Dermal Fillers
Skin Fillers
Dermatologists use facial fillers to replace lost hyaluronic acid. As we age our skin loses hyaluronic acid. Facial fillers are injected to fill in wrinkles and facial depressions that occur as we age and lose hyaluronic acid in our skin. With the advent of choices for facial fillers, a person can choose the best treatment for their specific needs.
Popular Fillers
Fillers can be used to treat superficial fine lines, facial folds and crevices and facial volume loss. They are temporary solutions to facial wrinkles and lines. Some of the more popular fillers include:
Juvéderm™
One of the newer additions to facial fillers, Juvéderm™ injectable gel dermal filler helps to instantly restore your skin’s volume and smooth away medium facial wrinkles and folds like your “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds–the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth). Juvéderm® comes in two formulations–Juvéderm® Ultra and Juvéderm® Ultra Plus. Treatment takes about 15 minutes with immediate results and no recovery time. JUVÉDERM® is the only (HA) filler FDA approved to last up to one year.
Restylane®
Restylane® is designed to smooth wrinkles and shape facial contours. It is a clear gel made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is found throughout your body. so it carries no risk of allergic reaction. It works best on fine lines and medium wrinkles. The most common areas for treatment are glabellar lines (area between the eyebrows) and the nasolabial folds (root of the nose to the angle of your mouth). Restylane binds with water so it is able to remain in your skin for up to six months.
Perlane
Perlane is an injectable filler used to treat deep facial wrinkles and lines. It is also used to contour the cheeks and chin. Similar to Restylane®, Perlane contains purified hyaluronic acid. It is hypoallergenic so it does not require a pre-treatment skin test. With its unique ability to bind with water, Perlane continues to perform up to 60% longer than collagen and will last up to six months before another treatment is needed.
What Are the Side Effects of Facial Fillers?
Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less). The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injections site reactions such as redness, pain, tenderness, firmness, swelling, bruising, itching and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures there is a risk of infection. Your dermatologist will consult with you on potential side effects.