How can dermal fillers rejuvenate skin?

As we age, the skin loses some of the most vital nutrients that keep it looking firm and radiant. Dermal fillers can help patients achieve a rejuvenated look by adding volume to areas that have lost plumpness, leading to a more tired, aged look, and can also fill in wrinkles and lines for a more youthful appearance. Many dermal fillers can also be used to augment the lips, sculpt the facial contour, and even improve the appearance of scars such as acne scars. Some dermal fillers even include revitalizing properties that will help improve the appearance of the skin on a cellular level, helping to either replace lost nutrients, or help stimulate important proteins that contribute to healthy, radiant skin.

What are fillers made with?

There are many dermal fillers available that help with a variety of issues. They also come in 3 different types: temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent. The type of filler is determined by the ingredients. The most common ingredients are:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body, most prominently in joints and in the skin. It is primarily responsible for providing hydration in the skin and assisting with cell functionality. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular, as they provide a very natural appearance, and are high biocompatible. This is a temporary ingredient, and results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) – Calcium hydroxylapatite is also found in the human body, specifically in human bones. However, when it is produced for dermal fillers it is created biosynthetically. It is great for moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles, and provides great volumizing effects. It is a semi-permanent filler and results last on average from 12 to 18 months.
• Poly-L-lactic Acid – Poly-L-lactic acid functions as a biostimulant. Upon implantation, these fillers encourage the production of collagen, which is a key protein in keeping the skin looking young and firm. Results will not be immediately, and peak results may take weeks or months to manifest, and results can last for up to 2 years. It is a semi-permanent ingredient.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) – Polymethylmethacrylate is a synthetic polymer that is used in many plastic products, but it also compatible within the human body. In the past, it was often used in contact lenses, and has been used in combination with bovine collagen as bone replacement. When used in fillers, PMMA is included in the form of a microsphere. PMMA fillers are semi-permanent, and full results may not become apparent until up to 3 months after injections.
• Autologous fat injections – Autologous fat injections, also known as facial fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that is considered the most permanent filler solution. With these injections, fat must first be taken from another area of the body, typically using liposuction. After being purified, the fat is then injected into other areas requiring filling, including the cheeks, temples, or lower eyelids.

While dermal filler injections are an approved, safe, and effective cosmetic medical procedure, finding an experienced medical professional is imperative. A qualified dermal filler provider will not only ensure that the injections are effective, many of the risks associated with dermal injections occur only when the provider is not experienced. You should treat your search for a provider the same as you would any other practitioner of a surgical procedure. First of all, ensure that your provider has the medical training required to administer injections. If before and after pictures are not readily available, ask the practitioner for some patient pictures prior to booking your injections.

What is the best filler for treatment?

The best filler for your treatment will vary by your needs and the goals of your dermal filler treatment. This is another reason why finding the right dermal filler provider is important, as they will be able to best determine which filler products to use to address your needs. While there are many brands on the market, there are a few popular brands that are often used: Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, Radiesse, and Sculptra are a few.

Which filler do I need?

The filler you need depends on what issue you’re trying to address. If you’re looking to smooth under the eyes, Juvederm, Restylane, or fat injections may be the right choice. For cheek lifting and enhancing, Belotero Volume, or Restylane Lyft may be suitable. For smoothing marionette lines or chin wrinkles, Juvederm, Belotero, or Restylane work well, with Radiesse also being a good choice for chin wrinkles. Juvederm and Volbella are a suitable choice for lip augmentation, while Volbella, Belotero, and Restylane Kysse are great for vertical lip lines. Nasolabial folds can be addressed using Juvederm, Belotero, Restylane, Radiesse, or Sculptra.

When you should consider dermal fillers?

If you are concerned about the volume and definition of lips, eye bags, and wrinkles around the eyes, nose, and mouth area, or about whether your skin looks tired and old, then dermal fillers may be the perfect solution for you! Dermal fillers are quick, minimally-invasive, and have few risks associated with them. They are a great facial rejuvenation option that does not include surgery, and therefore require little to no downtime for recovery. Keep in mind that it is much easier to prevent facial issues than it is to make them disappear, so sometimes the earlier the treatment, the better.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers are a safe and effective facial rejuvenation treatment and are becoming increasingly popular for patients who wish to have a more youthful, radiant appearance. They are long-lasting and very versatile, and can be used to help correct a number of facial and skin issues that can help individuals live a happier, more confident life.