What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers, or soft tissue fillers, are products made from substances such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-l-lactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate or collagen. Fillers are long-lasting but temporary solutions that are administered in the comfort of our office. Products are selected based on each patient’s preferences and desired outcome.

Dermal fillers are scientifically-formulated injectable treatments, usually made from a naturally-occurring sugar: hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers can help reduce the appearance of aging skin on your face and hands by restoring soft, natural volume and can be used to treat:

Fine lines
Wrinkles
Creases between your brows
Sunken cheeks
Thin lips
Lip lines
Restoring volume to temples, cheeks, jawline, or other facial areas
Non-surgically reshaping your nose

Dermal fillers have the benefit of producing immediate improvements in a treatment that requires only minutes to complete.

Who Can Receive Dermal Fillers?

The dermal fillers that are used in our practice have naturally-occurring ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Those that have synthetic chemicals have been thoroughly studied for safety and efficacy. Therefore, there is no need for allergy testing before dermal filler treatment (other than collagen) and most patients are excellent candidates for this cosmetic solution to aging and other facial concerns.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Dermal fillers provide volume to the skin quickly, smoothing out wrinkles and restoring the youthful contours of the skin. Dermal fillers are very effective in stimulating the benefits of your body’s natural hyaluronic acid, which have gradually diminished with age. By replacing the hyaluronic acid that has been lost, these fillers provide individualized treatments to achieve your specific cosmetic goals. In certain situations, they may even support the synthesis of new collagen and HA.

Are There Any Side Effects to Dermal Filler Injections?

The side effects of dermal filler treatment are typically limited to mild, transient redness and swelling at injection sites. Minor bruising may also be noticed, but this is less common. Some people may notice prolonged swelling or the formation of lumps or bumps beneath their skin after a treatment. If these side effects occur, contact our office. We will schedule a visit or instruct you on what to do to handle your particular situation.

Are There Any Risks to Dermal Filler Injections?

Dermal fillers are generally safe but as with any treatment, there are potential side effects. The risks include (but are not limited to): swelling, firmness, lumps, pain, redness, bruising, itching, and vascular compromise. This occurs in less than 1% of patients in our practice. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking as these can increase the risk of bleeding or infection.