Fillers are a popular cosmetic procedure that consist of a gel-like substance that is injected underneath the skin in order to restore volume that has been lost due to the aging process. Fillers also reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and provide an improved contour to the face. Some of the lines on the face (around the nose and mouth) that fillers address includes smile lines (vertical lines that extend from the sides of the nose and around the mouth), marionette lines (corner of the mouth down to the chin) and nasolabial folds (corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth). Filers can also be used to enhance the look of areas of the face that are sunken or lacking volume such as the cheeks, lips, and chin. Fillers are also known as dermal fillers, injectables and soft tissue filers Many fillers are naturally absorbed by the body over time which means patients will need to have repeat injections in order to maintain the desired results. The amount of time the filler lasts depends on the type of fillers used, the amount that was injected and the area of the body where it was injected.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a gel-like substance that naturally occurs in the body and is found in the skin. It is a substance that helps to keep the skin of a person plump as well as hydrated. The results of hyaluronic acid fillers last anywhere from six to twelve months (or even longer) before it is absorbed by the body. These fillers decrease the depth of wrinkles and also give the skin an increased amount of elasticity and firmness. Patients do not have to worry about having an allergic reaction to these fillers since it is a substance that naturally occurs in the human body. Some of the most popular hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero Balance.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a substance that naturally occurs in the body, and it is mainly found in the bones of a person. The particles of this type of filler are almost microscopic and are suspended in a smooth gel. Even though it is also naturally found in the human body, a CaHA filler is normally thicker than a hylauronic acid filler. The results can last about twelve months and this filler can also help to stimulate the production of collagen. This filler is used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles and a popular example of CaHA filler is Radiesse.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic substance that is safe to use in the human body. PMMA dermal fillers are tiny balls that remain underneath the skin and their results can last for up to five years. PMMA fillers contain collagen to provide increased firmness, smoothness, and structure to the skin. One of the most popular PMMA fillers is Bellafill.
Fat Grafting/Autologous Fat Transfer require patients to have a surgical procedure. Excess fat from elsewhere on the body of the patient is harvested using liposuction. The excess fat is processed and purified before it is injected into the face to restore lost volume in the targeted are. While all of the transferred fat will not survive the process, the results from the transferred fat that does survive will last a lifetime.
Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic substance that is safe to use in the human body. It works to smooth the appearance of fine lines by stimulating the production of collagen in the body. These fillers are normally used to address the appearance of deep wrinkles on the face with results that can last two years (or more). One of the most popular Poly-L-lactic filler choices is Sculptra Aesthetic.
The total cost of fillers depends on the type of filler used by the doctor, the number of injections performed by the medical professional, the amount of filler in each vial, any fees charged by the doctor or the facility and the area of the country where the filler injections are performed.
Patients should remain in an upright position for three to four hours after the injections are placed. Sleep with the head elevated to help reduce potential swelling. Do not bend over or perform any strenuous activities for several hours after the treatment.
Do not massage the treated area unless you are instructed to by your doctor. Any swelling can be addressed by applying a cold compress to the treated area for 5-10 minutes each hour.
Any side effects (bruising, swelling, etc.) should subside within two to four weeks.
Patients should remain in an upright position for three to four hours after the injections are placed. Sleep with the head elevated to help reduce potential swelling. Do not bend over or perform any strenuous activities for several hours after the treatment.
Do not massage the treated area unless you are instructed to by your doctor. Any swelling can be addressed by applying a cold compress to the treated area for 5-10 minutes each hour.
Any side effects (bruising, swelling, etc.) should subside within two to four weeks.
Bruising
Infection at the injection site
Lumps where the injection was performed
Swelling
Overcorrection/Addition of too much volume
Skin necrosis
Redness
Skin rash
Asymmetrical results (if multiple areas area treated with fillers)
The results of fillers are not permanent so patients will need to have follow-up treatments in order to maintain the results.
There will be some visible results immediately after the procedure, but it will take a few weeks for the fillers to settle into place and show the final results. The length of the final results depends on the type of fillers used and the amount of filler injected by the doctor.
Hyaluronic acid fillers last anywhere from six to twelve months (or even longer) while Poly-L-lactic acid fillers can last for two years (or more). Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers last about twelve months while polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers can last for up to five years. The results of fat grafting/autologous fat transfer can last a lifetime.
The results of fillers are not permanent so patients will need to have follow-up treatments in order to maintain the results.
There will be some visible results immediately after the procedure, but it will take a few weeks for the fillers to settle into place and show the final results. The length of the final results depends on the type of fillers used and the amount of filler injected by the doctor.
Hyaluronic acid fillers last anywhere from six to twelve months (or even longer) while Poly-L-lactic acid fillers can last for two years (or more). Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers last about twelve months while polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers can last for up to five years. The results of fat grafting/autologous fat transfer can last a lifetime.
Patients that are interested in facial rejuvenation procedures using other methods should consider the following filler alternatives:
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel reduces signs of aging such as wrinkles while also smoothing the skin and correcting uneven skin pigmentation. Chemical peels are performed as light, medium or deep peels (depending on the results desired by the patient and the condition of the skin). The chemical peel exfoliates the outer layers of dead skin to reveal a new layer of skin with an improved texture and tone.
Fractional Lasers
This laser treatment improves the texture of the skin by damaging the top layer of the skin (in order to stimulate the natural healing process of the body). In turn, the body begins to produce collagen to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Botox
A treatment that works to reduce wrinkles caused by contracting muscles. A Botox injection blocks the signals that travel from the nerves to the targeted muscle. Botox prevents the muscle from being able to contract due to the blocked signals. The skin will be able to smooth out so the wrinkles in the area will relax and lessen in appearance.
Facelift
This is an invasive surgical technique where the surgeon lifts and tightens the underlying muscles of the face. The results give the face a more rejuvenated and contoured look with significantly less wrinkles and lines.
Microdermabrasion
This treatment gives a youthful look to the face using a spray of microcrystals that are placed in a machine. A skin adapter is placed on the area of the skin being treated so the microcrystals can be placed on the targeted section of the face. The machine clears the microcrystals and gets rid of old, dead skin to reveal new skin that is more youthful in appearance.
The first step in having fillers placed in the face is finding a medical professional in your area of the country experienced in performing the injection of fillers. In order to help you find the best cosmetic doctor for your fillers, please use our “Find a Doctor” search page.
