What Are My Options With Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to help restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. These cosmetic injectables offer a way to address signs of aging or augment facial features without undergoing surgery. They are composed of various materials, both naturally occurring and synthetic, and can be used in different areas of the face to achieve specific aesthetic goals. Here’s more information on fillers:

Plumping Lips

A common application for dermal fillers is lip augmentation procedures. Lip filler can add volume, define the shape of the lips, and correct asymmetries. Individuals may seek lip fillers to restore volume that has diminished with age or to enhance the natural size and shape of their lips for improved facial harmony.

How Do Fillers Work?

When injected into the lips, dermal fillers work by physically adding volume to the tissue. The filler integrates with the lip tissue, and its gel consistency allows it to hold a new, fuller shape. The procedure is performed with precision to provide a balanced and natural-looking result.

What Are the Different Types?

Several types of fillers are suitable for lip augmentation, with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers being the most prevalent. Treatments are tailored to the individual’s anatomy and their desired outcome. A primary component in many lip fillers is hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. HA helps maintain the hydration and plumpness in the skin.

Some fillers are designed for subtle definition, while others are formulated to provide more significant volume. The choice of filler depends on the patient’s goals, and the effects are temporary, lasting for several months before the body naturally absorbs the material. Some other types of filler are:

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): PMMA fillers provide a more permanent solution by including tiny microspheres that remain under the skin after injection. These microspheres offer structural support while promoting enhanced collagen production. PMMA is common for deeper wrinkles, folds, and scars.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): This type of filler is known for its ability to stimulate natural collagen production while providing immediate volume and structure. The results are long-lasting, typically persisting for up to a year or more.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA): PLLA fillers work by encouraging the body to rebuild collagen over time, making them ideal for addressing facial volume loss. While results may appear gradually over several months, the effects are more durable, often lasting up to two years.

Reducing Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Dermal fillers are effective at addressing static wrinkles and fine lines, which are the lines visible when the face is relaxed. These lines can include:

Nasolabial Folds: Which run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Marionette Lines: Which extend from the corners of the mouth downward.

By injecting filler directly beneath these creases, practitioners can lift and smooth the skin, making the lines less prominent. The filler provides support to the skin’s structure, and it helps to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Volumizing Cheeks

As people age, the cheeks can lose volume, leading to a flattened or hollowed appearance. Dermal fillers can restore this lost volume and recreate the contours of youthful cheeks. This procedure involves injecting a denser filler deep into the cheek area to lift the skin. Restoring cheek volume can have a secondary lifting effect on the lower face, which may also help to soften the appearance of nasolabial folds.

Learn More About Dermal Fillers Today

Dermal fillers offer options for facial rejuvenation and enhancement, from plumping lips and cheeks to reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Each treatment is customized to your specific needs and aesthetic goals. Contact a cosmetic dermatologist to schedule an appointment and learn how dermal fillers can benefit your skin.