What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a cosmetic dermatology procedure involving specific substances injected beneath the skin to add volume, reduce wrinkles, and restore a youthful appearance.

These fillers, made from hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite materials, help rejuvenate the skin by smoothing lines and enhancing facial contours.

Filler injection results are typically immediate; the procedure is known for its minimal downtime.

Filler Injection Types

Various dermal fillers are designed to address specific cosmetic concerns and achieve particular aesthetic goals.

Common filler types include:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): These fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, use a natural substance in the body to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance lips.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Radiesse is an example of a CaHA filler, which stimulates collagen production and is often used for deeper wrinkles and volume loss.
• Polylactic Acid (PLLA): Sculptra is a PLLA filler that stimulates collagen over time, providing gradual and long-lasting results for facial volume restoration.
• Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): Bellafill is a PMMA filler that provides structural support and is used to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles.
• Autologous Fat Injections: This involves using a person’s fat, harvested from another body part, to add volume and improve contours.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP is derived from the patient’s blood and, when injected, can stimulate collagen production and enhance skin rejuvenation.
• Collagen Fillers: While less common today, collagen-based fillers were historically used for various cosmetic purposes. Many modern fillers have replaced traditional collagen options.

The choice of filler depends on factors such as the specific area being treated, the desired outcome, and individual preferences.

What’s Involved in a Filler Injection Procedure?

Before undergoing a dermal filler injection, you’ll talk with a healthcare professional about what you want to achieve and any health concerns you have. They’ll clean and numb the area with topical anesthetic to make you more comfortable.

Then, using a tiny needle, they inject the filler where needed, to smooth wrinkles or add volume. Sometimes, they might gently massage the area.

After watching for a short time to ensure everything looks good, you can go home.

You’ll receive post-procedure instructions, which might be a follow-up appointment to check on progress.

The entire injection process is quick, and you should immediately see the results.

The Benefits of Injectable Filler

Injectable fillers offer a range of benefits for individuals seeking non-surgical cosmetic enhancements, including:

• Wrinkle reduction
• Volume restoration
• Natural-looking results
• Quick and convenient treatment with little to no downtime
• Immediate results
• Customizable with different types of fillers catering to specific cosmetic concerns and Individual preferences.
• Non-invasive
• Temporary and reversible

Fillers can address various concerns, including lip enhancement, cheek augmentation, and under-eye hollows, offering versatility in cosmetic applications.

Certain fillers stimulate collagen production, contributing to prolonged results and improved skin texture.

It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss individual goals, preferences, and the most suitable filler options for achieving desired cosmetic enhancements.

Do Dermal Fillers Pose Any Health Risks?

While dermal fillers are generally considered safe when administered by qualified healthcare professionals, like any medical procedure, they do come with potential risks and side effects.

Common health risks associated with dermal fillers include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Redness
• Itching
• Discomfort
• Vascular complications
• Filler migration and asymmetry
• Nodule formation at the injection site
• Tissue necrosis

While rare, infection is possible post-procedure, so follow your healthcare provider’s instructions; similarly, although uncommon, inform your provider of any known allergies, as allergic reactions can occur with filler injections.

Am I a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

The short answer is “most likely.”

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about dermal fillers.

Dermal fillers are often used to improve wrinkles and signs of aging. It’s essential to be healthy and avoid allergies to the filler materials. You should have realistic expectations about what dermal fillers can do.

It’s generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and if you’ve had recent skin issues, wait until your skin has fully healed.

The best way to know if dermal fillers suit you is to talk to a filler expert at Advanced Dermatology, P.C., during your initial consultation. We can understand your needs and give personalized advice on whether fillers are a good option for your cosmetic goals.

Dermal Fillers V.S. Botox Injections

When it comes to facial rejuvenation, patients often ask us, “Are dermal fillers better than Botox?” The truth is that each option has its advantages and targets different face aesthetics.

For instance, Botox injections are primarily used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle movement, such as laugh lines and crow’s feet. On the other hand, dermal fillers add volume and fullness to areas that may have lost elasticity, such as the cheeks and under-eyes. Additionally, you can expect the effects of Botox to typically last 3-6 months, whereas fillers can last up to 2 years.

Some patients choose to utilize one treatment over the other, while others use both treatments simultaneously. Our cosmetic dermatologists will help you decide which treatments are best for your aesthetic goals.

Enhance Your Features with Targeted Dermal Fillers at Advanced Dermatology, P.C.

Say goodbye to wrinkles and lost volume. Explore the benefits of dermal filler treatments provided by our experienced team at Advanced Dermatology, P.C. Rediscover fullness and embrace a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are injectable fillers?

Fillers are injected beneath the skin to fill in territories of the face where extra volume is wanted and to smooth out wrinkles. Also called dermal fillers, most are made out of hyaluronic acid while others are made of an engineered biodegradable substance called polylactic acid. Fillers are most popular by their image names including Juvéderm, Restylane, and Sculptra.

Are injectable fillers safe to use?

Yes. While facial fillers are generally safe, taking these steps can help ensure your safety: Use a licensed, well-trained, and experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon to inject the filler. Always have the procedure done in a medical setting, not in someone’s home or at a mall kiosk.

How are injectable fillers used?

Patients who have moderate or profound wrinkles should seriously think about injectable fillers. They can smooth the lips and wrinkles around the mouth. Underneath the eyes, the territories where dark circles grow additionally can be improved, alongside crow’s feet around the edges of the eyes that are noticeable while grinning. Advanced Dermatology offers dermal fillers which can also improve the appearance of some facial scars, particularly those from skin inflammation, and acne.

Do injectable fillers hurt when applied?

It is not unusual to experience some mild discomfort and swelling at the injection sites, however, this should be temporary and usually resolves itself within a couple of hours of your procedure. Your dermatologist can offer some numbing cream that can be applied topically. Numbing medication can also be injected if you request it, however, most patients come in and get their fillers without anything that’s applied topically.

Will fillers make my face look fat?

There’s always this constant balance because a youthful face is typically a more full face. So it won’t make your face look fat, but you will look lifted. And there is a big difference. If you look at someone and can tell from a mile away, “Oh they’ve had fillers,” it may be someone who has been doing too much filler. The result is a condition typically referred to as “pillow face.” Even famous celebrities have fallen victim to over-injection.

What is BOTOX® treatment?

BOTOX injections are neurotoxins that relax the muscles. They are injected into the problem area, and those muscles relax, causing a smoother appearance of the skin. BOTOX is best used on signs of aging caused by repetitive movement—that is, wrinkles in your forehead, lines between your eyes, frown lines, and similar wrinkles. Many younger people use BOTOX as a preventative because it stops the repetitive movements that cause wrinkles in the first place.

How do dermal fillers help in addressing signs of aging and enhancing facial features?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances, usually made of hyaluronic acid, that replenish lost volume in the face. They add plumpness and decrease the signs of aging. Fillers are best used for wrinkles that appear even when your face is at rest, such as those under your eyes and lips, and sleep wrinkles on your cheeks. They could also create fuller lips or a plump look to your cheeks.