Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injections that plump up wrinkles and smooth lines on your face. There are several types of dermal fillers. Healthcare providers usually inject dermal fillers in the areas around your eyes, mouth nose, face and hands. This common cosmetic procedure typically produces results right away, and can last months or years.
What are
Dermal Fillers?
Dermal filler injections are a type of nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. Dermal fillers plump up wrinkles, smooth lines and restore volume in your face. Your healthcare provider injects these substances just under your skin.
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People choose to get dermal fillers to enhance their facial features or gain a more youthful appearance. This elective treatment usually takes less than half an hour, and recovery time is minimal. Results are seen right away and last months to years depending on the type of filler and the location.
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There are several kinds of dermal fillers. Your healthcare provider will discuss your options with you.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DERMAL FILLERS?
The types of off-the-shelf fillers include:
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Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring acid in your skin. It gives your skin volume and keeps it hydrated. With age, your body stops making hyaluronic acid. Results from HA injections usually last six months to a year. Restylane® is a commonly used type of HA filler.
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Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a type of filler that consists of a substance you have in your bones. Results from these fillers typically last around a year. Healthcare providers usually use CaHA fillers for deeper wrinkles. Examples of CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.
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Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a substance that helps your body create its own collagen. Healthcare providers usually use poly-L-lactic acid to smooth deep wrinkles on your face. The results can last two years or more. Types of PLLA fillers include Sculptra®.
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Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers consist of collagen and very small balls that stay under your skin after your healthcare provider injects them. The balls give your skin volume and keep it firm. Bellafill® is one type of PMMA filler.
WHY ARE DERMAL FILLERS USED?
As you age, your body starts to lose collagen. Collagen is an important substance that exists all over your body, including in your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Decreased amounts of collagen in your skin causes skin laxity (loose) and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity and starts to sag.
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You may choose to get dermal fillers to:
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Add volume to sagging skin
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Make your facial features more symmetrical
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Plump up lips and cheeks
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Smooth wrinkles and creases in your face
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DERMAL FILLER PROCEDURES?
Many people see results of dermal fillers right away. The injections usually take less than an hour, and you can get them right in your healthcare provider’s office. Because it’s a nonsurgical treatment, recovery time is minimal.
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Depending on the type of filler, results can last months or even years. Some fillers work for more than two years. Dermal fillers are also typically less expensive than elective surgical procedures.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME AFTER GETTING DERMAL FILLERS?
Everyone’s recovery time is different. Your recovery time depends on:
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How many areas your healthcare provider treats
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The type of filler you got
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Your overall health
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Most people can get back to the activities they enjoy right after getting dermal filler injections. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking a break from rigorous exercise or physical activity for a day or two, though.
