What are Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable gels which are composed of various substances, the most commonly used being, hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in human soft tissues. When it is injected into facial soft tissues, it adds volume and smooths out lines. The duration of the effect is temporary and may have to be repeated in 6-12 months depending on the particular type.

Why is there a need or desire for dermal fillers? What are dermal fillers and what do they do. These are two basic questions which I would like to address. Dermal fillers are injectable products which are used to fill volume loss in the face, cheeks, and lips which result from aging or may be a genetically related phenomenon. Facial aging is not just about wrinkles, lines, and folds on the skin. It runs deep into all the layers of the face, including the skin, fat pads, muscles, and bones. In youth, the face typically has high cheekbones, fullness in cheeks and well-defined jawlines.

Skin Changes

With aging, there is loss of production of natural oils in the skin and the loss of collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin presenting as creases between the eyebrows (number “11”), smile lines around the nose and check (nasolabial folds or “parentheses”), rows of lines across the forehead (frown lines) and multiple small lines around the eyes or “crow’s feet”.   There is also discoloration, brown spots, change in texture to a rougher feel and dryness.

Muscle and Fat Loss

The deeper aging changes include loss of muscle tone and thinning and descent of facial fat resulting in sagging jawline, flattening of the cheeks and hollowing beneath the eyes. Meanwhile, submental fullness, “double chin” sets in.

Why the Need and Desire for Dermal Fillers

As many people age, they become dissatisfied with the loss of their youthful facial appearance. In years past, surgical intervention was sought for “facelift”. However, there is now an injectable gels which: 1. Gives instant results, 2. Is non-surgical, 3. Looks natural and 4. Can be done in an office setting.

Side Effects

The most common side effects from dermal filler injections include, redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, itching and rash. Less common side effects are raised bumps under the skin, soreness at site of injection and allergic reactions.