What are Fillers?
Fillers (or dermal fillers) are gel-like substances used to restore lost volume of the skin. This treatment has gathered popularity in recent years among men and women as it helps create more youthful facial contours. Results can last from six months to five years depending on the type of filler used.
Are there any side effects?
Reactions to filler agents are rare and generally resolve with time. Some common injection-related reactions might occur, such as swelling, redness, pain, itching, discoloration, and tenderness at the injection site. They typically resolve spontaneously within several days after injection into the skin. Other types of reactions are very rare, and are most commonly due to hypersensitivity to the dermal filler and present as redness, swelling, or acne-like reactions.
Which filler is right for me?
Over the years a variety of filler agents have been successfully used. Each filler is a different material and the duration fo filling may vary between the different substances. Our Dermatologists will work with you to decide which filler agent is best for you. Options include:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your body, keeping the skin firm and hydrated. Fillers made from this substance have the consistency of a gel and last on average between six and twelve months.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium Hydroxylapatite is another naturally occurring substance found primarily in bones. The consistency of CaHA is thicker than hyaluronic acid due to the calcium particles suspended in the gel. This means that it also lasts longer, typically twelve to eighteen months. Some studies have shown CaHA to stimulate natural collagen production, making it a preferred treatment for deeper lines and wrinkles with longer-lasting results.
Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic Acid is a biodegradable synthetic substance that is safe to use in the body. This substance is often classified as a collagen stimulator, as it helps smooth fine lines by rebuilding your natural collagen. Poly-L-lactic acid is often used to treat deep wrinkles, and the results can last more than two years.
What happens after treatment?
Immediately after treatment the area may feel somewhat tender. Occasionally, there may be some mild swelling and bruising. These usually resolve fairly quickly, and can be covered with makeup. Most patients return to work or their daily activities immediately after treatment.
Complications of Dermal Fillers
The precision and safety of filler agent treatment has greatly reduced the risks, side effects, and complications that are normal an intrinsic feature of all surgical procedures. However, no procedure is absolutely risk-free.
Have you experienced complications of dermal fillers injected by another provider or are you unhappy with the the cosmetic results of filler injected by another provider? Dr. Kat Kesty is an expert in these challenging “revision” filler cases. Give our office a call to set up a consultation with Dr. Kesty.
Can fillers be combined with other facial rejuvenation techniques?
Filler agents are ideally combined with wrinkle relaxers for an optimal facial rejuvenation outcome. Laser procedures, such as radiofrequency microneedling and fractionated laser resurfacing, in combination with fillers and wrinkle relaxers can provide a comprehensive anti-aging regimen.
Are Dermal Fillers Right for You?
Fillers can be beneficial for anyone who has experienced loss of volume in areas of the face or would like to enhance their natural beauty. Our Board Certified Dermatologists will work with you to develop a complete and customized cosmetic treatment plan including dermal fillers.