Dermal Fillers: Types and Scope of Treatment

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances  injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume and smooth lines. They soften creases and enhance facial contours. Few of the common issues addressed by dermal fillers are:

·      Smoothen lines around nose and mouth

·      Enhance & restore volume of sunken cheeks or temples

·      Diminish vertical lip lines

·      Plump & enhance the lip volume

·      Smoothen chin crease

·      Improve symmetry among facial features

There are a variety of filler products used by cosmetic surgeons such as:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in your skin. It keeps skin plump and hydrated. The results are temporary which last for 6 to 12 months or longer before the body degrades it. Most of them are infused with lidocaine to minimize discomfort caused during and after treatment.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance present in our bones. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than hyaluronic acid filler. It lasts longer for over 12 months in most of the cases. It also helps in stimulating natural collagen production and is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic substance. It has been used from many years in the form of dissolvable stitches. These products are technically collagen stimulators as they smoothen fine lines further helping your skin rebuild natural collagen—the filler gel itself dissipates a few days after treatment. Poly-L-lactic acid is used to treat deeper facial wrinkles and its results can last more than 2 years.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
 
It is a synthetic but, biocompatible substance . In dermal fillers, PMMA acts as a “microsphere” which remains beneath the skin indefinitely to provide continued support. PMMA fillers  also contain collagen, which provide structure and firmness to skin.

Autologous fat injections (facial fat grafting)

These are the only injectable fillers whuch require surgery and their results can last for several years. Your own fat is harvested from another area by liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected into the face to restore volume to the cheeks, temples, lower eyelids or other areas.

While selecting a provider for injectable treatment, you must ensure that he has a proven background in cosmetic medicine and has prior training and substantial experience of performing filler injections. 

The duration of effects lend by dermal fillers depends on the product, the area of treatment, and the patient. In general, the denser product is deeply injected and it lasts for longer time. In order to get better results, treatment should be repeated as advised. 

Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the most temporary option, and therefore are often recommended for first-time filler patients. These typically last from 6 to 18 months. Injections to the lips can wear out a considerably faster than the nasolabial folds. Synthetic fillers tend to last longer, as they are not absorbed by the body. These fillers can be a great option for the right patient, but, you must be ready to commit to results which will remain for several years.