Key Things to Know about Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers have become a very popular way to restore a more youthful appearance, plump lips and smooth wrinkles.
Learn about injectable dermal fillers and see how they can help you look your best.

1. What are fillers made of?

Most dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in our skin.

Others are made of Calcium Hydroxylapatite, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and poly-L- lactic acid (PLLA).

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are a gel that is injected into the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that helps keep the skin plump and hydrated by attracting water.

When we are young, our skin has enough hyaluronic acid to store the required amount of moisture and keep our skin fresh. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid naturally decreases—making us appear older.

Volume loss contributes to many visible signs of aging. Dermal fillers can replace the lost volume, restoring a more youthful face and enhancing facial features.

There are other types of fillers but Hyaluronic Acid Fillers are the most popular because of their high safety profile.

2. How are Botox/ Dysport different from fillers?

Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators that prevent the muscles from moving, thereby relaxing wrinkles. Fillers restore the lost volume and smooth the wrinkles.

Fillers and neuromodulators work well together to help balance the face, creating a well rested and balanced face.

3. How long do fillers last?

This depends on the area treated, the filler and the patient. In general, hyaluronic fillers last 6-18 months. To maintain optimal results, touch ups are periodically necessary for optimal results.

4. When should people start getting treatments?

Fillers can refine, define and restore. In younger patients, optimizing features like lip and chin augmentation, improving jawline definition and under eye circles are very popular.

Older patients require a more comprehensive approach, with special attention to restoring volume loss, creating a refreshed look without creating a weird look. Facial balancing and pan facial treatments have optimal results. They can be staged and done over time.

Sunken cheeks and temples, lines around the mouth and nose, above lip lines and more can all be treated.

An aesthetic injector needs to have both an excellent aesthetic sensibility and technical knowledge to create natural results. Good work is subtle and elegant.

Dermal fillers, neuromodulators, lasers, good skincare, along with exercise and a good diet, are a great way to flatten the aging curve.

5. Who is not a candidate for dermal fillers?

• Pregnant and breast feeding women are not candidates for fillers.
• People with a history of cold sores should be pretreated with antivirals before getting lip fillers.
• Fillers should be avoided for at least 2 weeks before & after any dental work, vaccines, and tattoos. This helps reduce the risk of infection, swelling and nodules.
• People who are having an active skin, sinus or dental infection should avoid fillers until they are well.
• People with a history of autoimmune disease are at a higher risk of complications and need to discuss this with their injector.
• People with severe allergies and anaphylaxis need to discuss this with their injector.