Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into the skin to reduce wrinkles and give it a more youthful appearance. They are made from a safe, biocompatible material that exists naturally in your body.

Injection of dermal fillers is the second most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. These injections can smooth fine lines and wrinkles, add volume to lips or cheeks, and contour facial features. Contact Dermal Filler San Diego now!

A dermal filler is an injectable treatment that helps smooth wrinkles and add volume for a more youthful appearance. It can also lift and enhance the cheekbones, chin or jawline. There are several different types of fillers available, which vary in the way they work and how long their results last. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help determine which type of filler is best for you. They will review your medical history and discuss your desired outcomes with you. They will also explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.

The most common dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for hydrating your skin and producing new collagen. Examples of these fillers include Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse. Another option is poly-L-lactic acid, which is a synthetic filler that stimulates your body’s own production of collagen. This type of filler is known as a collagen stimulator and is often used in the face to smooth deep wrinkles. Some examples of this type of filler are Sculptra and Bellafill.

Polymethylmethacrylate is another type of filler that is similar to Sculptra and is sometimes used in the face to correct nasolabial folds (the creases that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth). These types of fillers have small balls inside them that keep the skin firm. They are usually used in the nasolabial folds, cheek bones and chin. These fillers are considered semi-permanent and may last for two years or more.

If you’re interested in a more permanent solution to smooth lines and add volume, facial fat transfer is an option. This procedure involves extracting and purifying fat from another part of your body – such as the stomach or buttocks – then injecting it into the face to add volume.

Dermal fillers can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as Botox, to achieve the results you desire. Both procedures involve minimal downtime and have relatively few side effects, but a consultation with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon is necessary to make sure that the right combination of treatments is selected.

How do dermal fillers work?

Dermal fillers are non-surgical injections that help reduce lines and wrinkles. They contain a gel-like substance, usually composed of hyaluronic acid. The treatment is relatively quick and simple, and the results are temporary – typically lasting between six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polymer in the body that provides lubrication and helps the skin maintain its youthful appearance. However, as we age, our bodies lose hyaluronic acid and other important structural components of the skin. As the skin becomes thinner, the signs of aging begin to appear as fine lines and wrinkles, and the elasticity of the skin is diminished. Dermal fillers restore hyaluronic acid and other vital substances to the skin, thus improving elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Generally, the gel-like dermal fillers that are currently available on the market consist of a mixture of hyaluronic acid and other materials to provide stiffness and permanence. In order to achieve this, the HA molecules are crosslinked with other compounds such as methyl methacrylate or 1,4-butanediol diglycidal ether (BDDE) to create a stable gel.

The gel-like fillers are then injected into the skin through tiny needles or a special technique that is called microneedling. Prior to the procedure, a topical anesthetic or injection numbing agent may be applied for comfort.

Once injected, the filler begins to attract collagen, resulting in increased skin firmness and decreased lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers can also be used to correct asymmetries and other aesthetic concerns, such as thinning lips or sunken cheeks.

While complications from dermal fillers are rare, they do occur. For this reason, it is important to work with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is trained in the use of dermal fillers and has experience treating patients with these products. It is also advisable to avoid purchasing “black market” dermal fillers from unlicensed individuals.

If you are interested in undergoing dermal filler treatments to reduce the signs of aging, please schedule an initial consultation with Dr Gavin Chan and his team. For patients who require a significant amount of volume, or who wish to address other facial imperfections, facial fat transfer is also an option.

What are the risks of dermal fillers?

Most fillers are FDA approved and have been thoroughly studied to determine safe and effective treatment methods. However, like any procedure there are risks associated with using dermal fillers. The risk of complications is greatly reduced when you work with a licensed medical professional who uses high quality, medical grade products and has extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and injection techniques.

Some redness, swelling and bruising in the injection area are normal and should settle down within a few days. However, be sure to speak with your practitioner about how best to minimise these side effects – such as wearing makeup, not drinking alcohol or coffee and staying out of the sun.

During your consultation your dermatologist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the area you wish to have treated and discuss what kind of results you hope to achieve. This will help them recommend the best type of filler for you and how to avoid any possible side effects or complications.

There is always a small risk of infection at any injection site, as bacteria can enter the body through tiny punctures from a needle or cannula. However, infections are generally very easy to treat with antibiotics if they do occur.

The most serious potential complication of dermal fillers is an accidental injection into a blood vessel. This could result in skin necrosis, stroke or blindness (if injected near the eye). It is very important to use only fillers that are FDA-approved and to seek the services of an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner who takes patient safety seriously.

Another potential risk of using dermal fillers is the formation of a nodule or lump, called a granuloma, around an injection site. This is caused by the body’s immune system to fight off a foreign substance. Granulomas are usually benign and can be treated with antibiotics, surgical excision or dermal filler removal.

Long-acting dermal fillers are made from a naturally occurring substance found in the body, such as collagen. These types of fillers have the potential to last up to five years. However, they have higher rates of complications than short-acting fillers, such as the formation of nodules.

What are the benefits of dermal fillers?

Whether you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, add volume to your cheeks or chin, or address small asymmetries in your face, dermal fillers offer many benefits. They’re quick and convenient, with sessions usually taking less than an hour, and they typically require little or no downtime. They also have a low risk of complications, especially when performed by a trained medical professional.

Unlike cosmetic surgery, dermal fillers are non-invasive and don’t require any incisions or anesthesia. As a result, they’re an excellent alternative to surgery for patients who want to improve their facial features without the risks associated with surgical procedures. They can help you look younger, more refreshed, and more confident.

Most dermal fillers are made of naturally-occurring substances. As such, they’re safe to use for people with normal skin and are fully biocompatible. Although they can cause some short-term side effects like bruising and swelling, these can easily be concealed with makeup and are typically temporary.

One of the most important benefits of using a dermal filler is that it can provide immediate results. Depending on the type of filler and how much you receive, you can see your results as soon as a week after treatment. Another benefit is that many fillers—particularly those containing hyaluronic acid—also hydrate your skin. This helps your skin maintain its softness, suppleness, and healthy glow.

A third benefit of dermal fillers is that they’re incredibly natural-looking. When you’re treated by a skilled injector, the results will be subtle and will complement your unique features, rather than making you look “overdone.”

Dermal fillers can be used to treat almost any area of your face. For example, they can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth, chin, and eyes. They can also plump your lips or smooth out lines that might cause lipstick to smear. Whatever your needs, a qualified practitioner can recommend the right type of dermal filler for you. And when you choose a quality filler, the results can last for months or even years.