What are Facial Fillers and How Do They Work?

Botox and dermal fillers are cosmetic treatments that are given by injections, usually in the doctor's office. They are minimally invasive, meaning they don't involve surgery. However, that is where their similarities end. Dermal fillers contain ingredients that add fullness to areas that have been thinned due to aging.

This thinning is common on the cheeks, lips and around the mouth. Dermal fillers, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, are substances designed to be injected under the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness. Using a qualified medical provider, such as a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or cosmetic surgeon, helps ensure that the procedure is performed safely and appropriately. Individuals should discuss provider experience and training in dermal fillers and Botox before making a decision. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin. They are designed to create a softer or fuller appearance, or both.

The FDA regulates dermal fillers as medical devices. As reported in clinical trials, the effects of most FDA-approved dermal fillers are temporary because they are made of materials that are eventually broken down and absorbed by the body. It may be necessary to repeat the injection procedure to maintain the desired effect. Facial fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to smooth wrinkles and make them less noticeable. The injection of a facial filler is usually an outpatient procedure that is done with anesthetic medications.

The procedure lasts up to an hour. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and smooth wrinkles or improve facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime. Synthetic gels are the most common facial fillers. There are different brands, but they are grouped by the body's natural substance that they mimic. This includes calcium hydroxyapatite and hyaluronic acid, a sugar protein that attracts water.

Some are stiffer and swell the skin more than others. Unlike other fillers, autologous fat injections require surgery because they remove fat from another part of the body. Polylactic acid is a synthetic dermal filler that is injected into the face and causes the body's own production of collagen. This type of dermal filler is known as a stimulator. This non-toxic and biodegradable substance has been used for more than 40 years as a suture material.

Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the most temporary option and are therefore often recommended for patients using fillers for the first time. While many facial fillers provide immediate results, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), some of them will require several treatments over the course of weeks or months for optimal benefits, followed by occasional touch-ups. The consistency of a CaHa filler is usually thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and usually lasts longer, about 12 months for most patients. A licensed healthcare professional must perform all dermal filler procedures using only FDA-approved fillers injected with a syringe. The Juvederm dermal filler collection is incredibly versatile and includes specialized fillers that are designed to address specific problems. For example, softer fillers are used on the lips, while stronger fillers may be desired to improve the cheekbones. See FDA's Tips for Using Dermal Fillers Safely and Learn the Difference Between Dermal Fillers and Botulinum Toxin Injectable Products.

The cost of dermal filler treatments varies and depends on the provider performing them, the area being treated, and the type of filler selected. Injecting dermal fillers into the face and hands can improve the appearance of facial lines and volume loss caused by age or certain medical conditions. Dermal filler procedures can be costly, which has led some consumers to turn to the online black market to buy DIY fillers. Injectable dermal fillers can fill thin lips, improve superficial contours, smooth facial folds, remove wrinkles, and improve the appearance of scars. The Restylane filler collection is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and offers results comparable to Juvederm fillers. For example, some patients only use fillers to contour the lips, tip of nose, and cheeks, while other patients combine contouring and anti-aging concerns with a single filler treatment.

Carole Toussant
Carole Toussant

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