Everything You Need to Know About Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers have been in use for over 15 years as an inexpensive and uncomplicated alternative to plastic surgery, or to optimize surgical results.  While an assortment of new beauty products continues to flood the market with plenty of alternatives, the popularity of injectable fillers persists. Celebrities such as the Kardashians have openly endorsed the use of fillers to their fan base, and today, everyday people are using fillers to sculpt and enhance their natural attributes and features, totally rejuvenating their appearance.

There are many different types of dermal injections that you may choose from, and each is designed to achieve specific effects and/or to treat specific areas of the face.

Botox and Beyond

Beyond the ever-popular Botox® and its close cousin Xeomin® – which use neurotoxins to relax muscles in order to reduce repetitive facial gestures that cause wrinkles –the Juvéderm and Restylane family of products are known as “fillers.” The products rely on Hyaluronic acid as their key ingredient to add volume, fullness, and hydration to the skin, filling out lines and wrinkles. Over time, these products increase collagen production, producing results that can last for months.

How do dermal fillers differ from one another?

Today, both Juvéderm and Restylane produce an assortment of products to address various conditions in different areas of the face. Formulas vary in texture and viscosity, as each product is designed to fill in lines and wrinkles and add volume to sunken or hollowed areas to create a more youthful facial contour. These products dissolve naturally and produce results that continue to improve gradually over time. Results may last from 8 to 24 months, depending on the product used and the overall condition of the patient’s skin.

Dermal fillers are classified according to their G Prime, which refers to the product’s density or thickness. Formulations with a higher G Prime produce a thicker filler, suitable for areas such as the cheekbones and mandible, to produce volume and fullness. Fillers with lower G Prime may be more suitable for areas such as the lips or around the eyes.

Juvéderm

The Juvederm product line includes the following products:

• Juvéderm Voluma XC – an injectable gel directed at deeper layers of skin to add fullness and volume to the cheeks and chin.
• Juvéderm XC and Vollure XC – these formulations are used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, typically used in such areas as nasolabial folds.
• Juvéderm Volbella XC and Ultra XC – these formulations are designed to augment the lips and reduce fine vertical lines along the lip line known as perioral lines.

Restylane

The Restylane product line includes the following products:

• Restylane and Restylane-L – these formulas are injected into the deeper layers of tissue to correct midface folds and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds and may also be used to augment the lips
• Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine – this formula is injected deeply into the facial tissue to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, and to augment the cheeks and provide improved contour in the midface region. Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine is also used to correct loss of volume and rejuvenate the hands.
• Restylane Silk and Restylane Kysse – these formulas are designed specifically for lip augmentation and to diminish the appearance of perioral lines.
• Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne – these mid-to-deep injection into the facial tissue for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Kybella

Kybella is a unique dermal filler that contains synthetic deoxycholic acid as its primary active ingredient, and diminishes the appearance of the double chin while providing contour and definition to the jawline.

Sculptra

Originally designed to treat loss of facial fat in patients with HIV, Sculptra is a dermal filler that contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible substance that triggers collagen production, as its active ingredient, producing improvements in deep lines, creases, and folds over the course of several months. Sculptra may be used in different areas of the face and body.

What can I expect when getting dermal fillers?

Filler products may be injected either via a needle or using a blunt-tip cannula. The cannula technique greatly reduces bruising and swelling. A topical anesthetic is usually applied to the skin prior to treatment to ensure the patient’s comfort.

Who is a good candidate for dermal fillers?

You must be an adult age 21 or over and in overall good health to consider a dermal filler treatment. Dermal fillers may not be appropriate for patients with certain medical conditions.

How do I know which fillers are right for me?

To determine which fillers may be most suitable for your unique skin condition, concerns, and aesthetic goals, schedule an appointment with Dr. Olga Bachilo, a board-certified plastic surgeon and director of Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa.  Dr. Bachilo provides the most advanced surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including a variety of dermal fillers, for our patients in the greater Houston area.  Contact our office today at (713) 766-4643 , or email us at  hello@glamourplasticsurgery.com.