the face
• Dehydration

Whatever the cause, under-eye hollows can be incredibly frustrating. 

By carefully injecting filler into the tear trough area, we can fill in hollows, lessen the visibility of dark circles under the eyes, and create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.

Many of my clients are amazed at how much younger and more refreshed they look after this treatment. 

It’s important to note that treating the under-eye area requires a high level of skill and expertise. The skin here is thin and delicate, and there are important structures beneath the surface that need to be navigated carefully. Not everyone is a candidate for this intricate procedure, that’s why it’s crucial to choose an experienced licensed injector for this treatment. At our med spa, we use advanced techniques and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy to ensure safe, beautiful results.

5. Chin and Jawline Contouring

Unfortunately, not everyone is born with their ideal chin shape or jawline definition. Luckily, dermal fillers can enhance facial symmetry, create a more defined profile, balance facial proportions, strengthen a weak or receding chin, and create a more angular, sculpted jawline.

For the chin, fillers can add projection and improve shape. This can be particularly beneficial for those with a naturally weak or receding chin, or for those who feel their chin doesn’t balance well with their other features.

When it comes to the jawline, fillers can create more definition and angularity. This can help create a more sculpted look.

We can enhance your features with as much or as little definition as you want, ensuring the result looks natural and blends naturally with your other features. It’s a great option for those who want to “test drive” a new look before committing to something forever or for those who prefer non-invasive solutions.

6. Acne Scars and Depressions

Acne scars can be a source of significant distress for many people – my boyfriend hated his! Even long after active breakouts have subsided, these scars can serve as a constant reminder of past skin troubles (I’m looking at you Class of ‘06). 

The types of acne scars that respond best to dermal fillers are typically:

• Rolling scars (scars that create a wavy texture to the skin)
• Boxcar scars (round or oval depressions with steep sides)
• Some ice pick scars (deep, narrow scars)

Fillers work by filling in these depressions from beneath, helping to raise the scar to the level of the surrounding skin.

What I find particularly exciting about using fillers for acne scars is the immediate improvement they can provide. While other treatments for acne scars often require multiple sessions and weeks or months to see results, the effects of fillers are visible right away.

It’s important to note that while fillers can be very effective for certain types of acne scars, they’re not always the best solution for everyone. In some cases, a combination of treatments might be recommended for better results. This could include treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing in addition to or instead of fillers.

A thorough consultation is key, so let us assess your specific scars and skin condition to determine the best treatment approach for you.

7. Non-Surgical Nose Job

A non-surgical nose job, what? This is known as liquid rhinoplasty, and yes, it is non-surgical! This treatment allows us to reshape and refine the nose without surgery, using strategically placed dermal filler injections, which can address a variety of concerns, such as:

• Dorsal humps (bumps on the bridge of the nose)
• Asymmetry
• A drooping nasal tip
• A flat nasal bridge
• Minor crookedness or irregularities

By carefully injecting small amounts of filler, we can smooth out bumps or irregularities, create the appearance of a straighter nose, and add definition to a flat nasal bridge.

It’s important to note that while a non-surgical nose job can create impressive results, it can’t achieve everything that surgical rhinoplasty can. It can’t make a nose smaller, for instance, or correct functional issues like a deviated septum. However, for many people who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose but don’t want to undergo surgery, it can be an excellent option.

The procedure is quick (usually taking 15-30 minutes), involves minimal discomfort, and has little to no downtime. Results are immediate and can last anywhere from 6-24 months, depending on the type of filler used and your own body’s metabolism.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering dermal fillers, schedule your consultation and come on by! 

August 7, 2024