I hate my malar creases! Can I have filler to correct this problem? (Photo)

Funia,   Congratulations on getting your tear trough filled.  If you were happy with that with your injector then go back and share your current concerns.  Viewing your photos, it seems that either botox or additional fillers will all that you will need.  You are very beautiful and just a little more botox and/or filler would address your issues.  Thanks and Good Luck.

There are many ways to treat dark circles, as well as under eye wrinkles and bags. It is important to note however, that the majority of times the cause for discoloration is genetic and due to the viability of the blood vessels below the skin. A combination approach is always needed to get the best results in this area and this includes: topical skin care, laser and/or radiofrequency treatments, and fillers if placed appropriately. All my patients are on topical lightening agents, typically a vitamin C serum product in the AM and a brightening agent and/or a vitamin A based product in the PM. Sun protection is essential.Resurfacing and tightening are essential. My patients get offered a menu of options, for which a combination gives the best results. Light salicylic acid peels help give textural and pigment improvement; nonablative lasers (Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant) can be used to tighten and improve fine lines/wrinkles and crepe skin; fractional radiofrequency devices (Sublative, Viva) are cutting edge and improve texture, tone, and wrinkles with very little downtime; radiofrequency with pulsed electromagnetic fields (Venus) are amazing for puffiness and bags, in patients who do not want eyelid surgery; appropriately placed fillers can replace lost volume, cover up the vessels and fat pads below improving the appearance -- patients should pick a well experienced practitioner to prevent complications such as Tyndall (blue discoloration) and irregularities, one that uses a cannula for injection will help give results with little bruising or swelling; microsecond Nd:YAG laser treatments (Laser genesis) has produced dramatic improvement in discoloration in some of my patients and is safe in dark skin types, similar to the radiofrequency devices. For lifting, ablative laser resurfacing such as co2 laser combined with monopoloar radiofrequency deep heating (thermage) give amazing results. The key is for a patient to see a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in all the latest devices and techniques so the persons goals can be met by a combination approach of individualized treatments and skin care. In some cases, those who smile and have crepe skin or under eye wrinkles, a small amount of neurotoxin (botox, dysport, xeomin) strategically placed in the lower eyelid skin can improve wrinkles dramatically and give the eye a more "open" appearance.

Dear Funia15You are absolutely correct that injectable fillers have revolutionized treatment of the midface over the past 10 years. While I used to perform midface lift procedures from 2002 to 2006, now most of those procedures are now replaced with fillers in the office with relative minimal cost and longevity of results. Most often, fillers in the tear trough last more than 6 months and usually closer to 9 months. The cheek itself will last from 6 months to 1 year depending on type of filler used. The festoon area, (upper outer cheek) is a little different as it will itself look different day to day and more often fillers for that will only last 3-4 months as over-correction is a bad idea. Look for experienced and properly trained surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

You are experiencing early descent of your cheeks creating a submalar crease as well as accentuated nasolabial depressions. You also have noticeable smile lines ("crow's feet").The former will respond very well to fillers. There are choices and I would let the decision be made after appropriate consultations. The latter is treated by muscle attenuators such as Botox or Dysport. You should expect excellent results in the hands of an experienced injector.

Good Morning:What you are experiencing is a natural progression in facial aging. You are first hand witnessing depletion and descent of the malar (cheek) fat pad, loss of the bony prominence of the cheek, as well as overall skin laxity. The natural result of these 3 forces working together is to emphasize the depth and appearance of the MeloLabial Folds to the left and right of your mouth and nose. Lucky for you, you are living in one of the most exciting times for facial aesthetics, especially involving injectables. More and more products are being introduced on the market (Voluma, Restylane Lift, Perlane, Radiesse) which give experienced practitioners many options to use to address the changes you are seeing on your face. In addition, there is a greater exchange of information happening between practitioners involving advanced techniques, etc. all of which benefits patients.How I would address your MLF's would emphasize recreating your natural cheek prominences, working with a filler in your midface zone. (This is a relatively new technique - last 5 years - for addressing MLF's) It is important to ask to see your practitioners examples of before and after, so that you don't achieve an overfull chipmunk look in the midface and that the result is natural looking. Adding volume and support in this zone decreases the depth, angularity and appearance of the MLF's around your mouth and nose. Most likely, I would use some of the product, or a different filler, to address and make small corrections in what remains of your MLF. Remember, most people in midlife still have MLF's, the difference between those of us who look depleted vs. those who are fresh, is often the depth of these folds. The goal should not be total obliteration of the appearance of these folds, as overfilling may contribute to an unnatural 'simian' appearance in the lower face.I hope this information helps!