Here’s Why People Are Getting Filler in These 4 Bizarre Places
Plumping up areas of your face for a more youthful appearance isn’t anything new, but injecting beyond the face is taking off as a trend. There’s been a recent increase in people using fillers like Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra, and Juvederm to address areas of their body — like the ears, hands, feet, and chest — that have fine lines or are losing volume. “The use of filler to combat the signs of aging is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles or revolumize deflated areas,” says New York-based cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank. Read on to learn our experts’ takes on four unexpected injection areas that are on the rise.
EARS
Problem: Years of wearing heavy statement earrings — and growing older in general — can result in earlobes that aren’t as strong and taut as they used to be. Droopy, stretched-out skin in this area can be perked up, though.
Solution: “Deflated, wrinkled earlobes from fat loss and stretching from heavy earrings can be fixed with small amounts of injected hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm Volbella, Restylane Silk, or Beletero,” explains New York-based dermatologist Arielle Kauvar. “A small amount of strategically placed product is all you need.” After nine months, you might need a touch-up.
Cost: $800 — $1,200
Risk: You might experience mild discomfort in the injection site for up to two days since this is a tender area.
HANDS
Problem: Just like our complexions, our hands are exposed to daily environmental factors, which can cause noticeable damage to the hands in the form of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Solution: “Radiesse, a dermal filler, is a great option when it comes to combating the effects of aging skin on the hands,” says Frank. “The non-invasive, non-surgical procedure reduces the appearance of wrinkles in 15 minutes and the results are immediate.” You can expect this type of filler to last between nine and 12 months before a touch-up is needed (if you want to maintain the look).
Cost: $1,500 — $2,500
Risk: As with all beauty services, you should be confident in the person and/or place providing the treatment, so finding an expert injector is key. Otherwise, you might not achieve smooth results.
FEET
Problem: Pounding the pavement with high heels can be fashionable, but it can take a toll on your feet. Strain on your heels, specifically, can lead to painful, lingering soreness that is ignited every time you slip into your favorite pair of stilettos.
Solution: “Injecting a filler like Voluma into the heel area can offer more support and cushioning to the bones of the feet,” says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian. “It’s much less common and off-label, but it can decrease pain and discomfort from walking and wearing high heels as the heels lose their cushioning with age.” The filler is actually injected in the fat layer between the skin surface and the bone joints to add extra cushioning, according to Kauvar, who also notes that this is a particularly painful injection site.
Cost: $800 — $3,000
Risk: Since this is an off-label treatment, Kauvar warns against using a professional who isn’t familiar with this area. “Injecting the wrong type of filler in the wrong area of the foot can interfere with your gait and cause more discomfort,” she says.
CHEST
Problem: It’s no secret that as we age, everything tends to go south — including our décolletage, breasts, and nipples. Carefully-placed filler can help bring back volume and shape to aging nipples, but it can also help soften lines in the chest.
Solution: “Patients request filler in the nipple to restore a perky look to their areolas,” says Nazarian. “Many people also use filler to smooth out the lines and wrinkles on their chest, which are formed from years of sleeping on their stomachs.” Just like heel injections, this type of treatment is off-label.
Cost: $600 — $1,000
Risk: If you are or plan on breastfeeding in the future, this isn’t the procedure for you. “Although it improves the cosmetic appearance of the areola, it may interfere with breastfeeding or clog milk glands under the skin,” she says.
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