Have you ever thought about removing wrinkles around the mouth or deep creases underneath your eyes? What about improving thin lips that have lost their volume? It’s no secret that our youthful appearance diminishes as we get older. That’s because our skin starts to lose its elasticity and plumpness as we age. This will eventually result in fine lines, wrinkles, hollows, and folds. While there is no anti-aging cure (yet), there are methods to help us get back more youthful-looking skin. One way is by injecting dermal fillers.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, and enhance facial contours. Nowadays they are becoming more popular than ever, with more than one million people each year choosing this type of minimally invasive, nonsurgical cosmetic procedure.
Dermal fillers are injected underneath the skin to help improve many signs of aging by:
- Smoothing out fine lines around the mouth and nose
- Adding volume to hollow cheeks and sometimes hollow areas under the eyes
- Erasing vertical lip lines
- Plumping the lips
- Softening facial creases
- Enhancing facial symmetry
What types of dermal fillers are available?
There are several different dermal filler products that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are classified by the type of substance they are made from. You should always make sure you are receiving FDA-approved, brand-name fillers, which are only available through a licensed physician.
Types of dermal fillers include:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar that is found naturally in the body, including the skin, eyes, and joints. While HA keeps our joints cushioned and lubricated, it also helps keep our skin soft, hydrated, and bouncy. This type of dermal filler typically produces results that last between 6 and 12 months, and sometimes up to 18 months. The body will eventually absorb the HA filler. Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Belotero ®, and Revanesse® are just a few of the HA fillers that are approved by the FDA.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Like HA, calcium hydroxylapatite is found naturally in the body, particularly in the bones. This type of dermal filler, which can also help the body build new collagen, consists of a smooth gel containing calcium particles. Results are expected to last about a year. One FDA-approved CaHA filler is Radiesse®. These fillers last on average about 12-18 months. While they can stimulate new collagen which can improve volume over time, the body will eventually absorb CaHA filler.
Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid has been around for quite some time and has been used in dissolvable stitches and other medical devices. Although Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic substance, it is deemed safe for use in the body, and it breaks down naturally. Commonly known as a “collagen stimulator,” this type of dermal filler helps your body build more collagen. Results do not appear right away, and you may need more than one treatment to get the results you want. However, the good news is that once you achieve your desired results, they can last for more than two years. Sculptra® is an FDA-approved Poly-L-lactic acid filler.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Like Poly-L-lactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate is a synthetic substance that is safe to use in the body. In fact, it has been used in medicine for the last 100 years. However, the body does not absorb these fillers, which take the form of tiny beads contained in a solution. This type of dermal filler also contains collagen. PMMA is often used as a more permanent solution, as it remains underneath the skin indefinitely. However, it may take a few months before you see the full effects. Bellafill® is an FDA-approved PMMA filler.
What risks and side effects are associated with dermal fillers?
As with any medical procedure, dermal filler injections are associated with some risks and side effects. Some dermal filler injection side effects are mild, but others may be severe or persistent. Mild side effects include:
- Bruising
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Itching
- Rash
The most severe side effects can occur from the accidental injection of dermal filler into a blood vessel. Although the chances of this are low, this can result in tissue death, stroke, or blindness depending on the area and artery injected. To avoid these complications, make sure you choose a provider who is experienced in using these products as well as someone who is well aware of facial, head, and neck anatomy.
If you develop any of the above side effects seek medical care immediately.
How do you determine which dermal filler is right for you?
There are many dermal filler products available, and your provider will help you choose the one that is right for you. Each product is designed with a certain substance, texture, density, and injection depth. One dermal filler may work better for one area while another dermal filler may work better for a different area. For example, Juvederm® Ultra may be used as a lip filler while Restylane® Lyft is used to enhance the cheeks.
If you would like to maintain your youthful-looking appearance, dermal fillers may be an option for you. If you would like to learn more, give our office a call.
Dr. Sergio Guiteau is a physician who has certifications in Aesthetic Medicine and is board certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine. He specializes in Anti-Aging Medicine and blogs on Advancedrejuv.com/blog