Photo Credit: Brittony Croasdell
Dermal fillers are now an essential part of the cosmetic industry. They offer non-surgical options for those looking to enhance their facial features or counteract the effects of aging. Over the past decade, the demand for minimally invasive procedures has risen, with dermal fillers taking center stage.
Approximately 5.3 million dermal filler procedures were administered in 2023, which continues to grow as more people seek a natural look. The growing popularity is also due to advancements in filler materials and techniques, which now provide patients with customizable, longer-lasting, and safer options. From hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane to collagen-stimulating agents such as Sculptra, the range of products available allows practitioners to tailor treatments to the specific goals of each individual.
One of the biggest trends in dermal fillers is the focus on natural beauty and subtle enhancements. Long gone are the days when patients wanted obvious, dramatic changes to their appearance. Today, more people are seeking results that blend naturally with their features. Patients are finding more targeted solutions as new formulations hit the market — like fillers designed specifically for areas like the under-eye and jawline. These fillers are developed to integrate smoothly into the skin, providing lift and volume without causing the skin to appear puffy or stretched.
Brittony Croasdell, Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of Fulcrum Aesthetics, offers a thoughtful and highly individualized approach to dermal filler treatments. As a seasoned expert in aesthetic medicine, Croasdell believes that the key to achieving natural, harmonious results is fully understanding each patient's unique facial structure and anatomy.
"A deep understanding of facial anatomy is crucial to achieving balanced, harmonious results with dermal fillers,” says Croasdell. “I always consider the individual structure of each patient’s face to ensure the filler enhances, rather than overwhelms, their natural features."
Croasdell understands the importance of precision and subtlety in her practice. She avoids over-applying fillers, opting for a gradual enhancement process that allows the patient’s natural beauty to shine through. By carefully analyzing the patient's face, Croasdell can strategically place small amounts of filler in key areas—such as the cheeks, lips, or jawline—to restore volume and create definition without overpowering the facial structure.
Avoiding the overdone look is a primary concern for many patients seeking dermal fillers today, and Croasdell's approach addresses this head-on. According to her, there are three key signs that fillers have been over-applied: animation deformity, the Tyndall effect, and exaggerated facial structures. Animation deformity occurs when too much filler restricts the natural movement of facial muscles, causing bunching or stiffness during expressions like smiling.
The Tyndall effect—a bluish hue that can appear under the skin—happens when fillers are injected superficially or excessively, particularly around the under-eye area. Finally, overly exaggerated facial structures, such as a "moon face" or unnaturally sharp angles, can disrupt the natural harmony of the face and lead to an artificial appearance. Croasdell’s focus on balance and subtlety helps her avoid these situations and ensures that her patients achieve natural results at rest and during movement.
Croasdell serves on the Complications in Medical Aesthetics Collaborative board, advocating for best practices in the aesthetics industry. She is committed to empowering others through education and has helped build Fulcrum Aesthetics into its thriving business today.
In addition to Croasdell, her husband and co-founder of Fulcrum Aesthetics, Dr. David Hill, works alongside her and plays a key role in providing these treatments. Together, they offer various aesthetic solutions for many diverse needs. Croasdell and Dr. Hill ensure their patients achieve natural, balanced results that enhance their unique beauty by carefully selecting the right products, techniques, and treatment plans.
Written in partnership with Tom White
