By Jerome Edelstein, MD
Toronto cosmetic clients want to know, how old should you be before beginning treatment with dermal fillers? If you have begun to see creases, wrinkles or fine lines on your face, or if your lips are thinner and cheeks flatter than they used to be, then you are old enough to begin treatment with Dermal fillers. We have good reason to believe that regular treatment with dermal fillers, before lines become deep and set, may prevent them from deepening for longer. Recent scientific studies have shown that use of hyaluronic acid based dermal filler products, like Restylane and Juvederm, stimulate the production of collagen over time.
We lose collagen naturally as we age, as well as moisture in the skin. Because injection of hyaluronic acid draws moisture as well as stimulates collagen synthesis, the long-term benefits to smoothing skin and retexturizing are preventative in nature. Smooth, plump skin does not tend to wrinkle as readily as thin, dehydrated skin. Dermal fillers provide instant improvement and continue to modify over the next few months.
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide found naturally in the skin and in our connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic – drawing water into itself and binding it to form a viscous substance which assists in hydration and skin elasticity. As our skin ages, it loses hyaluronic acid, becomes increasingly dehydrated and more prone to wrinkling. HA dermal fillers are crosslinked to maintain stability and resist the body’s natural metabolism. This way they can hold form and stay in place for 6 months or more. Your treatment may last 6 months to 1 year depending on the type of filler used and your body’s metabolism of the product. Costs will range between $500-$1,000 per syringe, depending on location and type of product.
TREATMENTS ARE RELATIVELY PAINLESS
Your injector may apply a topical numbing agent to lessen the sensation of needles. Minor bruising sometimes occurs as well as temporary swelling at the injection site – especially for the lips, but this typically resolves within a day or two. The key to optimal facial injection results for younger patients is subtlety. Be sure to seek a very experienced injector who works with clients of all ages. Be realistic about appearance goals. No matter which celebrities and stars we may want to emulate because of their fabulous cheekbones and full lips, there is a limit to what can be reasonably achieved for each individual person, especially in one visit. Younger skin and features tend to require lower volumes of product to make an impact. The good news is that since fillers are priced per syringe, the cost for treatment tends to be less for youthful clients.
If you decide to pursue dermal filler treatment in Toronto and you wonder if you may be too young, start with a consultation. Your injector will examine you, discuss your aesthetic goals and let you know where a good place to begin would be for you.