Dermal fillers are a quick and comfortable way to reverse some of the early signs of aging and enhance your appearance. They can be used to fill in facial lines and wrinkles, plump your lips, and add volume to your cheeks or hollow areas under your eyes. They can also improve your complexion by helping your skin retain moisture. But the changes don’t last forever.
Fortunately, there are ways to make your filler treatments last longer. We’ll explain some of the key ones here.
Minimize Damage from UV Exposure
The sun’s UV rays have a powerful aging effect on our skin, coarsening its texture, causing areas of discoloration, and speeding up line and wrinkle formation. Some of those effects are precisely the things you’re trying to correct with fillers. If you’re trying to look younger, why risk sun exposure that will take you in the other direction?
But there’s an even better reason to protect your skin from the sun after injections of dermal fillers. The UV rays can speed up the breakdown and metabolization of the filler substance. So, practice basic sun hygiene when you’ve had filler treatments. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, stay out of the sun during peak mid-day hours, shade your face with a wide-brimmed hat, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Take Care of Your Skin
Apply a high-quality moisturizer regularly and keep your skin hydrated from within by drinking plenty of water. This will slow the absorption of the filler while also enhancing the treatment’s positive effect on your complexion. Our team can also suggest specific skincare products, like SkinMedica ®, that can complement your filler treatment.
Practice Stress Management
Stress can speed your metabolism and trigger the release of hormones that damage your skin and fillers. Be alert for the signs of stress in your body, including muscle tension, and take steps to manage it. Work at understanding and minimizing the causes of stress in your life. Focus on what you can control and accept what you can’t. Practice stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. You should also reach out to a medical professional if you find that your stress is unmanageable.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Healthy eating is vital for your health, both for your skin and in general. In particular, avoid processed foods and added sugars that can cause inflammation and accelerate the metabolization of fillers.
Exercise in Moderation
The faster your metabolism, the faster your body will absorb the fillers. Regular exercise is recommended for your overall health and the health of your skin, but too much exercise can reduce the duration of your filler treatment. If you’re an athlete or highly dedicated to your exercise routine, that may not be a trade-off you’re willing to make. You might counter it with extra attention to skincare, avoiding UV exposure, or regular touch-up treatments.
Have Regular Maintenance Treatments
Maintenance or “top-offs” before your filler results completely wear off can extend the treatment’s effects to keep you looking great. The best time for maintenance treatment is a month or two before the filler is fully absorbed. You might also combine a filler “top off” with another treatment, such as Botox®, to further extend the results.
Choose a Vancouver Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust
Dr. Eric Pugash is a highly rated cosmetic surgery provider who offers both surgical and non-surgical facial procedures. If you are interested in learning more, he and his team invite you to contact our practice at (604) 522-5199 or send an online request to schedule a consultation today.