Modern Aesthetic Institute · Dr. Chang · Bakersfield, CA
Introduction
Those deep “smile lines” that run from the edges of your nose to the corners of your mouth—known as nasolabial folds—can start to feel more like frown lines once collagen and facial volume decline. If you live in Bakersfield, CA and have wondered whether a quick office treatment could soften them, the answer is yes. At Modern AestheticInstitute, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Chang uses advanced dermal fillers to lift and smooth folds without surgery or downtime.
Why Nasolabial Folds Form
- Loss of mid-face volume as cheek fat pads descend
- Gradual collagen depletion (about 1 percent each year after your twenties)
- Sun exposure—hot Kern County summers accelerate elastin breakdown
- Repeated animation and genetics (some of us just smile bigger)
How Dermal Fillers Help
- Replace lost volume – Hyaluronic-acid (HA) fillers sit beneath the fold, creating a gentle lift.
- Boost hydration – HA molecules attract water, giving skin a dewy, youthful look.
- Stimulate collagen – Biostimulatory products such as Sculptra® encourage your own collagen to rebuild the area over several months.
- Support facial structure – Calcium-based or hybrid fillers can reinforce deeper tissues if folds are pronounced.
You’ll see softening right after treatment with HA fillers, while collagen-stimulating options improve gradually, peaking at about three months.
Dr. Chang’s Bakersfield Approach
- 3-D imaging consultation to map your facial proportions
- Micro-cannula technique that requires fewer entry points and cuts bruising risk
- Custom product blend—often a small HA bolus for instant lift paired with a collagen stimulator for staying power
- Follow-up check-ins by text to ensure you love the result and understand after-care (ice, gentle massage, no intense workouts for 24 hours)
Benefits Over Surgery
- No incisions or general anesthesia
- Back to normal activities the same day
- Fully reversible if HA filler is used (hyaluronidase can dissolve it)
- Wallet-friendly compared with a lower-facelift or fat grafting
Am I a Good Candidate?
You’re likely a match if you:
- Are 25–70 with mild-to-moderate nasolabial folds
- Want measurable improvement without weeks of recovery
- Can pause blood-thinning meds and smoking for at least two weeks
- Have realistic goals—softening folds, not erasing every crease
Still unsure? Dr. Chang offers complimentary consults to review options honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do results last?
HA fillers typically keep folds smoother for 9–12 months; collagen stimulators can maintain improvement for two or more years.
Will it hurt?
Most patients describe a pressure sensation rather than pain—about 2 out of 10 on a discomfort scale, thanks to topical numbing and lidocaine in the filler.
What about swelling or bruising?
Minor swelling is normal and fades within 48 hours. Bruising is uncommon with micro-cannulas but can be covered with concealer if it occurs.
Can fillers look fake?
Not in Dr. Chang’s chair. He layers product conservatively under muscle and fat pads, keeping facial movement totally natural.
How much does it cost in Bakersfield?
Expect an investment of $675–$950 per syringe; most patients need one syringe per side for balanced correction. Your exact plan and price are confirmed in person.
Ready to Smooth Your Smile Lines?
Book a personalized consultation with Dr. Chang at Modern Aesthetic Institute in Bakersfield, CA and discover how a 30-minute dermal-filler session can refresh your look—no scalpel required.
Call (661) 555-1234 | Visit 9500 Ming Ave, Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93311 | Request an Appointment »