Dermal Fillers

Here at McLean Dermatology we help many patients address the signs of aging by using specialized dermal fillers. Through a series of carefully-administered treatments, our expert providers can help patients smooth out wrinkles and add more contour and definition to the face.

However, one of the most important aspects of using dermal fillers is to achieve results that look natural. This requires a deep understanding of facial structures, how they visually balance each other, and how they change over time.

Further, because some fillers can take several days to show full effects, your provider must carefully estimate the change that will occur several days after the injection, so that the face has contours that look natural and aesthetically pleasing.

Having helped thousands of patients look and feel their best, the expert providers at McLean Dermatology will use their extensive expertise to help you understand how fillers will affect your appearance, and help you select the best treatment strategy in your situation.

If you have any questions or would like to set up a consultation, please give us a call at 703-356-5111.

How the Face Changes

As our bodies become more mature, the skin, muscles and fatty tissues can undergo significant change. This can be especially apparent in the face.

For example, one of the biggest causes of wrinkles and sagging skin is the loss of skin elasticity. When we are young, the skin is filled with collagen and elastin. These are the protein fibers that form the natural support network of the skin and help it bounce back when it is pulled out of its usual place.

As we age, however, these fibers become damaged through UV radiation, other environmental factors, and the natural aging process. Further, the skin loses some of its fibroblasts; the cells that produce collagen. The end result is that the support structure becomes much weaker, causing wrinkles to form.

Additionally, the process of maturing causes our body to lose some of its fatty tissues. Further, the remaining fatty layers may migrate downward due to gravity. This change in fatty tissue is one of the reasons why some individuals develop the appearance of hollow cheeks over time – the fats that provided support and created contour have been depleted.

Although these issues can certainly feel frustrating, the good news is that they can be effectively addressed with dermal fillers, which work by building up volume under the skin to provide support.

How Dermal Fillers Work

There are many types of dermal fillers available, all of which target wrinkles and loss of volume somewhat differently. This makes it essential to work with an experienced provider who understands the nuance of using these treatments to achieve the best results. Some of the fillers we use at McLean Dermatology include:

• Juvederm: This dermal filler is based on hyaluronic acid, which is valued for its ability to attract moisture to the treatment site. Hyaluronic acid also occurs naturally in our bodies, and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture. Within Juvederm, hyaluronic acid is formulated into a smooth, gel-like substance that is gently injected under the skin to create volume that looks natural. We can use Juvederm to address a variety of wrinkles, as well as to boost volume in the cheeks.

• Perlane: This dermal filler is also based on hyaluronic acid. However, the size of the molecules has been specifically adjusted in this formulation to provide support at deeper levels. For example, one of the most common uses for Perlane is to ease the appearance of nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth). By providing support to the area, the nasolabial are made less visible.

• Sculptra: The goal behind Sculptra is to provide support under the skin, as well as to stimulate collagen production in the long term, to rebuild the skin’s natural support network. The main ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid, which can boost collagen production in the treatment area.

It’s important to note that the fillers described above are just some of the many options that are available at McLean Dermatology, and we will help you select the best solution based on your unique situation.

Our goal isn’t just to help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines, but to utilize fillers as a means for re-sculpting facial features to return the face to a more youthful appearance. As such, our providers pay special attention to creating the right balance and contour in the face.

Taking the Next Step with Dermal Fillers

If you have any questions about dermal fillers or would like to set up a consultation with one of our expert providers, please get in touch! You can call us at 703-356-5111, or send us an email by using the Contact Form!