Dermal fillers are a common option in the field of aesthetic medicine. As minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, they are designed to help restore volume and smooth lines in the face and certain areas of the body. The general purpose of these gel-like substances is to add subcutaneous volume, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds. The market contains a variety of filler products, each with distinct properties and intended uses.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances specifically developed for use beneath the skin’s surface. When administered by a trained provider, these products work by physically occupying space to add volume and structure. This process can help diminish the appearance of lines, restore fullness to areas that have experienced volume loss, and contour specific facial features.
The effects of dermal fillers are temporary. Depending on the product used, the area treated, and an individual’s metabolism, results can last several months to over a year. The body naturally absorbs most filler materials over time. Because each person’s anatomy and aesthetic goals are unique, a treatment plan is always individualized. A provider will assess facial structure and skin quality to recommend an appropriate course of action.
What Types Exist?
Several categories of dermal fillers are available. Their primary ingredients and functional characteristics distinguish them from the others. Notable types of fillers include:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the body, helping to keep skin hydrated and plump. HA fillers are the most common type of dermal filler. They have a soft, gel-like consistency and their effects are reversible.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Calcium hydroxylapatite is another naturally occurring substance, found mainly in bones. CaHA fillers can be thicker than HA fillers and are often used for deeper lines and wrinkles. Results from CaHA fillers may last for a year or more in some patients.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA): Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic, biodegradable substance. Products like Sculptra use PLLA to function as a collagen stimulator. Rather than filling a wrinkle directly, PLLA works by encouraging the body to produce its own collagen over time.
What Are They Used For?
Practitioners use different fillers to address a wide array of aesthetic concerns on the face and body. The selection of a specific product depends on the treatment area and the patient’s goals. Common facial applications include:
- Lips: Adding volume and defining the lip border.
- Cheeks and Temples: Restoring volume to create lift and contour.
- Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines: Softening the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth and from the corners of the mouth down to the chin.
- Under-Eye Hollows: Reducing the appearance of shadows and hollowness in the tear trough area.
Following a treatment, some temporary swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection sites is common. Patients are usually advised on what to expect for downtime. Periodic touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the effects.
Meet With an Aesthetic Specialist
Pursuing treatment with dermal fillers begins with a consultation with a qualified and licensed aesthetic specialist. During this initial meeting, the provider will conduct a thorough assessment of your facial anatomy, skin condition, and aesthetic objectives. This evaluation allows them to recommend the most suitable type of filler and determine the appropriate number of syringes for your treatment plan.
