Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to replenish lost volume, reduce wrinkles, and improve contours in the face. Fillers formulated with calcium hydroxylapatite can smooth deep folds, adding volume to sunken areas. Some fillers boost collagen production for longer-lasting benefits. Here is information on how a plastic surgeon uses dermal fillers:
Types of Dermal Fillers
Fillers containing hyaluronic acid are made from naturally occurring substances in the skin that retain moisture. Lightweight formulations may volumize lips, while denser products add structure to cheeks and jawlines. Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers offer higher durability for deeper wrinkles. They are released steadily over time for a natural, youthful appearance. Poly-L-Lactic acid fillers are classified as biostimulatory injectables, which increase the body’s collagen production and are good for treating facial folds. Plastic surgeons can recommend the right filler for you based on facial anatomy and treatment goals.
Uses of Dermal Fillers
Enhancing Aesthetic Results
Injecting fillers into targeted areas helps enhance features and reverse age-related changes. This non-surgical approach avoids incisions and downtime, providing enhancements that help patients achieve a refreshed appearance. Fillers may:
- Volumize lips
- Smooth nasolabial folds
- Contour cheeks and jawline
- Correct hollowing under the eyes
- Smooth recessed acne scars
Newer techniques, such as non-surgical nose reshaping and tear trough correction, expand filler possibilities. Patients can usually address multiple aesthetic concerns in a single session.
Smoothing Wrinkles and Folds
Repeated facial movements can cause static lines and wrinkles around the mouth, nose, and forehead. Fillers with smoother consistencies often integrate into these dynamic areas more quickly than thicker body fillers. This softens smile lines, marionette lines running from the mouth corners, vertical lip lines, and horizontal forehead wrinkles. The treatment minimizes these creases, restoring a smoother, youthful complexion.
Elevating Lip Volume
The natural aging process causes lips to lose volume and definition over time. Hyaluronic acid fillers can restore lip fullness. Newer formulations are thick enough to build shape but blend into lip tissue for natural movement. Adding soft projections along the lip border sharpens the vermillion.
Augmenting Cheek Contours
A plastic surgeon uses cheek augmentation to restore contour by placing dense fillers along the cheekbones. This increases volume in patients with facial fat loss due to age or weight fluctuations. Cheek enhancement can also provide structural balance in patients with a flat midface. Once achieved, a more defined bone structure is created by adding projection to the zygomatic arch, which acts as an anchor for the rest of the facial skin. The treatment may make patients look younger by creating a lifted appearance.
Defining Jawlines
Adding filler beneath the skin along the jawbone increases the volume, mimicking natural bone structure. This creates a pronounced jawline that clearly transitions from the neck to the face. Defined jawlines are often perceived as a hallmark of youth and beauty. Depending on your needs, you can achieve an angular, masculine jaw or restore feminine softness.
Correcting Tear Troughs
Lack of support beneath the thin skin under the eyes can create hollow tear troughs. These appear as dark circles or a shadow below the eyes. Filling in these areas with soft fillers removes this sunken appearance. Light diffuses across the correction for a refreshed eye area. Surgeons may combine filler types to address both the orbital rim and malar regions.
Consult a Plastic Surgeon on Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers provide non-surgical solutions for a youthful appearance. Appointments begin with a consultation to assess facial anatomy and discuss cosmetic goals. Treatments are performed in the office using fine needles for injection. A plastic surgeon helps determine the number of syringes needed based on your aesthetic desires and budget. Schedule an appointment with your surgeon today.
