Dermal fillers are a type of non-surgical cosmetic procedure used to fill in wrinkles, smooth lines, and restore volume to the face. Injections of these gel-like substances just under the skin can replace lost volume to help smooth wrinkles, fill lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. With so many dermal filler products on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the best option for you without the guidance of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Dermal fillers can be used to thin lips, improve shallow contours, smooth facial folds and wrinkles, improve the appearance of recessed scars, rebuild contour deformities in the face, and diminish or eliminate shadow from the lower eyelids.
The risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, but it is important to disclose your medical history prior to treatment as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications may jeopardize your safety or results. Inadvertent injection into blood vessels is the most serious risk associated with dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the more temporary option and are therefore often recommended for patients with first-time fillers. People should also be tested for allergies before receiving dermal fillers made with certain materials, especially animal-derived materials such as collagen.
Dermal fillers may not be suitable for people with certain conditions such as bleeding disorders or some allergies. A fat grafting procedure requires an additional step and is more complicated than receiving commercially available dermal fillers. The consistency of a CaHA filler is usually thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and usually lasts longer as well, approximately 12 months for most patients. The safe use of dermal fillers in combination with Botox and other treatments has not been evaluated in clinical studies.
Aesthetic facial surgeons use dermal fillers to reduce signs of aging, minimize skin depressions and scars, and treat fine lines and deep wrinkles or folds of facial skin. When considering dermal fillers, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits as well as the best type of dermal filler for you. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a more youthful appearance without surgery or downtime.