At What Age Should You Consider Getting Dermal Fillers?

At Burnett Plastic Surgery in New Jersey, collagen is a subject we take seriously. Why? Because your skin was at its softest, most supple, and radiant stage when you were a baby. That’s also when you had plenty of collagen. On the other end of the age spectrum, someone in their 70s or 80s is more likely to have skin that has become leathery and frail over time.

What happens in between?

There are many factors that contribute to the change, but one of the biggest problems in loss of collagen.

Your mid-20s is when your skin typically begins showing its first signs of wear and tear, breaking down internally because of the slowing production of collagen, which is a protein that is both strong and flexible. Abundant collagen keeps cheeks elevated, lips full, and skin smooth.

Unfortunately, collagen is not the only molecule that starts to dwindle in your skin over time. You also gradually lose elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients that kept your skin strong and pliant throughout your childhood and teens. You may be able to stave off more dramatic and early changes by introducing good habits, such as the routine application of sun protection, but there’s no way to fight time, gravity, and biology forever.

Some of the most obvious signs of aging are hollowed, flattened cheeks and pinched-in temples, as well as the development of facial creases and wrinkles.

Note that your skin rejuvenation goals can change over time, along with your skin. Young patients may want to subtly enhance the features they were born with, such as their lips. Much of this demand comes from teens and 20-somethings hoping to emulate celebrities and social media icons.

Selfie culture isn’t as much of a drive for older patients, who are more typically interested in the corrective and restorative applications of fillers (and more dramatic surgeries). They may not plan to make themselves look the same as they did 20 years ago, but they do want to enjoy the benefits of rejuvenation. Most people who have fillers are women in their 40s to early 50s.

Temporary fillers are not preventative tools in the same way that BOTOX^® may be, but they can reduce minor irregularities so that patients can age gracefully and may not have to take more drastic measures to correct severe damage later in life.

For a more in-depth look at how dermal fillers work, set up a consultation at Burnett Plastic Surgery. Call 908.233.0200, or fill out a contact form to learn more about your options.