Dermal Injectable Filler - What is it?

Dermal injectable fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance that binds to water. The gel-like liquid is injected under the skin to take up the extra space that has been created from the loss of collagen. As we age, we lose collagen, add in sun damage, environmental factors and genetics, the result is sagging skin, lines and wrinkles.  Dermal fillers help to restore lost volume, plump skin, and ease lines and wrinkles.  

There are 2 types of dermal fillers:

Dermal "Spot" Fillers:  

• Juvederm® Ultra XC

• Juvederm® Volbella XC

• Juvederm® Vollure XC

• Restylane®

• Restylane® DEFYNE

• Restylane® LYFT

• Restylane® REFYNE

• Restylane® Silk

• Belotero Balance®  

• Radiesse®

Long Term "foundational" Dermal Fillers:  

• Bellafill®,

• Juvederm Voluma®

• Sculptra® Aesthetic

Why so many different dermal fillers?   

Each dermal filler has a unique consistency, molecule size and the amount of time it lasts in the body. Skin thickness varies from eyes, to lips, to smile lines - otherwise known as naso-labial folds. The skin under the eyes is thinner, therefore a smaller molecule size is ideal.

Why is it important to use the correct dermal filler?

Think of it this way, just like there are baseballs, softballs, golf balls,etc., you wouldn't think of using a basketball to play golf right? It's important for you as a patient to work with a skilled injectable specialist who will help you reach your anti-aging goals safely and effectively.  Kati Midgley, PA-C is a national clinical instructor of dermal fillers, an expert in her field.  Kati understands facial anatomy and how to use the correct dermal filler to treat your area of concern.

How quickly will you see results?

Immediately, with the exception of one long term dermal "foundational" filler, Sculptra Aesthetic.  Sculptra Aesthetic is different from all dermal fillers in that it actually "tricks" your body into producing more collagen.  The treatment is performed over time in the course of 3 office visits.  This filler is most commonly used for patients who have global volume loss, and don't want to go from zero to sixty overnight.

How long will dermal filler last?

From 6 months and up to 5 years.  That's a big difference! The reasons vary according to your aesthetic goals, area to be treated and budget.

What is the downtime, side effects?  

There is no real downtime.  The treatments are administered with a needle, so the risk of bruising and swelling exists.  We offer 3 products to help with bruising; Arnica, a supplement that can be taken the day of your treatment, prescription strength bruise healing cream, and Oxygenetix an oxygenated medical makeup used to speed healing AND camouflage bruising.

Good to know:

If you are new to dermal fillers and a little nervous about it, nearly all dermal fillers can be reversed.  The exceptions are Radiesse, Bellafill and Sculptra.  A solution of vitrasse/hyaluoronidase can be injected into the area to dissolve filler.