Nonsurgical Options: Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are an excellent non-surgical option for patients who want to appear younger using a quick and less invasive treatment. Dermal fillers are injectables, and the treatment has little to no down time, giving patients the look they want without the repercussions of surgery. As we discuss in our “Fillers” section, dermal fillers involve injections of a selected substance into the wrinkle or fold that you want to fill. Fillers can also be used to plump up lips that have lost volume due to aging. The most common area for injecting a filler is around the lips (to remove wrinkles that cause lipstick bleed), and in the nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth. Getting the Injections One site may require more than one injection in order to achieve the desired result. The treatment only takes a few minutes, making it easy for you to do on a long lunch break or at the end of a work day. Once the surgeon has discussed your filler options and you have made a selection, he may make small marks on your face to map out the injections. The area will be disinfected with an antibacterial. The surgeon may treat the area with a mild, topical anesthetic (or there may be anesthetic mixed into the filler) in order to combat any discomfort from the injections. Once the injections are complete, you are free to put on makeup and return to your busy day. You will just need to take care that you do not apply too much pressure, which may cause the filler to shift. You may have a bit of swelling or bruising. If so, it fades within a few days. You may also have an overfilled look, which will also resolve itself. Types of Dermal Fillers There are both temporary and semi-permanent dermal fillers. The body will absorb both over time, so even with semi-permanent fillers, you will need repeat treatments eventually. Popular fillers like Restalyne and Juvederm are hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is actually a natural substance found in several points of the human body (but the fillers dont come from animal sources). The injected gel acts as a cushion under the skin, supporting it and removing the wrinkle or fold. Hyaluronic acid also works to bring water to the surface of the skin, combatting the dry skin that can come with aging. Another popular filler, Radiesse, is made from calcium hydroxylapatite, a substance found in human bones. This filler is generally used on the deepest wrinkles, or to create fullness in the cheeks. The gel is water-based. Visit our fillers page for more information and to see a 3D animation of this procedure. If you want to schedule a consultation at our plastic surgery office in Northern Virginia, call us at (703) 574-2588 or click here. Follow NOVA Plastic Surgery on Twitter and Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dermal fillers and how are they administered?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to plump wrinkles, folds, and areas of volume loss on the face. During the procedure, the surgeon marks injection sites, applies a topical anesthetic or uses a filler containing local anesthetic, and administers the injections. The entire process typically takes only a few minutes.

How long does a dermal filler treatment take?

Most filler treatments can be completed during a long lunch break. The procedure takes only a few minutes per area, and there is no recovery time needed afterward, so patients can return to work or other activities as soon as the appointment is finished.

What is hyaluronic acid and why is it used in fillers?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the human body that acts as a cushion supporting skin from beneath. When used as a filler, it fills hollows and wrinkles while simultaneously drawing water to the surface of the skin, helping combat the dryness and volume loss that comes with aging.

What is Radiesse and when is it typically used?

Radiesse is a dermal filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite, a substance naturally found in human bones, suspended in a water-based gel. It is generally used to treat the deepest wrinkles and to create fullness in the cheeks, where its firmer consistency provides more substantial volumizing support.

Are dermal filler results permanent?

No. Both temporary and semi-permanent dermal fillers are gradually absorbed by the body over time. Even semi-permanent fillers will eventually require repeat treatments to maintain results. The temporary nature of fillers is actually an advantage as it allows for adjustments based on how your face changes over time.