What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers help to reduce facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face.

As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin). The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, therefore smile lines and crow's feet become more visible.

The facial skin also stretches a bit, adding to this loss of facial volume. Other factors that affect the facial skin include heredity, lifestyle and sun exposure.

Dermal fillers can be used to:

• Enhance shallow contours
• Plump thin lips
• Soften facial creases and wrinkles
• Improve the appearance of dented scars

Dermal fillers can be very helpful in individuals with early signs of aging, or as a value-added part of facial rejuvenation surgery.

What dermal fillers won't do

For some patients the best approach may be surgery such as a facelift, brow lift, or eye lift. Dermal fillers cannot achieve the same results, however they may help delay the time when consideration of a facelift becomes appropriate.

Dermal fillers candidates

You may be a good candidate for dermal fillers if you:

• Don't smoke
• Are physically healthy
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind

Dermal fillers recovery

There is no downtime with dermal fillers, therefore you can resume most activities right away. Your initial appearance after treatment with any dermal filler may include:

• Mild swelling or bruising
• An "over-filled" appearance to treated areas
• Temporary numbness or redness

These conditions can be reduced with icing and will improve within a matter of hours to a few days.