Injectable fillers – Soft-tissue fillers – Soft-tissue augmentation
Dermal fillers provide a safe and effective strategy for diminishing or erasing early signs of aging. The passage of time, exposure to the sun, and heredity all contribute to a loss of fullness in our hands and faces. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles become more visible and other areas appear sunken.
An experienced cosmetic surgeon can help you achieve a more youthful appearance with dermal fillers. There are several types of fillers that have been approved by the FDA for these specialized applications. When you discuss your aesthetic goals with your cosmetic surgeon, he or she can recommend a plan that best fits your situation.
Introduction
Some of the dermal fillers that are currently approved include:
- Calcium hydroxyl apatite
- Collagen
- Hyaluronic acid gel
- Poly-L-lactic acid
- PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)
Who Is a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
A person who is in good overall health and wishes to:
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- Diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles or folds on the face
- Add fullness to areas of their face and/or hands
- Improve facial features without undergoing cosmetic surgery
- Reduce the appearance of scars
DERMAL FILLERS procedure
- Dermal fillers are used to restore volume to areas where bone, fat, and muscle are depleted. They can also be used to reconstruct or improve contours. Temporary dermal fillers last 6-8 months, semi-permanent fillers last 8-18 months, and permanent fillers can last five years or more.Examples of their use include:
- Eyes – diminish lines around the eyes, add volume beneath the eyes, and improve eyebrow appearance
- Cheeks – dermal fillers add volume to the cheeks
- Lips – adds precise definition with or without increasing the fullness of the lips
- Hands – restores volume to hands to decrease the signs of aging
- Jawline – fillers can be used to enhance and augment the shape of the jaw
- Nose – the contour of the nose can be modified with dermal fillers
- Wrinkles – fillers are used to soften folds and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, forehead, and nose
- Scars – fillers are used to diminish the appearance of depressed scars
- Face – injecting fillers into the temples, cheekbones, and jaws helps to restore lost volume
- Prior to the injection, you may need to test for an allergic reaction.
- If anesthesia is needed, it will be applied first.
- The dermal filler will be injected in a relatively short period of time
- While the filler is being applied, you may experience a burning or stinging sensation.
- You may want to ice the area before leaving, to reduce swelling and redness.
- mmediately following your dermal filler application, you can return to light activities.
- Avoid sun exposure
- Follow all of your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions regarding activities and cautions
Options to combine with Dermal Fillers
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- Lip Enhancement
- Microdermabrasion
- Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing
Notes
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
Are you considering a Dermal Fillers? Visit our Find a Surgeon Directory to find a highly-qualified cosmetic surgeon near you.
Reviewed by J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and skincare in Lafayette, Louisiana.