Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers contain a gel-like substance made from one of several ingredients. These include autologous fat injections, calcium hydroxyapatite, hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethyl methacrylate. Your provider injects the appropriate substance into your skin with a fine needle.
What is Filler?
Most commonly used dermal fillers are a hyaluronic acid based molecules. They are not actually acidic but they do attract water are occur naturally in your body. These molecules are assemble in chains that are linked together. These linkage patterns determine how smooth and how stiff they are. Our bodies naturally break these down and that is why the typical life span of a filler is 6-24 months. There are other types of fillers that have more firm and longer lasting results but these are not as commonly used.
How Does it work?
As we age our collagen (partly made up of hyaluronic Acid) under our skin breakdown and drop due to gravity which leaders to structural changes and skin folding. The goal of filler is to add back the fullness in the areas that have lost collagen and give support under the skin for a more youthful appearance. Filler can also be added in certain areas to change the appearance to correct defects, poor healing and atypical features. A syringe of filler contains 0.5-1.0mL of material which is little more than a teaspoon but does attract water molecules over time to increasing fullness even further. Studies have not only confirmed this but also that the act of injuring tissue by injecting filler stimulates your body to produce more collagen in that area.
What are common areas for Filler?
Lips, Marionette lines, Pre-Jowl Sulcus, Chin, Jaw Line, Cheeks, Under Eye hallows, temples, black triangles between teeth, nose
All these areas may take different types of fillers which depending on how mobile the area is and are price accordingly.
How do I know if I am a candidate for Filler?
It is easier to list who is not a candidate for Filler.
Allergy to not only Bees but Wasps, if you have both you have a higher chance of negative reaction.
Pregnant and nursing has not been studied or proven safe so you will need to wait until you are not.
Fever, chills or vaccine in the last two weeks.
A major event coming in the next few weeks like wedding or graduation.
If you have had a full surgical face lift or major facial injury. If you have, the plastic surgeon may be a better option for you.
If you have an Autoimmune disease that effects your muscle tone or activity like ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Scleroderma.
Keloid formation.
Immune-compromised individuals are a case by case basis and may need your treating physician to provide a medical recommendation.
Recent or upcoming major invasive dental procedure or infection.
How Often Can I get Filler?
This is individually based but the minimum amount of time to wait to treat the same area is two weeks to allow for full healing.
On label duration is 6-24 months for most fillers, although there are other less commonly used filler types that last 5 years or longer. These are not available at this practice due to possible side effects.
Types of Dermal Filler
Botox, Juvederm, and Restalyne are just three of the approximately one dozen types of dermal fillers on the market. Before you schedule a procedure, you will have a consultation with your provider to determine your goals for treatment. Specific cosmetic issues respond best to certain fillers, such as Botox for wrinkle reduction or Juvederm for lip enhancement.
Cosmetic Issues You Can Treat with Dermal Fillers
The type of dermal filler injection you receive depends on the problem and area of the face you want to treat. Below are the most common uses for dermal fillers.
- Add volume to the cheeks by lifting and enhancing them.
- Add volume to the lips.
- Cover acne scars.
- Eliminate crow’s feet.
- Eliminate frown lines.
- Give a softer appearance to the nasolabial folds.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Ready to take the next step towards a more confident you? Contact Allicia Lucich DMD to schedule your consultation.
