Dermal Fillers

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, plump and shape the face and lips to restore volume, smooth lines, and deep wrinkles, and elicit a more youthful appearance. They’re an excellent alternative to plastic surgery.

What is in Dermal Fillers?

Plastic surgeons use several types of injectable dermal fillers composed of both naturally occurring and synthetic substances. Even though they’re commonly referred to as wrinkle fillers, dermal fillers can be used to address a variety of concerns including thin lips, facial volume, rough skin surface, smile lines, and other visible signs of aging.

4 common ingredients for dermal fillers are:

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps keep skin hydrated and voluminous. Hyaluronic acid fillers often treat facial depression from injury or acne scars and deeper wrinkles and fine lines throughout the face.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like natural compound found in human bones. It’s used in injectable fillers to improve facial volume and moderate to severe furrows such as nasolabial folds.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic filler that stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. It’s often used to smooth laugh lines and plump lips.

Polymethyl methacrylate

Polymethyl methacrylate is considered a semi-permanent filler commonly used to treat deeper wrinkles, fill out pitted scars, and add volume to thin lips.

How do I choose the right dermal filler for me?

Dermal filler products are all subject to pros and cons, and vary greatly in terms of the main active ingredient, longevity, density, and texture; depending on what you’re seeking treatment for, some fillers may be better for a specific area than others. For instance, thicker fillers are usually used to enhance contour and cheekbones, while soft fillers are preferred for use in lips and shallow wrinkles.

The Medical Doctor will consult with you to determine which dermal filler will most effectively cater to your specific goals so that you can achieve the best possible results!

How long do injectable Dermal Fillers last?

The longevity of results depends heavily on which dermal filler procedures you receive.

Calcium hydroxylapatite and hyaluronic acid fillers typically last up to 12 months because their molecules are larger and easier to break down in the body.

Poly-L-lactic Acid produces gradual results by continuously stimulating the body to produce collagen that builds voluminization over time. Its effects can last up to 2 years.

Thick wrinkle fillers like Polymethyl methacrylate can last up to 5 years because their material is more resistant to break-down.