As we get older, our skin changes. Wrinkles and fine lines appear as the skin thins, and we often lose volume in the lips and cheeks. But you can achieve a younger and rejuvenated look without going through a facelift or eyelid lift.
Dermal fillers are becoming a popular option for people who want a more youthful look without surgery. Below is information about the most popular fillers and how they are used.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are synthetic substances that plastic surgeons inject into parts of the face to reduce lines and wrinkles without cosmetic surgery.
As we get older, the fat in the face that makes the skin look young and plump starts to break down and becomes less elastic. Losing this volume in the face can make the skin sag, and wrinkles and lines may appear around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
Dermal fillers can add plumpness to parts of the face that have lost volume, such as the cheeks and ‘crow’s feet’ at the corners of the eyes.
Different types of facial aging may require other fillers. For instance, the filler that can work well in the lines around the eyes may not work for the forehead. That’s why your healthcare professional will help you choose the best dermal fillers for your unique needs.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body near the eyes, cartilage, joints, and connective tissue.
HA contains a lot of moisture, and dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane have been formulated in gels to fill in medium-depth wrinkles and lines. Some of the areas where HA can help you include:
- Fine wrinkles and lines around the eyes
- Smile lines at the corners of your mouth
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Lines above your lips
- Horizontal lines on the forehead
HA fillers also can fill in some scars on the face temporarily.
Most patients find that they need more HA-based dermal fillers injected every six to nine months to maintain their results.
Ply-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)
PLLA is fully synthetic and does not occur naturally in humans, but it’s biodegradable.
Instead of filling in lines, PLLA stimulates the body to make collagen, filling in medium-depth lines such as those around the mouth. Some surgeons also use PLLA to make the lips plumper.
PLLA is a stimulant that encourages your body to make collagen so that you won’t see the effects right away. However, as the body starts to make collagen again, you should notice results in approximately six weeks.
Like all dermal fillers, you will need more injections to keep your results, but these injections can last one or two years.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
If you want a more long-term filler for facial lines, you may want to look at PMMA. Unfortunately, this is a synthetic polymer that isn’t biodegradable.
However, it’s been used for decades in prosthetic devices and dentures and has an excellent safety record.
One of the most well-known PMMA fillers is Belafill. FDA approved Bellafill in 2006 to correct lines around the nose and mouth. People who have one injection of PMMA may enjoy results for up to five years.
Some patients choose Bellafill because they don’t need to go in every six months or a year for injections.
This substance works particularly well on acne scars and moderate facial lines.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite works similarly to HA mentioned above. This is a mineral compound that happens naturally in the body, such as the bones. Most patients tolerate this filler well, and it is growing in popularity.
Radiesse and other fillers suspend the mineral in gel to make products that can treat severe facial lines, such as nasolabial folds between the mouth and nose. It also can help with smile and frown lines.
This filler also is popular to make the cheeks plumber and enhance the strength of the jawline. If you have issues with facial symmetry, consider having calcium hydroxylapatite fillers injected into one side of the face for your desired look.
Dermal Filler Aftercare
A significant benefit of dermal fillers is that downtime and recovery are minimal after each injection session. However, you may see some minor issues after your injections, such as swelling, bruising, and redness.
The good news is these issues usually resolve quickly, and most patients don’t even need to take a day off work. Some choose to have dermal fillers injected at lunchtime, and they go back to work.
Dermal fillers offer a short-term and medium-term solution to facial wrinkles and lost volume, so be sure to consider them as you think about cosmetic procedures.
Book Your Cosmetic Procedure Today
Interested in dermal fillers in Dallas? Schedule an appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Raja today. He will go over your goals, medical history and help you decide if dermal fillers are a good fit for you.
References
How To Choose A Facial Filler. (2021). Accessed at https://www.verywellhealth.com/facial-fillers-different-types-2710254
Dermal Filler Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/types