Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers have become an incredibly common and popular treatment for signs of facial aging. As we age, our faces lose volume and the skin stretches with gravity. Fillers help to restore volume and provide soft tissue support. There are a multitude of products available and they each have different properties and indications for use. The most common products are derivatives of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in skin that has a capacity to hold on to large amounts of water. This results in a volumizing or plumping effect. Common hyaluronic acid fillers include the Juvederm and Restylane product lines. They each have different properties and require skill and experience to ensure proper and safe usage.
Other fillers are available to add volume while stimulating the growth of collagen. This include calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) and Poly-L Lactic Acid fillers (Sculptra).
Common Filler indications:
- Soften and improve the appearance of facial lines and contours
- Lift and add volume to cheeks
- Plump and project lips
- Correct nasolabial lines (parentheses), tear trough (under eye hollowing), marionette lines and fine lines
around the lips and mouth - Correct temple hollowing
- Nonsurgical nose job
- Hand rejuvenation
Fillers may be used in combination with facial surgery to improve outcomes and restore lost volume. Dermal fillers are temporary and may last up to a year or more. Some fillers are designed to stimulate collagen, which has a permanent effect on improving skin quality and facial volume. Filler treatments will need to be repeated to maintain the effects over time.
