Dermal Fillers

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are medical grade substances (there are many types) that are injected into the skin to fill and smoothen out wrinkles. The substances injected can be reabsorbable, semi-permanent, or permanent, each with their unique advantages and disadvantages. Contrary to Botox, which weakens the underlying muscles to smooth out the wrinkles, dermal fillers fill up the wrinkles and can add volume to tissues. Dermal fillers can be used in areas where botox cannot. Hyaluronic acid fillers include: Perlane, Restylane, and Juvederm.

Procedure:

Done as an office procedure, dermal fillers can be injected to correct frown lines, forehead furrows, nasal-labial folds, and marionette lines.

Recovery:

After the injections, there is no down time. Depending on the dermal filler used, the effects can last, on average, six to eighteen months.

Risks and Complications:

All treatments expose patients to risks and complications. In cosmetic procedures, all efforts are made to minimize these risks, but they cannot be completely eliminated. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon as part of your decision making process.