At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Gray offers dermal fillers to help smooth and relax under eye bags so you can look more rested, awake, and overall healthy. Read on to learn how customizable dermal fillers can help.

Let’s Talk Eye Bags

First things first, what are eye bags, and what causes them? Everyone has likely experienced under-eye puffiness at one time or another. Under the eyes can look puffy after crying, lack of sleep, during an infection, or during a particularly bad allergy season. Under-eye puffiness can often be confused with under-eye bags because both of these conditions look similar and can co-exist.

However, it’s important to understand the distinction between eye bags and eye puffiness because eye bags arise when there is a structural problem in the tear trough area and cheeks that, unless treated, will not go away on their own.

Can Eye Bags Be Treated?

Eye bags are due to a structural problem that takes place with skin laxity, fat pseudoherniation, and cheek sagging. Not much can be done about under-eye bags except to lift the lower eyelid and cheeks and remove orbital fat that is pushing outwards.

One of the best non-surgical treatments to lift up the eyelids and cheeks is dermal fillers injected directly into the under-eye region.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

For lost volume in the tear trough area, Dr. Gray uses the subtle filler known as Belotero. Belotero is a hyaluronic acid-based filler. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the human body that is responsible for drawing in water molecules to plump and hydrate the skin. Compared to other dermal fillers, Belotero is thinner in consistency, making it a great solution for treating the thin skin underneath the eyes or the delicate lines around the mouth. By using this and other versatile fillers, Dr. Gray is able to treat under-eye puffiness in a way that still looks healthy and natural.

How The Magic Happens

Dr. Gray will inject the filler under the fold between the lower eyelid and cheek. The under-eye filler will gently lift the tear trough area up to the lower eyelid and smooth out the deep shadows in the tear trough area where the puffiness is located. The results can be seen immediately and will last for 6 to 9 months.

Schedule Your Eye Bag Transformation Today

Dermal filler treatments are non-invasive, incredibly effective, and pose hardly any risks of complication. Contact Bay Area Plastic Surgery by calling (628) 265-0220 or fill out our online form today to get started.

The winter months are perfect for hibernation, but our social calendars suddenly fill up once the weather gets warmer. Summer is the peak season for social engagements like weekend BBQs, weddings, pool parties, and trips. You deserve to look and feel your absolute best for all of them.

At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, Dr. Leonard Gray understands that summer is about adventure and fun. That is why he has a number of cosmetic options for you to help you look your best without missing a beat. Here are five of the best procedures that won’t cut into your beach or vacation time.

Body Sculpting

Body sculpting, also known as body contouring or body shaping, is a type of treatment that removes fat deposits under the skin. Many different methods fall under the body sculpting umbrella, but some can be more invasive than others. For instance, liposuction is a surgical procedure that permanently removes fat cells to reveal impressive new contours. Liposuction provides outstanding results, but it involves a bit more downtime to recover. Fortunately, other body sculpting alternatives involve little or no downtime so that you can squeeze in more beach time.

SculpSure is a convenient process that can treat multiple trouble areas of the body in a matter of minutes. Cooling plates are placed on the targeted site to keep the skin cool and comfortable. Then, the SculpSure applicator targets the fat region with concentrated heat, bringing the temperature of the fat cells to an unsustainable degree. This disrupts the unwanted fat cells in a process called controlled hyperthermic lipolysis. Your body will then naturally filter out the disrupted fat cells. No sutures, no compression bandages, and no downtime. 

Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers are soft tissue fillers that restore volume and smooth out fine lines to replenish the youthful radiance of your skin. They work quickly to reduce the signs of aging and have minimal downtime, lasting anywhere from six months to two years.

While there are several different types of dermal fillers, the most prevalent are composed of hyaluronic acid, which your body creates naturally and is responsible for keeping your skin firm, plump, and smooth. The dermal filler is injected into the targeted areas you choose, helping to restore volume loss and smooth lines and wrinkles.

Botox

Similar to dermal fillers, Botox is another non-invasive method to smoothing out lines and wrinkles. Botox, also known as a neuromodulator, works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. There is no downtime associated with Botox, and sun exposure will not affect it. However, wear sunscreen to help prolong your results.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Dr. Gray uses the most versatile and advanced CO2 laser features, the Cynosure®SmartSkin, that can even out skin tone, smooth skin texture, tighten skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Fractional laser resurfacing harnesses precise laser technology that targets irregularities in the skin texture and tone by inducing the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are agents that help keep our skin plump and firm.

Non-Invasive Rejuvenation in San Francisco

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience, Dr. Leonard Gray is a genuine master of rejuvenation and reformation. His patient-centered practice will ensure that you are not only satisfied with your results, but you’ll enjoy the process along the way.

For more information about any of the services offered to help rejuvenation your skin this summer, contact us by phone at (415) 434- 8858 or online to schedule your consultation today.

Dermal fillers are taking the plastic surgery industry by storm because of their ability to restore volume to the face, smooth lines and wrinkles, and enhance or improve the face’s natural contours.

While most people have heard of the term dermal filler and understand what it is, what most people don’t know is that there are several different kinds that each offer unique benefits.

If you’re considering dermal fillers, but you’re not sure which one will work best for you, here is a guide on the most common fillers being used in the industry.

Belotero®: Lips and Under-Eye

For loss of volume in the tear trough area, that small area underneath the eyes that often appears dark or sunken, the subtle filler known as Belotero is often used. It is composed of a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body. When compared to other hyaluronic acid fillers, Belotero is thinner in constancy, which makes it perfect for the delicate under-eye area or even the fragile lines around the mouth. Because of its thinner consistency, it reduces the look of puffiness that can sometimes occur with other unnatural dermal fillers.

Radiesse®: The Wrinkle Fighter

Radiesse can be used for all other areas of the face except for the lips and tear trough areas. Radiesse is composed of tiny calcium-based microspheres that are similar in consistency to the calcium found in our bones. When injected into areas such as cheeks or deep lines around the mouth, this filler instantly restores fullness and structure to the face by lifting sagging skin and boosting collagen production over time. Radiesse’s results are natural without and void of the unwanted “puffy’ or “overdone” look that is too often associated with fillers. Results will have people wondering what you’ve done to look so fresh but unable to figure it out themselves.

Juvederm®: The Multi-Tasker

Juvederm is the number one in wrinkle correction and volume replacement. Like Belotero, it is composed of hyaluronic acid with just a bit thicker of a consistency that can help improve hollow areas on the face where additional volume and structure have been lost.

There are two different types of Juvederm fillers: Juvederm XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus.

Juvederm XC is used to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles. It has the ability to smooth lines without the look of puffiness.

Juvederm Ultra Plus is the first choice for lip enhancement. Unlike other fillers, this product draws in water to give the lips a soft and supple appearance without the dreaded “duck lip” look.

Dermal Fillers in San Francisco, CA with Dr. Leonard Gray

San Francisco based board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Gray has perfected his technique in dermal fillers to help avoid the unnatural looks often associated with them. His results are natural, subtle enhancements to your features that will boost your radiance and confidence. Dr. Gray is committed to patient satisfaction, safety, comfort, and long-lasting results. Which dermal filler is right for you? Find out more by contacting Bay Area Plastic Surgery for a consultation with Dr. Gray. Also, be sure to view our non-surgical facial rejuvenation page for more non-surgical facial procedures.