Facial fillers like Restylane® and Juvéderm® have now become household names. Nearly everyone knows they can fill in facial wrinkles with a few quick injections, and our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta perform these treatments dozens of times every day. But as with any medical treatment, doctors have found many other beneficial ways to use facial fillers as well – and some of them may surprise you.

Acne Scars

Acne scars come in many forms, and while chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments can work wonders for mild scarring, severe scars need a little something extra. Depressed (or atrophic) scars happen when your body produces too little scar tissue to replace the damaged skin. For deep acne scars, our dermatologists achieve powerful results with minimally invasive surgical techniques to release the scar tissue that’s pulling the surface skin down, then using facial fillers to fill in the space underneath.

Hollow Temples

As we age, we lose fat and other tissue in our face, and the skin becomes thinner as well. This makes us look bonier and more gaunt. It’s rather well-known that dermal fillers can be used to fill in the hollows of the cheeks to produce a more youthful shape. But fewer people realize that this can be done with hollowing temples as well, adding even further to a natural-looking youthfulness.

Corners of the Lips

For some people, the corners of their lips naturally point downward while their face is resting, and this can get worse (or start to appear in people who didn’t have the problem before) with aging. In addition to facial fillers being used to plump up thin lips, they can also be placed strategically so that they turn up the corners of the mouth ever so slightly. This subtle change can produce a naturally more pleasant-looking, youthful, and refreshed look.

Hands

The hands are arguably the most forgotten area of the body when it comes to aging. Between sun exposure, movement, and the fact that they have thin skin to begin with, the hands age very quickly. As tissue is lost, the tendons, veins, and bones become more visible. But some facial fillers like Radiesse® can be very successful at turning back the clock when injected into the tops of the hands. Just be sure to have these injections performed by a qualified medical professional like a board-certified dermatologist or physician assistant, because the risk of complications is high when this procedure is performed by someone who is unqualified and inexperienced.

Chin

For patients who want a more well-proportioned face, their chin can make all the difference. Even a slight augmentation to the front of the chin can produce a stronger, slimmer-looking jawline. For patients who want a subtle enhancement to their chin but don’t need or want plastic surgery, facial fillers can sometimes be used instead. Fillers are also temporary, so they’re a great way for a patient to try the look and see if it does what they envisioned it would do.

It can be truly fascinating to learn about the latest medical treatments and the innovative ways they’re being used. But remember, even quick procedures like filler injections have an impact on your health, so keep your safety in mind above all. Only receive facial filler injections from a board-certified medical professional who has extensive experience performing injections in the area you’re interested in and a sterile, safe medical environment. For an in-depth consultation about how dermal fillers may be able to help you, schedule an appointment at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. And, to keep up with our future fun skin care facts, tips, and special offers, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.