Emerald Elitou of Essence recently shared that even though many Black women believe “Black don’t crack,” all skin will inevitably show signs of aging—and this often means lost volume and fine lines. Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care has noticed an increase in clients in their 20s and 30s opting for dermal fillers in recent years, as more and more people of all ages seek to undo early signs of aging as soon as they spot it. This often includes lost volume in the lips. One of the stars of Married to Medicine, Dr. Metcalfe, revealed that there has been an uptick in Black women requesting lip fillers as well as dermal fillers to address contours, facial creases, and even to minimize scar appearance. However, she is quick to point out that this isn’t necessarily a new phenomenon among the Black community. Instead, social media (as per usual) is to blame.
Metcalfe says, “When celebrities and clinicians started sharing procedures on social media, that really led to the explosion of the ‘average Black woman’ deciding they were candidates for outpatient procedures like dermal fillers as well.” Most dermal fillers are comprised of a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid (HA), which already occurs naturally in the body. HA fillers dissolve a few months after being injected, allowing clients to customize their look every few months. HA fillers are FDA-approved for those over 21.
The Lips Still Have It
Although the Essence article says “Black people are known for having full and luscious lips,” such blanket statements of course never apply to all—and nobody was immune from the Kylie Jenner impact. The Kardashians, Jenners, and other influencers drive trends in every community they reach, and that includes a desire for higher cheekbones. When it comes to lip fillers and other dermal fillers (such as in the cheeks) Metcalfe says, “This has been around for many years in the Black community but no one wanted to talk about it. I think that social media made it more popular.”
Getting matched with the right filler for you begins with a consultation. The vast majority of people prefer HA fillers, though there are other options such as fillers that work via collagen induction therapy. The latter does not produce immediate results, but can be desirable by those who want a slow and steady, all-natural approach to dermal fillers. However, if you do want HA fillers and that instant impact, there are some things you can do to maximize and sustain results. For starters, stay hydrated. The body (and HA) loves water. Hydration can be key not only for a healthier body overall, but for fillers that last.
It’s also important to avoid habits that speed up the aging process. Drinking alcohol in excess, unprotected UV exposure, and other best practices to stay younger longer are inherently going to complement any dermal filler you choose. For many people, opting for fillers can mark a starting point to kick-start a healthier, happier life.
Why Are There So Many Fillers?
There are some key players in the dermal filler world, such as Juvederm and Restylane. These lines carry a variety of different dermal filler options, and even when they are all made with HA there are some critical differences between them. Just a minor change in product composition can make a big difference. Some fillers are designed just for the lips, others are great for the jawline or temples, and so on. Getting matched with the right dermal filler is critical for the best results, as is working exclusively with a highly-skilled injector. The injection can make all the difference between results you’ll love and an outcome that you never wanted. HA fillers might be temporary, but nobody deserves to spend the next 6 – 18 months with a “botched” filler job.
Dissolving fillers is possible, but even more of a skill and art. Ideally, you want to get dermal fillers injected correctly the first time. We offer complimentary consultations for all procedures, including dermal fillers, so you can enjoy the best experience. Contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or completing the online form and take the next step in a fantastic dermal filler result.