Dermal Fillers

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Dermal filler injections are a type of nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. Dermal fillers plump up wrinkles, smooth lines, and restore volume in your face. Your injector/aesthetic nurse injects these substances just under your skin.

People choose to get dermal fillers to enhance their facial features or gain a more youthful appearance. This elective treatment usually takes less than half an hour, and recovery time is minimal. Results are seen right away and last months to years depending on the type of filler and the location.

There are several kinds of dermal fillers. Your injector/aesthetic nurse will discuss your options with you. 

As you age, your body starts to lose collagen.  Collagen is an important substance that exists all over your body, including in your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Decreased amounts of collagen in your skin causes skin laxity (loose) and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity and starts to sag.

You may choose to get dermal fillers to:

• Add volume to sagging skin.
• Make your facial features more symmetrical.
• Plump up lips and cheeks.
• Smooth wrinkles and creases in your face.

There are many types of dermal fillers. In addition to “off-the-shelf” fillers that use synthetic (manmade materials) and substances that naturally occur in your body, injector/aesthetic nurse can use fat from your own body. Healthcare providers call this procedure “autologous fat grafting,” where they remove fat from one part of your body and inject it into your face.

The types of off-the-shelf fillers include:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring acid in your skin. It gives your skin volume and keeps it hydrated. With age, your body stops making hyaluronic acid. Results from HA injections usually last six months to a year. Restylane® is a commonly used type of HA filler.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a type of filler that consists of a substance you have in your bones. Results from these fillers typically last around a year. Healthcare providers usually use CaHA fillers for deeper wrinkles. Examples of CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.
• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a substance that helps your body create its own collagen. Injectors/aesthetic nurses usually use poly-L-lactic acid to smooth deep wrinkles on your face. The results can last two years or more. Types of PLLA fillers include Sculptra®.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers consist of collagen and very small balls that stay under your skin after your healthcare provider injects them. The balls give your skin volume and keep it firm. Bellafill® is one type of PMMA filler.

Before you get dermal fillers, you’ll have a consultation with your injector. They’ll examine your face and ask about your goals and what areas you’d like to enhance. They may mark your face with a pen or marker to show where the injections will be. They may also take pictures of your face. Your injector will recommend a specific type of filler or fillers and review possible side effects and recovery time. During this consultation, your injector will also ask about your medical history. It’s important to tell them if you’re taking any medications, as some drugs can increase the risk of complications after getting fillers. Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• Allergies
• History of bruising or bleeding after similar procedures
• Neurological problems
• Skin conditions

Your injector/aesthetic nurse cleans your skin and may apply a lotion or cream with an anesthetic. The anesthetic numbs the area so the treatment will be more comfortable.

Using a thin needle, your injector/aesthetic nurse injects small amounts of fillers under your skin. The needle will pinch or sting, but most people don’t experience much pain during these injections. Your injector/aesthetic nurse may inject the fillers in several areas. The whole process can take a few minutes or up to an hour.

After receiving dermal filler injections, your injector/aesthetic nurse will cleanse your skin. They may give you an ice pack to ease pain and swelling.

You may have bruises, swelling or discomfort after getting the injections. Usually, these side effects are mild and go away in a few days. Many people see results right away after getting these injections. But everyone’s results are different. How long it takes to see results (and how long they last) depends on several factors, including the type of treatment you received.

• Plump up wrinkles 
• Smooth lines 
• Restore facial volume
• Enhancement of facial features 
• Gain a more youthful appearance 
• Add volume to sagging skin
• Make facial features more symmetrical
• Plump up lips and cheeks
• Smooth facial wrinkles and creases