​Cosmetic injectables for all skin types

With review and feedback from CEENTA facial plastic surgeon Jewel Greywoode, MD (Uptown)

There are three main factors that contribute to the signs of aging – loss of skin elasticity, volume loss, and gravity. Not only does our collagen weaken over time, but the skin becomes thinner and has less elasticity. Additionally, redistribution of fat pockets in the face, cheeks, and jawline combine with gravity to cause sagging, deep wrinkles, and jowls. Everyone’s skin, sooner or later, will show these signs of aging, and some people will consider cosmetic injections such as Botox and cosmetic fillers like Restylane to help restore their natural, youthful vibrancy. However, not everyone needs the exact same treatment. It’s important to find a healthcare practice that understands the aging process for each individual is unique, based on several factors including your skin type.

How lines form

Some of the most common signs of aging are lines and wrinkles such as frown lines, forehead lines, and laugh lines formed by repeated facial movements. Treatment with BOTOX, Dysport, or Xeomin is effective because they temporarily weaken the facial muscles that cause these movements. There is also some “preventative” effect of these treatments before wrinkles form because they weaken the facial movements that cause these wrinkles.

Sun exposure also causes fine lines and wrinkles as the UV rays affect the deeper layers of the skin, including the collagen. Everyone produces melanin, which is protective against the UV rays of the sun. However, people with lighter skin complexion produce less of this chemical than those with darker complexion. This difference may account for those with lighter skin types forming lines and wrinkles earlier than those with darker skin types. It is important to note that sun protection is key for all skin types because this limits the interaction of the sun’s UV rays with the deeper layers of the skin that cause fine lines and wrinkles.

Getting fillers

Fillers are useful for treating the signs of aging caused by the loss of volume in the face. They act by physically filling the space where youthful volume used to exist. Cosmetic fillers are beneficial to people of all skin types. However, there are unique factors such as skin thickness, bone structure, and facial volume distribution related to your ethnicity that must be considered, CEENTA facial plastic surgeon Jewel Greywoode, MD, said. One example would be addressing signs of aging around the eyes. People of East Asian descent tend to have less deflation under the eyes than Caucasians, and filler placed in the cheek would give them a more youthful appearance. Meanwhile, filling the “trough” under the eyes is more common for Caucasians.

The difference in lips

One very popular cosmetic option is fullness of the lips, which helps signify youth. As we age, lines develop and volume loss occurs. The size and shape of the upper lip in proportion to the lower lip is different for each person. Therefore, a skilled cosmetic surgeon would ensure their patients’ proportions are maintained for ideal aesthetics.

Watching out for hyperpigmentation

While bruising and injection site redness can occur after any injection, it is important to note that individuals with darker skin tones are at a risk of prolonged bruising and/or hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation occurs as a reaction to the injection increasing the amount of melanin pigment in that area, potentially creating patches of skin darker than the surrounding area. This can be challenging to address and occurs most often when treated by someone inexperienced with injections. Cosmetic injections are a wonderful option to help “reverse” some of the signs of aging. The factors that contribute to these changes in each individual are different and unique. That’s why it’s important to go to a practice where the healthcare providers are knowledgeable and care about you as an individual.

Care tailored for you

The facial plastic surgeons at CEENTA are sensitive to everyone’s unique needs and are specially trained to provide the care you deserve. People of every skin type are invited to schedule an appointment at CEENTA today.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make an appointment online with any of our facial plastic specialists in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.