Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a specific category of injectable substances that the FDA has approved to restore lost facial volume and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers do just what they sound like: they fill in an area where deficiencies exist to add volume where it’s been lost.
Regardless of the type of dermal filler injected into the skin, they all have a common thread: target lines and wrinkles and add volume. And unlike neurotoxins, which relax the muscles to improve fine lines and wrinkles, dermal fillers work by drawing water to the area to plump it. Within the dermal filler, category are different types of fillers depending on the active ingredient and formulation of the filler that causes a plumping effect. There are a handful of different dermal fillers in the aesthetic world, and the most commonly used brands include:
Types of Dermal fillers
Different dermal fillers are used depending on the area to be treated and the skin’s current state. Some are better suited for lifting, while others work wonders for plumping and filling in. During your consultation, your injector will discuss the different options and determine your best treatment plan.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
- Stimulates collagen production
- Adds volume
- Smoothes texture
- Decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- HA exists naturally in the body
- It lasts up to a year
The Results
Unlike neurotoxins, the results of dermal fillers are immediate. You’ll notice a more youthful and refreshed appearance with more volume in the face and a smoothing effect of wrinkles before you leave your appointment. Some patients need more than one treatment session to build upon their results and achieve their desired results; others can accomplish their goals in one session. There’s also no downtime or recovery with most dermal fillers, so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
Even if you don’t opt for a collagen-stimulating filler, you may still reap the benefits of added collagen with HA fillers. That’s because injecting the product stimulates fibroblast activity to create new collagen. So although it won’t be nearly as much collagen as with a collagen-stimulating filler, there is still some benefit.
On average, the results of dermal fillers last six months or longer, depending on what is injected and the area treated. You may need touch-ups after the initial appointment to round out the effects to achieve optimal results. A good skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle will help improve the results and longevity. Different fillers have different compositions, giving way to longer-lasting results. For example, Juvéderm Voluma and Sculptra can last up to two years. Others, like Restylane, can last about six months.