Dermal Fillers

Kale and Butternut Squash Casserole

About 5 cups of kale, washed, de-stemmed, and shredded 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup butter 1 onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup goat cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 400 F. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and slowly add kale, tossing to coat evenly. Allow to cook approximately 5–7 minutes until tender. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add butternut squash. Boil for approximately 3–5 minutes or until soft. Remove from the heat and drain. Return the pot to medium heat and melt the butter. Add garlic, onion, salt, and pepper, followed by the kale, squash, heavy cream, and goat cheese. Stir to combine; then stir in nutmeg, salt, pepper, and parsley. Reduce heat to medium and allow to cook until mixture thickens. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch square casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs and parmesan. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms over the top of the casserole. Serve immediately.

What Exactly are Dermal Fillers?

By Dylan Roche

Not every cosmetic procedure has to be invasive—plenty of specialists are able to help patients achieve a more youthful appearance (and in turn, greater confidence) through simple noninvasive methods. One such example is dermal fillers.

The American Society for Plastic Surgeons explains that wrinkles form across the face because our tissue thins with age, but by injecting a gel-like substance under the skin, this procedure can compensate for the lost volume and smooth out the lines. Although dermal fillers won’t achieve the same effects as more complicated procedures like a facelift, they are a short-term solution that many patients find to be more affordable and more comfortable.

Each dermal fill will look slightly different based on what substance the dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon is injecting. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery explains that different fillers are best suited for specific purposes. Take hyaluronic acid as an example. This is the most commonly used filler, and it’s actually a naturally occurring substance in your own skin. Hyaluronic acid can be used for filling in acne scars, smoothing over the cheeks, or reducing lines around the eyes and mouth.

Another common injection option is the patient’s own body fat. In the case of fat injections, the surgeon will remove fat from a person’s abdomen or buttocks and then inject the fat into the person’s face. This option does pose some small risk, as it could produce discomfort in the area where the fat is sourced (commonly called the donor area).

If you’re considering dermal fillers, Harvard Medical School recommends seeking out an experienced, board-certified professional who can offer you guidance as to what type of filler you need to achieve your personal goals, as well as what you can expect in terms of results afterward. To find a professional who is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, visit americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/ find-a-cosmetic-surgeon-near-you.