Get the Lowdown on Dermal Fillers

Injectable treatments have become a popular way to address a host of cosmetic concerns without incisions, anesthesia or downtime. As their popularity has increased, so have the choices for patients. Today, there are a multitude of formulations for injectables that allow us to customize solutions to the specific needs of each patient. This has been particularly true for dermal fillers, treatments designed to work underneath the skin’s surface to produce a variety of enhancements to your appearance.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable formulations delivered into the underlying structure of the skin to produce dramatic improvements to your appearance. These solutions contain active ingredients that provide support to the aging structure of the skin, creating a smoother result on the skin’s surface. Dermal fillers were originally designed to smooth away fine lines and facial wrinkles, particularly those around the nose and mouth. While these treatments are still effective for this purpose, the different formulations available today offer a host of additional benefits as well.

Different Types of Dermal Fillers

At New Visage, we offer a variety of dermal fillers that allow us to address the different needs and desired results of our patients. These injectable treatments fall into three basic categories:

Dermal Fillers Containing Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by the body to help the skin locking in hydration and remain soft and supple. Over time, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, which can lead to a dry appearance and signs of aging. By restoring hyaluronic acid to the underlying skin structure, we can effectively reverse those aging signs, restoring a smooth suppleness to the skin.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers include:

• Restylane – used to treat creases from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds) and lines extending from the mouth to the chin (marionette lines)
• Restylane Silk – a smoother version of Restylane that lends itself well to treating fine vertical lines above the lips (smoker’s lines) and adding volume to the lips themselves
• Juvederm – like Restylane, this dermal filler can be used to smooth away wrinkles in the lower portion of the face
• Juvederm Voluma – a smooth formulation that is appropriate for restoring volume to areas like the cheeks and jawline
• Belotero – a unique hyaluronic acid-based formula that integrates seamlessly with your skin to add fullness and volume to the face

Dermal Fillers Containing Calcium Hydroxylapatite

The calcium hydroxylapatite found in some dermal fillers is a synthetic version of the same substance that is found in our teeth and bones. This formulation provides the dual benefit of filling in the underlying skin structure right away for immediate results, while stimulating the body’s own production of collagen for long-lasting results. Collagen is the substance found in skin that keeps it firm and supple. Over time, our bodies produce less collagen, which leads to loose skin and the appearance of facial creases.

Radiesse is the dermal filler containing calcium hydroxylapatite. This formulation is used to smooth away the following facial lines:

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Small creases that appear at the corners of the mouth (smile lines)
• Chin wrinkles
• Early signs of jowling along the jawline

Radiesse has been shown to provide results that can last one year or even longer in some patients. Because the treatment stimulates the body’s own production of collagen, results are both beautiful and natural.

Dermal Fillers Containing Poly-L-Lactic Acid

Poly-L-lactic acid is a relative newcomer to the dermal filler scene. This active ingredient helps to replace lost collagen over time, for results that are gradual, natural and long-lasting. The biocompatible synthetic substance has been successfully used by physicians in the medical realm for decades. Now, poly-L-lactic acid is making a name for itself in the cosmetic realm as well.

Sculptra Aesthetic is the dermal filler containing poly-L-lactic acid. This treatment can be used on both shallow and deeper creases in the following areas:

• Marionette lines
• Nasolabial folds
• Smile lines
• Chin wrinkles

Results of Sculptra Aesthetic are not seen right away. Instead, the positive results develop over many months, giving you subtle, gradual results that actually look like the clock is turning back on your skin. Once your results are apparent, they may last up to two years or more before you need a touch-up procedure.

Uses for Dermal Fillers

The anti-wrinkle treatment has come a long way in recent years. Today, these injectable procedures do much more than simply smooth away a few telltale lines on the face. Uses for these treatments include:

Erase Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Still one of the best ways to turn back the clock by minimizing the appearance of facial creases, different formulations offer versatility in the type and depth of wrinkles they can treat today. Dermal fillers are primarily used for “static” wrinkles, wrinkles that appear on the face all the time. These are most commonly found around the nose, mouth and chin. “Dynamic” wrinkles, lines that appear when certain facial expressions are made, are generally treated with neuromodulators like Botox that relax the muscles that lead to the formation of the lines.

Restore Youthful Volume

As skin laxity starts to develop in the middle years of life, facial hollowing can also occur around the cheeks, jawline and under the eyes. Some dermal fillers can also be used to restore that volume, giving you a more youthful facial profile. These smooth solutions produce the heart-shaped contour of your youth, while firming up the skin in the treatment areas.

Plump Up the Lips

Whether thin lips are the consequences of poor genes or a result of the aging process, there are now ultra-smooth dermal fillers that can give your pout the volume and fullness you are looking for. At the same time, these formulation can smooth away fine lines around the lips for a younger appearance overall.

Getting Results

Dermal fillers offer temporary results, so the procedure will need to be repeated periodically to maintain your new look. The duration of fillers varies from a few months to two years or more. Talk to your doctor about the effects of dermal fillers and the need for additional procedures to ensure you select the best filler for your specific needs and desired outcome.

If dermal fillers sound like the right treatment for you, the staff at New Visage is ready to help. Contact us today at 252-808-2NEW to learn more about our dermal filler options.