Filler Facts: Finding the Right Dermal Filler for You
When it comes to dermal fillers, one size does not fit all. There isn’t one magic filler that works everywhere, but there is a perfect filler for every concern. The key to natural-looking, balanced results is understanding that fillers fall into different categories based on their structural integrity and flexibility. At Vigour Aesthetics + Wellness, your trusted Capital District med spa, we use a variety of advanced fillers to enhance facial harmony and balance while preserving natural expression.
Structural vs. Fine-Tuning Fillers: What’s the Difference?
At Vigour Aesthetics + Wellness, we categorize fillers into two main types:
- Structural Fillers: These are firmer, with more structural integrity, designed to provide lift and definition. They are placed deeper in the tissue and work best in areas that require support, such as the cheeks, jawline, and chin.
- Fine-Tuning Fillers: These are softer and more flexible, making them ideal for smoothing wrinkles, filling creases, and adding subtle volume in dynamic areas, like around the mouth and under the eyes.
Choosing the right filler depends on factors such as skin thickness, facial movement, and desired results. Let’s explore five different types of fillers we use at Vigour Aesthetics + Wellness and how they fit into this framework.
Meet the Fillers
SkinVive®
SkinVive is not your typical filler—it’s a skin booster. Made of hyaluronic acid (HA), SkinVive improves skin hydration, elasticity, and overall radiance without adding volume. It’s ideal for fine-tuning concerns like dullness and texture, especially in areas like the cheeks where a subtle glow can make all the difference.
Juvederm®
The Juvederm family includes both structural and fine-tuning fillers, depending on the formulation.
- Juvederm Voluma is perfect for structural support in the cheeks and chin, providing lift and definition.
- Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Volbella are softer, making them ideal for plumping lips and smoothing fine lines around the mouth.
- Juvederm Vollure is great for nasolabial folds (smile lines or marionette lines), balancing flexibility with longevity.
- Juvederm Vollux is great for contouring the jawline and improving jawline definition.
Restylane®
Like the Juvederm family of fillers, Restylane also offers a range of fillers tailored for different needs:
- Restylane Lyft provides structure and lift, making it excellent for the cheeks and jawline.
- Restylane Kysse is a favorite for lip filler for soft, natural-looking lip enhancement, including reduction in lip lines.
- Restylane Refyne and Defyne are designed for movement, making them great for areas with frequent facial expressions like laugh lines.
- Restylane Contour is designed specifically to restore volume and contour the midface, particularly the cheeks.
- Restylane Silk provided subtle lip augmentation and smoothing of wrinkles around the mouth.
- Restylane Classic is used to add volume and fullness to moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.
- Restylane Eyelight helps to improve under eye hollows (tear troughs).
Sculptra®
Sculptra isn’t classified as a filler—it’s actually an injectable biostimulant. Instead of providing instant volume, it works by stimulating collagen and elastin production, creating a gradual, natural-looking restoration of facial volume. It’s often used for structural enhancement in the temples, cheeks, and jawline, offering long-lasting results.
PRFM Gel
Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) gel is an innovative, natural filler derived from your own blood. It promotes skin regeneration and volume restoration while reducing the risk of adverse reactions. PRFM gel is excellent for fine-tuning areas like under-eye hollows (tear trough) and delicate facial zones that benefit from subtle volume enhancement. It can also be used to increase cheek volume and contour the jawline.
Pre & Post-Care for Fillers
Taking care of your skin before and after filler treatments ensures optimal results and smooth healing.
Pre-Treatment Care
- Avoid blood-thinning medications (like aspirin and ibuprofen) for at least 72 hours to reduce bruising.
- Refrain from alcohol and excessive caffeine 24 hours before your appointment.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support healing.
Post-Treatment Care
- Avoid touching, massaging, or applying pressure to the treated area for at least 24 hours.
- Use a cold compress to minimize swelling and bruising.
- Stay upright for at least four hours post-treatment.
- Avoid intense workouts, saunas, and excessive sun exposure for 24-48 hours.
- At Vigour Aesthetics + Wellness, we recommend all post injections patients take SkinAde MD InSupport. These supplements help to minimize post injection bruising, discomfort, swelling, as well as help to extend the life of your fillers.
Common Concerns & Myths: Setting the Record Straight
Filler migration and “pillow face”
One of the biggest concerns people have is filler migration or the dreaded “pillow face.” When performed by a skilled injector, fillers stay where they are placed. Overfilling and improper technique are the culprits behind unnatural results. At our Albany med spa, we prioritize conservative, customized treatments to maintain a more natural, refreshed look.
Does filler stretch your skin?
No, fillers do not permanently stretch your skin. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are naturally broken down by the body over time. When used appropriately, they enhance volume without causing laxity.
Are fillers permanent?
Most fillers are temporary, lasting 6-24 months depending on the type and placement. Sculptra, which stimulates collagen, offers longer-lasting results. If you’re unhappy with hyaluronic acid fillers, they can be dissolved with an injection of hyaluronidase.
Why do some fillers look unnatural?
When performed correctly, fillers enhance your features without making you look overdone. The key is choosing the right filler and using precise techniques for a natural, refreshed appearance.
Final Thoughts: There’s a Filler for Everything
Whether you’re looking for structure, fine-tuning, or collagen stimulation, there’s a filler to meet your needs. At Vigour Aesthetics + Wellness, we specialize in personalized treatments to ensure you achieve natural, harmonious results. If you’re considering filler in Albany, schedule a complimentary consultation with a member of Team Vigour today to discover which option is best for you!