Dermal Fillers

The popularity of dermal fillers has grown exponentially over the past few years due to their ability to restore lost volume and produce youthful results. Learn all about what they are, how they’re applied, and whether they’re the right fit for you.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are nonsurgical injectables with a consistency similar to gel that is injected into and under the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and restore volume in the face. One of the reasons why fillers are so popular among patients is that their effects are not permanent.

Some fillers can be medically dissolved if the patient wants to reverse their procedure or simply wants to start back from scratch. It will also dissolve on its own from six months to two years of application, giving patients the appeal of not having to commit to a lifelong cosmetic alteration.

dermal fillers

A Variety of Benefits and Options

Dermal filler injections have become the fastest-growing procedure in the aesthetic market. They are widely popular due to their versatile applications, natural appearance, and ability to be dissolved which makes them not only desirable, but relatively safe. Because of the variety of applications for which it can be used, filler has quickly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic applications in the world.

Filler can be a fantastic choice for patients who are looking to make small but effective changes to their facial appearance. With that said, getting filler is a big decision. It should be made under the guidance of an experienced provider as there are multiple kinds of fillers out there–each with its own benefits and recommended applications. To determine which option is the best fit for your lifestyle, history, and desired results, talk to a skilled provider.

Dermal Fillers

How Fillers Can Be Used

dermal fillers
The applications of filler are, for the most part, cosmetic. There are various kinds of filler are approved by the FDA for the same handful of uses, including:

  • Reducing the appearance of both fine lines and deeper wrinkles in the face
  • Adding volume to specific areas of the face, including the lips, cheeks, under eye, and jawline.
  • Adding fullness to different parts of the face to add definition or make the overall face appear more symmetrical
  • Reduce the appearance of acne scars, areas of fat atrophy, or areas of asymmetry post injury

Filler is a powerful and useful cosmetic option, especially among those who are new to injectables or who are hesitant to commit to a permanent or invasive procedure.

Types of Filler

Though “filler” is a popular umbrella term, it refers to a variety of products that differ in their uses and effects on the skin. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of filler and their applications:

Hyaluronic Acid

As a common staple in many skincare regimens, hyaluronic acid is a compound already found in the body as a hydrator and lubricant. As we age, the body’s production of hyaluronic acid decreases. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are especially good options for those who want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines anywhere on the face. It’s also effective at minimizing the appearance of several kinds of blemishes on the skin, including:

  • Acne scars
  • Burn marks
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • And more.

Juvederm and Restylane are two of the most easily recognizable brands of hyaluronic acid fillers and are also two of the go-to options here at Gayoso Plastic Surgery and MedSpa. These types of filler can last from six months up to 24 months.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite

As another compound naturally found in the human body, calcium hydroxylapatite has a long history of being used in reconstructive surgeries and even dental procedures. It’s also especially effective at reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles, like smile lines and frown lines. In studies, it has been proven to cause an increase in collagen and elastin production, so not only can you correct volume loss, but you can also improve skin texture and tightness. These results happen over the course of two to four months. In general, this filler can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

PLLA

PLLA, or Poly-L-lactic acid, is an interesting type of filler because its primary purpose is to stimulate the body into producing its own collagen. Because of its role as a stimulator, PLLA doesn’t take effect immediately. Instead, its effects will subtly take place over the course of a few months, leading to notable results over time. This is a fantastic option for patients who are looking for the most natural results possible.
Types of Filler
Is Filler The Right Fit For You?

Is Filler the Right Fit For You?

The fillers listed above are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the options that are available to you. If you’re interested in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, restoring volume to the face, or adding fullness to key parts of your face like your lips or cheeks, filler is a fantastic option to consider. With that said, specific filler recommendations can only be given when a detailed understanding of your specific wants and needs is reached. It is essential to talk to a provider who is well-versed in the various types of fillers and can help educate you to better understand why the filler chosen is best for you.

The Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers

It is common to get Botox and filler mixed up, or to assume that the two are generally the same–and it’s easy to see why: both substances are injected, and both are widely used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the face. With that said, Botox and dermal fillers are very different.

Botox works by:

Blocking the nerve receptors, so the muscles in the face are unable to move as they usually would

Preventing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles while the face is at rest

Fillers work by:

Filling in the “gaps” left by wrinkles and fine lines

Restoring volume in the injected area

Smoothing the face overall

The Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers carry with them an array of benefits, all of which go beyond pure aesthetic appeal. Of course, dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, add volume and elasticity to the skin, and add fullness to parts of the body that patients may be insecure about. On top of that, filler allows patients to take pride and confidence in their appearance, getting rid of potentially lifelong pain points and insecurities and feeling like the best versions of themselves.

Another notable benefit of filler is that it doesn’t have to come with a lifetime commitment. Dermal fillers will dissolve gradually within 6 to 24 months of application, and they can even be dissolved sooner than that by a medical professional if desired. They don’t affect or block your nerves, like Botox, and they are a non-invasive option for those who don’t want to deal with the high-maintenance recovery process of going under the knife.

The Benefits of Dermal Fillers
The Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Risks of Dermal Fillers

As is the case with any medical procedure, dermal fillers come with their own set of risks and complications, all of which are minimized if you work with a licensed medical professional and follow their aftercare instructions. At your consultation, your provider will discuss all risks in detail with you so you are educated on the risks. As always your safety comes first. We take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of complications and provide you with a safe and worry-free procedure.

What to Expect from Your Filler Procedure

Whether it’s your first time getting filler or you’re well-acquainted with the procedure, every healthcare practitioner may approach the process a bit differently. At Gayoso Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we’re passionate about making sure that your wants and needs are prioritized every step of the way. That’s why we prioritize open and transparent communication from the very beginning.

Preparing to Get Filler

First and foremost, you’ll set up a consultation with your provider to talk through your goals, your reasons for getting filler, and any other relevant information. That includes any medications you are currently taking, health conditions you have, and your history of cosmetic procedures. Together, you and your provider will decide on the type of filler that is the best fit for you.

During the Procedure

Similarly to Botox, injections can come with some discomfort, but it is usually very manageable without an anesthetic. Your provider will apply a topical anesthetic, administer the injections, gently massage the site, and observe the area to ensure that the administration was done correctly. After the injection is done, any markings will be cleaned off and you may be given a cold compress to help with soreness and swelling.

Best Practices for Aftercare

Best Practices for Aftercare
It’s very normal for your injection site to be sore or sensitive for a few hours or even days after the procedure. You may be instructed to avoid direct sunlight or strenuous exercise for a day or two after the injection, forego makeup for 24 hours, and skip any facial treatments for two weeks, so be sure to ask your physician what they recommend.

See if Dermal Fillers are Right For You

See if Dermal Fillers Are Right For You

Whether you’re fully ready to get fillers or simply interested in learning more about them, our team has got you covered. Schedule your first consultation with us to determine whether dermal fillers are the right choice for you.