Dermal Fillers

What are 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, and nose. This common cosmetic procedure typically produces results right away and can last months or years.

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 cause skin laxity (loose) and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity, and starts to sag.

You may choose to get dermal fillers to:

• Add volume to sagging skin.
• Make your facial features more symmetrical.
• Plump up lips and cheeks.
• Smooth wrinkles and creases on your face.

  Some medications prescribed to treat medical conditions such as HIV and AIDS can cause thinness in your face. Some people choose to get dermal fillers to restore volume to their face after taking these medications.

How common are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are very common. Every year in the United States, more than 3 million people choose to get dermal fillers.

What are the types of dermal fillers?
There are many types of dermal fillers. In addition to “off-the-shelf” fillers that use synthetic (manmade materials) and substances that naturally occur in your body, healthcare providers can use fat from your own body. Healthcare providers call this procedure “autologous fat grafting,” where they remove fat from one part of your body and inject it into your face.

The types of off-the-shelf fillers include:

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.
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®.
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®.
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.
Your healthcare provider will review the types of dermal fillers and discuss the right option for you. Talk to them about setting realistic goals and the results you can expect after getting injections.