All types of skin, even African American skin, unfortunately, succumb to the common effects of aging. No matter your skin, the fact is that at some point, wrinkles, fine lines, volume loss, and signs of sun damage are likely to show up. Not every skin tone experiences aging at the same rate, but the human face will start to develop age-related changes due to a breakdown of collagen, elastin, fat, and more. African American skin has unique characteristics that set it apart from other skin types, including more melanin (the skin naturally produces it) and thicker skin. This influences how African American skin ages, but it doesn’t mean it is exempt from it either.
To counteract the changes that aging brings about, dermal fillers are often a go-to solution to restore lost volume, smooth out lines and wrinkles, and give a refreshed appearance. However, to make the most of the treatment, a personalized approach should always be taken, as well as following a specific post-injection aftercare plan, since different skin types have different needs.
Using Dermal Fillers in Darker Skin
Dermal fillers have a place in an anti-aging skincare routine for African-American skin, just like they do all other skin tones and types. Just because your skin is darker doesn’t mean that certain fillers or injectables are off-limits. All injectables can be used across the board in all ethnicities to help minimize and correct the signs of aging, especially since volume loss in darker skin is a more pressing concern. What does matter is the approach taken since fillers are not a one-size-fits-all treatment and needs, goals, skin types, and the degree of aging ultimately dictate which filler products are best.
The most popular dermal fillers are formulated with hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to a specific face area to restore volume and fullness in the face. Dermal fillers can also improve the look of hollow contours and add structure and definition to the face. Some dermal fillers are thicker while others are thinner, and your skin type determines which one is best. Using the most appropriate filler can enhance your appearance and create balance. This allows the face to appear more youthful so you shine with radiance and confidence from within.
Post-Treatment Filler Care
After receiving fillers, there are plenty of dos and don’ts to follow to ensure the best results possible. Immediately after the treatment, make sure to ice the area to help limit swelling and bruising. Arnicare is also a cream that your injector may apply directly aftertreatment, or have you take home to apply for the next several days to prevent and diminish any bruising that may occur due to your filler treatment. You will likely also be told to avoid exercising, hot baths, steam baths, saunas, and cryotherapy so that the skin can heal properly and the filler can take its final form. Many Injectors also instruct their patients to massage the treatment area for a few days post-treatment to reduce the risk of lumps forming from the filler.
It’s also important to sleep properly. How to sleep after dermal fillers can actually impact the final results. The best sleeping position after a filler treatment is on your back with your head elevated using a pillow. You’ll want to avoid sleeping on your side, face, or stomach for about two weeks post-treatment since the filler can take up to 10 days to settle fully. Sleeping positions after dermal fillers is crucial because too much pressure can cause asymmetry or complications.
Darker skin has the potential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risks. This is because dark skin always risks hyperpigmentation and keloids forming due to excess melanin, so always take the proper precautions, and ask your Injector for advice on how to avoid these unwanted risks.
Our Medspa Commitment: Experts in Diverse Skincare
In your dermal filler journey, it’s essential always to find a med spa and expert injector who understands the needs of ethnic skin. Anti-aging treatments should always be customized to your treatment goals to achieve your desired outcome, and applying these treatments to African American skin is no different.
Our team is dedicated to offering inclusive beauty options and personalized dermal filler aftercare to make the overall experience more enjoyable while helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. This specialized approach to treating a wide range of diverse skin types and tones allows us to help all skin types in their anti-aging routines. Even long after your skin has healed and the effects of dermal filler take hold, it’s essential to continue with touch-ups to minor the progression.
The best results and outcomes from dermal fillers and their anti-aging treatments are always achieved when considering a host of factors such as skin tone and type, facial structure, and musculature. Make sure that your treatment plan is always personalized to your skin type and aesthetic goals for the best results.
