Dermal fillers, or soft tissue fillers, are products that are injected into the deeper layers of the skin. Fillers contain ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, which increase the volume of superficial tissue. In the case of hyaluronic acid, volume is achieved by the product binding to water molecules. Other varieties of dermal fillers are crafted with naturally-occurring substances act as a structural foundation beneath lines and creases.

Dermal fillers are commonly used to address facial concerns including:

• Lines and creases around the nose and mouth
• Asymmetry or a hump on the bridge of the nose
• Thin or deflated lips
• Undereye bags
• Forehead lines
• Flattened cheeks
• Mild to moderate jowls
• Weak chin or jawline
• Fillers can also be used on the hands and neck as needed to fill lines and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers offer several advantages. Patients appreciate that treatment does not require anesthesia. Most people tolerate dermal filler injections very well without any anesthetic or numbing cream. Another benefit that is exclusive to dermal fillers is that results can be seen immediately, there is no waiting to enjoy a more youthful appearance. Finally, there is no downtime needed to recover from this wrinkle-reducing procedure.

Botox Cosmetic is not a type of dermal filler. Botox and dermal fillers are both used to smooth lines wrinkles, but they work differently. Because Botox’s action is within muscle tissue and dermal fillers act within the skin, these products are complementary in their correction of facial aging.

There are various dermal filler formulations available today. Some are made for delicate areas such as the lips and others are formulated to provide more structure for areas such as the cheeks. The longevity of a dermal filler relates to its formulation and the consistency of the gel-like fluid. Some fillers achieve results that last approximately 12 months, and others can last as long as two years.

Patients can immediately return to most normal activities after receiving dermal fillers. The primary side effect associated with dermal filler treatment is mild redness where injections have been administered. Some patients may notice slight bruising, but this can be disguised with makeup. Arnica gel or oral tablets may be taken if bruising and swelling are noticeable. This supplement helps side effects resolve more quickly.

Because temporary dermal fillers are made with naturally-occurring substances, there are very few risks. Fillers contain no animal products so do not require allergy testing. The ingredients in most dermal fillers already exist in the body. Therefore, they integrate easily into the tissue in which they are inserted and do not cause serious side effects.

The primary risk of dermal fillers is overfilling the treatment area. An experienced injector understands the nuances of the products they use and administers the precise amount of filler to achieve the desired outcome.

Dermal filler injections are very tolerable. Many filler products are formulated with anesthetic, which desensitizes the skin beginning with the very first injection. Needles used to administer dermal fillers are very small and feel like a mild pinprick as they pass through the skin.