Injectable Dermal Fillers
Injectable fillers are used to instantly fill in and smooth out wrinkles and folds in your face. While these products will not stop the natural aging process, they are used to restore volume in the face to create a more youthful look. Dermal fillers can be used to:
- Plump the lips
- Soften facial folds, lines and wrinkles
- Improve the appearance of depressed scars
What are the different types of fillers?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in our bodies, and therefore does not require allergy testing. It is commonly used to plump thin lips and fill facial creases such as the folds between the nose and mouth. It may also be used to improve the appearance of depressed scars. Depending on the product used, the results last 4 - 8 months. Examples of hyaluronic acid products include Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvéderm® and Prevelle®.
Sculptra Aesthetic is a new type of facial injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid, which helps to replace lost collagen. It helps correct shallow and deep facial wrinkles and folds that appear due to the aging process by replacing lost collagen. The main ingredient is a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic material that has been used by physicians for decades. It gradually increases facial volume over a series of several treatments, and results can last up to 2 years. Sculptra Aesthetic is suitable for:
- Deep folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds) also called smile lines
- The lines framing your mouth (marionette lines)
- Chin wrinkles
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound found naturally in our bodies. Of all the dermal fillers, it is the thickest product, and best to fill deeper creases such as the lines between the nose and mouth, the lines of the lower face, and creases around the mouth. It may also be used to restore volume to the cheek region and other areas of the face. A commonly used calcium hydroxylapatite product is Radiesse®.
Collagen is the classic dermal filler. Original formulations were difficult to use, due to rigorous allergy testing requirements and relatively short-lasting results.
Human fat, harvested from your own body during liposuction, can be carefully transferred to restore facial fullness, fill deep lines and augment facial contours. However, because surgery is required to harvest the injected fat and the results are relatively impermanent, this is a more extensive procedure than other injectable fillers.
