Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers”, they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles. They can smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses). Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples. Diminish vertical lip lines. Plump & enhance the lips. Smooth out a chin crease, and improve symmetry among facial features.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA approved HA fillers include:
- Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, VOLLURE
- Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane ContourBelotero Balance
- Revanesse Versa
- The RHA collection: RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most individuals. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.
Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (meaning it is safe to use in the body), biodegradable synthetic substance. It has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid products are technically classified as “collagen stimulators,” as their main mechanism to smooth fine lines is by helping your skin rebuild natural collagen—the filler gel itself dissipates a few days after treatment. Poly-L-lactic acid is typically used to treat deeper facial wrinkles, and results can last more than 2 years. FDA approved Poly-L-lactic acid fillers include Sculptra® Aesthetic.
What to expect from your Dermal filler treatment?
Just before the actual treatment, the area will be cleaned, and you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to injection. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment. Your provider will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically beneath the skin. Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Expect some immediate swelling which typically peaks between 48 and 72 hours after. You can use ice-packs and over-the-counter pain meds as-needed. We recommend have a couple days social holiday and to avoid exercise and salty foods for at least 24 to 48 hours just so they don’t get more swelling.
While the injection area may look out of sorts for the first couple days, be patient. Unevenness and lumpiness immediately after a treatment is completely normal. It may take up to two weeks for the swelling to completely subside and the filler to fully incorporate into the tissue to see those final, natural-looking results. Don’t be afraid to call your provider with questions or concerns.Your follow-up appointment will likely be 2-4 weeks after the initial treatment where your provider can then accurately build more volume or make necessary adjustments.
How long the effects of dermal fillers will last depends on the product, the area of treatment, and the individual Generally speaking, the denser the product is and the more deeply it is injected, the longer it will last, although this is not a hard and fast rule.
Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the most temporary option, and therefore are often recommended for first-time filler individuals. These will typically last from 6 to 18 months. Injections to the lips will wear out a little faster than those to the nasolabial folds. Certain HA fillers, such as VOLUMA, are formulated to last longer, but are usually limited to certain areas, such as the cheeks.
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