Dermal Fillers

While the most common substance used to create dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid, each formula is a little bit different. Gel consistency and the size of the particles in hyaluronic acid fillers can make a difference in how the filler works and behaves. Hyaluronic acid fillers look exceptionally natural and are used in all areas of the face.

Other fillers, such as Sculptra®, use poly-l-lactic, a synthetic polymer to fill in facial wrinkles, which has the added benefit of encouraging the skin to produce collagen, which makes this filler last longer than many other formulas.

Radiesse® is made from calcium hydroxyapatite, which uses calcium microspheres in a watery gel. Radiesse® can also improve collagen production and overall contour of the face.

While dermal fillers are used to fill in the wrinkles caused by collagen and volume loss, Botox® and equivalent products work very differently. They are used to treat dynamic wrinkles, caused by repetitive facial movements, and work by partially limiting the movement of facial muscles. Botox® and fillers are administered in the same way, but they are used to treat different problems.

The results from dermal filler treatments will last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years on average, depending on the type and formula of the filler. The area treated and patient lifestyle are also factors in the longevity of facial fillers. Basic hyaluronic fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane® are expected to last about 6-12 months, although newer formulations may last much longer. Fillers like Sculptra® and Radiesse® can produce improvement that lasts up to two years. How long fillers last also depend on the area being treated. For example, injections under the eyelids tend to last for a much longer time than injections in the lips. However, every person is different, and it’s up to you to decide when it’s time for a touchup procedure.

Dermal fillers are very versatile, and the list of uses just keeps growing all the time. Currently, more unusual uses for dermal fillers include:

• Filling in the tear troughs under the eyes to minimize “bags” and hollows
• Rejuvenating the hands
• Camouflaging jowls
• Cheek augmentation
• Temporary improvement of acne scars

Aside from the normal swelling and bruising following each treatment, the chances for more serious side effects are very small. Rare risks may include:

• Allergic reaction
• Delayed severe swelling
• Skin discoloration
• Infection
• Very rarely, arterial embolization leading to blindness or tissue loss

In the last few years, major filler manufacturers have introduced new formulas targeting specific areas of the face. These include Juvederm Voluma® XC (for augmenting the cheek area) and Restylane® Silk (for lip enhancement). Though both of these fillers are hyaluronic acid bases, they are optimized for the use in these specific areas, and are designed to produce beautiful, results for these uses. Voluma® XC is formulated to last longer than traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, up to 2 years, while Restylane® Silk is injected into the high movement area of the lips, and should last 6 months to a year. For the right patients, these new formulas can be the perfect treatment, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t consider specialized fillers.

With all the options available, it can be difficult to know which filler to choose. That’s where our Emory cosmetic surgeons come in. Our experts can assess your needs and use their extensive knowledge of different fillers to recommend different options for you.

There is no specific age that is “too young” for fillers. The only requirement is that the patient must be an adult who can benefit from the treatment. People age at different rates, and while some patients come in when they are in their early 30s, other people don’t start seeing significant signs of aging until much later. When to seek filler treatments is an individual decision.

Unlike the rest of the body, the face tends to lose fat rather than gain as aging progresses. Bone mass and collagen also start to fade, and collagen production slows down, causing the face to lose volume and the skin to sag, losing the firm, smooth appearance of youth. All of these factors together cause a hollow look, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

While the process may seem straightforward, performing dermal filler treatments properly requires a great deal of skill and in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy. You should only seek treatment from a qualified cosmetic surgeon, like our highly trained staff at Emory. Do not sacrifice quality for cost in dermal filler treatments. To get the best value for your investment, you need to choose the right provider to perform your treatments.