If you have heard of dermal fillers as a way to create youthful, radiant skin, you will probably be surprised at the many options available to you. Dermal fillers are increasing in popularity all over the world as a way to improve skin condition and correct lines, wrinkles, and scars. This procedure has become very popular in large part because the results are almost immediately visible. During a dermal filler procedure, a substance is injected under your skin. The wrinkles are diminished in two ways; because the substance takes up additional space underneath your skin, and because it can in some cases stimulate collagen production or growth of new cells. However, don’t confuse dermal fillers with a Botox procedure, as the latter affects the muscles in your face. What kind of dermal filler is right for you? What are the best facial fillers?
The Procedure
The procedure itself is relatively simple, and is not very time consuming. It is an outpatient procedure that can be done relatively quickly, and does not usually require significant recovery time. However, keep in mind that there are no magical solutions. Unlike plastic surgery or other, more invasive procedures, most dermal fillers are not permanent, and will have to be eventually repeated. Therefore, you have to consider the tradeoff between the downside of having to eventually repeat the procedure, and the upside of a short recovery time and almost immediate results.
If you do decide that dermal fillers are the right step for you, keep in mind that there are different types of dermal fillers, which could have different effects on your final results.
Blood-Based Fillers
These types of dermal fillers use the patient’s own blood as a filler. The blood is spun, or centrifuged, at high speeds in order to collect fibrin, a substance that helps blood clot. The substance is then injected into the area that will be treated where it will stimulate collagen production. Blood-based fillers usually have to be done every 18 months to keep the results. One of the main advantages of blood-based fillers is there is no chance of an allergic reaction. If you have fine lines or wrinkles, acne scars, or surgical scars, blood-based dermal fillers may be a good option for you.
Calcium-Based Fillers
If you are looking for treatment of sagging skin or deep wrinkles, calcium-based fillers can be a great option. These dermal fillers work to add volume to deep lines and wrinkles, and they also will encourage collagen growth. The results are not permanent, and patients tend to require treatment every 12 months.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is made of complex sugars that absorb the body’s water to plump up skin and decrease the signs of wrinkles. The treatments are usually less expensive than other types of fillers, but the first few treatments have to be replaced every six months. After that, treatment may only be necessary every 12 months.
Permanent Fillers
These fillers are usually used for laugh lines. There are two main permanent dermal fillers. The first filler injects silicone into the area to be treated. The other filler injects collagen microspheres. The body will partially absorb the collagen, leaving behind the microspheres that permanently smooth the skin. Both of these dermal fillers are not subject to the aging process and are permanent.
Polylactic Acid
Initially approved by the FDA to help patients that suffered from facial wasting due to degenerative diseases, polylactic acid was approved for aesthetic use in 2009. Since then, polylactic acid has become a popular choice as a dermal filler. Patients receive four different injections spanned over three months so the results are gradual. The results can last up to 24 months.
There are many different kinds of dermal fillers, and the best way to judge what filler is best for you is to talk with your plastic surgeon about your aesthetic goals.
References
Third party resources are provided for educational reference purposes only and have no association to The Derm Review. Always consult your medical advisor before making decisions.
Dermal Fillers
