As we age our youthful appearance defined by prominent cheekbones, supple cheeks and lips, and sharp jawlines, start to change aided by gravity, hormonal changes, bone reabsorption and receding fat pads. The end result is volume loss and sagging, wrinkled skin. Aside from taking measures to limit and reduce the aging effects of volume loss such as embarking on a healthy diet, balancing hormones, being on a topical anti-aging skin care regimen and taking healthy supplements, limiting alcohol consumption, eliminating smoking, reducing stress and sun protection we can replace volume loss by getting dermal filler injections.
request an appointmentWhat are Dermal Filler Injections?
Dermal fillers are substances that are injected subcutaneously to restore volume to areas of the face or other parts of the body like the dorsum of the hands that have lost volume, to reduce or eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, or improve facial contours.
How Many Types of Fillers are Available?
There are 5 types of fillers used for restoring volume.
What are the 5 types and what are the differences among them?
Hyaluronic Acid based fillers (most commonly used) . Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in skin and through the body. HA fillers are temporary fillers lasting mostly 6 to 12 months in some cases up to 2 years (Voluma). HA fillers are reversible by using hyaluronidase. The most common types of HA fillers are Juvederm products: Juvederm XC, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure; Restylane Products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyneand Restylane Define and Belotero. HA fillers are used to fill superficial and deep wrinkles and folds depending on the type of filler used.
Calcium Hydroxylapetite Filler (CaHA) is found in bones, made of calcium particles and suspended in a smooth gel. CaHa fillers are thicker than HA fillers and last longer (12 -18 months). CaHa fillers helps stimulate natural collagen production and are used for deeper lines and wrinkles. They are not reversible. They are known under the name Radiesse.
Poly-L-lactic Acid filler is a biodegradable synthetic substance. Its main mechanism of action is to help skin rebuild natural collagen (collagen stimulator) and is used to treat deep facial wrinkles and folds. Results last > 2 years. These are not reversible and known under the name Sculptra.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a biocompatible substance, that is suspended under the skin in the form of a “microsphere” or tiny ball that remains under the skin indefinitely. PMMA also contains collagen, is used for deep wrinkles and folds, and is not reversible. PMMA is a semi – permanent filler and is known under the name Bellafil.
Autologous Fat Injections is the use of ones own fat via limited liposuction. Once the fat is harvested it is micronized using a filtration process and is then injected into the area of concern. Fat injections last many years.
What are the Benefits of Fillers?
Fillers restore volume to areas of the face that have lost volume, smooth and erase fine lines and wrinkles, plump and enhance the lips, and improve symmetry among facial features.
Are fillers Safe?
Fillers are very safe when performed by well trained practitioners with experience.
Are Fillers Painful?
Fillers can be mildly painful but with the use of appropriate anesthetic agents the pain can be minimized or even eliminated.
How Long Does it Take to Inject Fillers?
Most fillers can be injected within 10 to 20 minutes
Is there any downtime associated with Filler Injections?
There is no down time after filler injections. One can go back to their normal activity immediately.
What are Common Side Effects?
Most common side effects are bleeding, swelling, redness at injection site, infection, pain at Injection site, or allergic reaction. A rare side effect is vascular blockage leading to skin necrosis, paralysis, or blindness.
What are the Common Contraindications to the Use of Fillers?
Common contraindications to fillers are pregnancy/breast feeding, allergy/hypersensitivity to Fillers and components of fillers, active infection/skin disorder near the site of infections, autoimmune diseases and, recent treatments with lasers or chemical peels.
For more information about fillers please call our clinic at (703) 992-9815.
