Cosmetic Fillers

Volume Restoration: As we age, the skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, leading to wrinkles, folds, and loss of facial volume. Cosmetic fillers are used to replenish lost volume, filling in lines and wrinkles and restoring a more youthful appearance.

Types of Fillers:

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain skin hydration and volume. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of concerns, including nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lip augmentation, and cheek enhancement.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers: Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, such as Radiesse, stimulate collagen production and provide longer-lasting results. They are commonly used to address deeper wrinkles and volume loss in areas like the cheeks and jawline.
• Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers: Poly-L-lactic acid fillers, such as Sculptra, work by stimulating collagen production over time, resulting in gradual improvement in skin texture and volume. They are often used for full-face rejuvenation and can help address facial hollowing and sagging.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers: PMMA fillers, like Bellafill, contain microspheres suspended in a collagen gel. They provide long-lasting volume enhancement and are suitable for treating deep wrinkles and acne scars.

Treatment Areas: Cosmetic fillers can be used to address various concerns and enhance facial features, including:

• Smoothing lines and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines.
• Augmenting lips to create fuller, more defined contours.
• Adding volume to cheeks and temples to restore youthful facial proportions.
• Correcting under-eye hollows and dark circles.
• Improving the appearance of scars, such as acne scars or depressed scars.
• Enhancing the chin and jawline for a more defined profile.

Procedure: The filler injection procedure is typically performed in-office by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. After discussing treatment goals and assessing the patient's facial anatomy, the provider administers the filler using a fine needle or cannula, targeting specific areas of concern. Topical numbing cream or local anesthesia may be applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Duration of Effects: The duration of filler results varies depending on the type of filler used, the treated area, and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. Generally, hyaluronic acid fillers last between 6 to 18 months, while longer-lasting fillers like calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid can provide results for up to 2 years or more.