Dermal
Fillers
If you're looking for a way to restore lost
volume, smooth lines, or enhance facial
contours, dermal fillers might be a good
option. These gel-like substances are
injected under the skin and can help you
look younger without surgery or downtime.
It's a popular treatment, with over 1 million
men and women opting for it each year.
Plus, it's a cost-effective option for facial
rejuvenation.
Which Dermal
Fillers?
Different fillers are used to achieve optimal results based on their texture, density, and injection depth. Your provider will determine which product is suitable for you. However, it is helpful to know that physicians typically use certain fillers for specific areas, as shown in the diagram.
What are fillers made with?
FDA-approved filler products are classified according to the substance they are made from. To ensure your safety, always make sure that you receive FDA-approved fillers from a licensed physician.
One of the filler types is Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a natural substance found in the skin. It helps keep the skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. Their effects can last 6 to 12 months before the body absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers infuse Lidocaine to reduce discomfort during and after treatment. FDA-approved HA fillers are available.
Juvederm products, Restylane products, Belotero, Revanesse Versa, RHA collection of fillers
Types of Dermal Fillers
Radiesse/Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
It's a naturally occurring substance that can be found in our bones. When used as a filler, the calcium particles are suspended in a smooth gel and are almost microscopic in size. Compared to hyaluronic acid fillers, CaHA fillers are typically thicker and last longer, with most patients reporting about 12 months. CaHA stimulates natural collagen production, making it an excellent option for deeper lines and wrinkles. If you're interested in a CaHA filler, consider FDA-approved options like Radiesse
Sculptra or Poly-L-lactic Acid
This is a synthetic material that is both biocompatible and biodegradable, making it safe to use within the body. It has a long history of use in medical devices, including dissolvable stitches.
Poly-L-lactic acid products are known as "collagen stimulators" because they aid in producing natural collagen, which helps smooth out fine lines. The filler gel disappears a few days after treatment. These products are commonly used to treat deep facial wrinkles and can provide results that last for more than two years. Sculptra® Aesthetic is an FDA-approved Poly-L-lactic acid filler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect during treatment?
Before the treatment, the area will be cleaned, and you may receive a topical anesthetic to numb it before the injection. Filler products have lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, to reduce discomfort during and after the treatment. The provider will inject the filler under the skin using a needle or cannula. Dermal filler injections are non-surgical and can be done during a regular office visit. Consult with Dr. Hanson today about your concerns and goals
What to expect during treatment?
The length of the injection varies depending on the size of the area being treated, but on average, it takes around 30 minutes.
Is there any downtime after the filler injection?
After treatment, some patients may experience mild bruising and swelling, but these symptoms are temporary and should fade away within a few days. You can resume your regular activities immediately after the procedure, although you may be advised to avoid exercising or engaging in any strenuous activities for the day.
For how long do dermal fillers last?
The duration of their effects depends on several factors, including the type of product used, the treatment area, the patient's characteristics, filler density, and injection depth. If you are getting fillers for the first time, it is common to use hyaluronic acid fillers, which last between 6 to 18 months since they are temporary. Injections to the nasolabial folds or cheeks typically last longer than lips injections