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Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, so smile lines and crow's feet become more apparent.
Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, so smile lines and crow's feet become more apparent.
The facial skin also stretches a bit, adding to this loss of facial volume. Other factors that affect the facial skin include sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle.
The facial skin also stretches a bit, adding to this loss of facial volume. Other factors that affect the facial skin include sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle.
What Dermal Fillers Can Do
- Plump thin lips
- Enhance shallow contours
- Soften facial creases and wrinkles
- Improve the appearance of recessed scars
- Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
- Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids
Dermal fillers can be very helpful in those with early signs of aging, or as a value-added part of facial rejuvenation surgery.
What Dermal Fillers can't do
For some patients, surgery such as a facelift, brow lift or eye lift may be the best approach. Minimally invasive rejuvenation treatments, such as soft tissue fillers, cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time when consideration of a facelift becomes appropriate. It is important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and that ongoing treatments will be needed for long-term results.
Who is a good candidate for Dermal Fillers?
You may be a good candidate for dermal fillers if you:
- Are physically healthy
- Don't smoke
- Have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance
- Are committed to maintaining good skin health
Different Types of Dermal Fillers
Safe, FDA-approved products include hyaluronic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite or the person’s own body fat. The doctor will work with each person and recommend the most appropriate one based on the person’s skin type, age and other factors, also considering the effect that the person wants to achieve.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin’s connective tissue. Its safety and effectiveness have made it the most common filler used in cosmetic facial procedures. Injections of hyaluronic acid can soften fine lines and creases and restore fullness to the skin.
The difference between hyaluronic acid products is the size of the particles, which are designed to address different wrinkle depths: smaller particles for fine lines and larger particles for deeper wrinkles and folds. Examples of Hylaluronic Acid Fillers:
The difference between hyaluronic acid products is the size of the particles, which are designed to address different wrinkle depths: smaller particles for fine lines and larger particles for deeper wrinkles and folds. Examples of Hylaluronic Acid Fillers:
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite treats deeper wrinkles and skin folds. It can help the doctor contour the jaw line and restore volume in and around the cheeks. These injections may last up to three years when used to fill wrinkles and up to one year when used for contouring.
Example of a Calcium hydroxylapatite filler: RADIESSE®
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
This filler consists of microspheres suspended in a collagen-based gel. The gel provides immediate volume that lifts the skin to soften wrinkles and acne scars. The microspheres stay in place and provide structural support for smoother looking skin.
Examples of Polymethyl Methacrylate Filler: Bellafill®
Poly-L-lactic Acid
Originally developed to treat severe facial wasting in HIV infection, this treatment is now FDA-approved to address facial aging. Injections last up to two years.
Examples of Polymethyl Methacrylate Filler: Sculptra
