If you’re looking for a quick and relatively inexpensive fix for lines and wrinkles, dermal fillers are the way to go. In addition, dermal fillers are generally considered safe, with few potential side effects. The dermatologists at Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic provide a basic guide for those considering dermal fillers.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles by plumping up the area. The fillers, many of which contain a small amount of lidocaine to ease any discomfort, are injected into the line or wrinkle.

Dermalfillers are considered safe because most of them consist of natural ingredients already in the body. Most prominent of these is hyaluronic acid, found in Juvederm®, Restylane® and other well-known brands. Hyaluronic acid works by hydrating tissues beneath the skin.

Calcium hydroxyapatite, found in the bones, is another type of dermal filler. Radiesse® is among the brands using this substance. It is most often used to improve  deeper lines and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers may boost collagen production, the body’s most abundant protein. Your body produces less of this protein as you age, and the result is skin laxity, as collagen plays a huge role in maintaining skin firmness.  

There are synthetic dermal fillers, such as Poly-L-lactic acid, which are biodegradable and safe for use within the body. Sculptra® Aesthetic is an FDA-approved synthetic filler, used to correct deep facial wrinkles. This product is another collagen stimulator. Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to a synthetic dermal filler.

Dermal Filler Advantages

Plastic surgery for line and wrinkle eradication lasts longer than dermal fillers, but in addition to the cost, there is also considerable downtime. Any type of surgery comes with certain risks, such as infection or bleeding. Dermal fillers require no downtime, and any side effects are usually limited to slight and temporary bruising and swelling. Rarely, small bumps may develop beneath the skin.

Dermal filler injections are minimally painful. The entire process may take between 15 and 30 minutes. Go home afterward and pursue normal activities. Just avoid the sun and any excessive heat for a few days.

How Dermal Fillers Can Help

While dermal fillers are primarily used for plumping up lines and wrinkles, they are also useful for improving or minimizing other skin conditions. These include:

• Lip plumping
• Scarring
• Volume loss

The face is not the only body part that can benefit from dermal fillers. Many people have dermal filler injections performed on the hands as volume loss  is common there.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Depending on the type of filler, results may last between six months to as long as  two years. Regular treatment often means much longer periods between injections .

Contact Us

If you would like more information about dermal fillers and the best choices for your needs, Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic invites you to schedule an informational consultation. Please contact our La Mesa office today to request an appointment.