What are dermal fillers and how do they work?

Dermal fillers are synthetic materials used to correct wrinkles, depressions in the skin, and/or scarring. The skin is made of two layers, an outer layer called the epidermis and an inner layer called the dermis. The area between these two layers contains a jelly-like substance called hyaluronic acid. As we age the hyaluronic acid between the layers of our skin diminishes causing the skin to lose its natural volume and fullness thus creating wrinkles or folds. Dermal fillers replace the natural hyaluronic acid, producing volume under the wrinkle which is lifted up and smoothed out. When enhancing lips or facial contours, Fillers add volume and shape to the treated area.

Two dermal fillers proven to be most effective are Radiesse and Juvederm.

Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite, a naturally occurring component found in the bones and the teeth that appears to have no risk of allergic reaction when used as an implant and may have a biostimulatory effect that increases collagen production in the body.

Juvederm is a cross-linked, synthetic hyaluronic acid gel that works well in and around the lips.

What does it treat?
Fillers can be used for smoothing out folds and wrinkles, lip enhancements and shaping facial contours. Commonly treated areas are the nasolabial folds (from the root of the nose to the angle of the mouth), the glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), the droopy mouth corners, and thinning lips, although other sites can also be treated.

What is the procedure like?
Before the procedure begins, a topical anesthetic cream is often used to numb the treatment area of the face. If the procedure is for lip augmentation, anesthetic injections can be used. The filler gel is then applied under the skin in tiny amounts using a very fine needle. The procedure can be mildly uncomfortable with treatments around the lips and nose being the most sensitive. Most treatments take only 5 to 10 minutes however may take longer depending on the treatment area and the extent of the correction you wish to have performed.

What is the recovery time?
Recovery time varies tremendously from patient to patient and from session to session. If the procedure is on a smaller area many people can immediately resume their regular daily. Several days of recovery may be needed if treating a larger area. The most common complication of injectable filler treatments is bruising which usually will show up immediately after the treatment and last a few days. While the majority of patients do not get any bruising, for those who do, their bruising can easily be covered with makeup. Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil are just a few of the things that can contribute to bruising so best to avoid in the days immediately before your procedure. Afterwards apply ice, elevate, compress, and minimize strenuous exercise.

How permanent is the result?
While results vary from person to person, Radiesse typically lasts 9-12 months and Juvederm, depending on where injected, lasts 4-9 months.