Fillers can make you naturally appear youthful, refreshed and rejuvenated. They can smooth out wrinkles, plump up lips and add volume to cheeks. But did you know fillers can contour, correct and even change areas of your face without surgery? When performed by an expert injector, fillers can sculpt and shape your face to subtly transform your appearance. We highlight 6 unique areas for facial fillers that can provide everything from a small correction to a larger contour enhancement.
What Types of Fillers Are Available?
The skin gets thinner and more elastic as we age, and fillers help plump up sagging skin or make part of the body look fuller and more youthful. At The Lumen Center, we offer two main categories of fillers: Dermal fillers and Lumen Fill (fat transfer). The primary dermal fillers we use are Radiesse, Restylane and Belotero.
- Restylane and Belotero contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that adds volume and hydration to the skin.
- Radiesse is a bioactive filler made of natural calcium, which stimulates the production of collagen.
- Fat transfer is a longer-lasting filler that uses your own fat from a donor area. Natural fat can be used as a filler in any area of the body.
All fillers are safe, effective and non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
Unique Areas for Facial Fillers
Fillers are FDA-approved, but for only certain uses/indications. Approval is given for a specific “on label” use based on clinical trials and other testing. However, there may be many other uses that are appropriate and can be successfully administered. This is considered an “off label” use of the treatment. Here are 6 unique (mostly “off label”) areas for facial fillers that you may be unaware of.
Nose
The solution to a bump on the bridge of the nose and an oversized or crooked nose is sometimes nothing more than a syringe of hyaluronic acid filler. Filler can even out areas of the nose and create a straighter profile. This is called a nonsurgical nose job or “liquid rhinoplasty.”
Hands
Sun spots, prominent veins and tendons become more visible in hands as we age. And they are always on display. Fillers are now commonly used to rejuvenate the back of the hands for a fuller appearance. Restylane Lyft and Radiesse are both FDA-approved to treat the face and hands.
Earlobes
Feel good about wearing heavy earrings again! Fillers can easily add volume to droopy or sagging earlobes. Earlobes will take a rounder, even shape and fillers can also enhance small earlobes.
Chins
For those seeking more projection, definition or balance to the chin/jawline, a chin augmentation is an option. Fillers can be used to correct a pointed or square chin and often downplay a double chin or a pointy/prominent nose. In fact, chin augmentations are often paired with nose jobs to create balance between the two facial features.
A non-surgical chin augmentation could change a round face to a more desirable heart-shaped face. At The Lumen Center, the Lumen Tight is another procedure that would complement a nonsurgical chin augmentation and produce a more dramatic effect.
Temporal Hollows
Patients often overlook their temples as an area that can use volume. However, bone loss, menopause and sun exposure can give the area a sunken look. Fillers can treat temporal hollows and rebalance the face to look younger and healthier.
Eyelids
Just as the temples and under the eyes can develop hollows, so too can the upper and lower eyelids. If you have deep set eyes, they are more prone to hollowness. Filler can be used to restore lost volume, even out creases and give a more symmetrical appearance.
Pros and Cons of Fillers
One downside to fillers is that they are a temporary solution and additional treatments are needed to maintain the desired appearance. Most HA fillers last 6-12 months and Radiesse typically lasts 12-18 months. Fat transfer is longer lasting with touchups needed every 5-7 years. However, the temporary nature of fillers can also be a positive aspect. With surgery, the result is permanent, and it may not be what you want. Fillers allow you to tweak your vision and apply the changes gradually, lending to a more natural improvement.
Find an Expert Injector for Facial Fillers
Whether you are looking to treat unique areas with facial fillers or more common areas, an expert injector is a must. There are many filler options on the market and different areas in which they can be used on label and off label. So, it’s important to choose a provider that has the knowledge, qualifications and expertise.
At The Lumen Center, Founder Dr. Andrew Kwak, will help you choose the right filler for you and your skin. In addition to performing hundreds of injectable procedures each year over the last decade, Dr. Kwak utilizes an innovative microcannula technique for facial fillers injections. The DermaSculpt® microcannula can slide under the skin so the filler can be administered with virtually no pain, swelling and bruising.
We’re here to help you achieve your goals and look the best version of yourself. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call 610.525.0606.