Dermal fillers are injectable procedures that can turn back the clock on your appearance in just a few minutes of treatment time. As the popularity of fillers has increased, so has the number of formulations, allowing for perfect customization of your treatment to your precise needs and desired results. Here is an overview of the fillers Dr. Patel currently offers to help you choose the right treatment for you.
What Fillers Do
Dermal fillers are injected into the underlying layers of dermis to replace or stimulate collagen that is naturally lost over time. Collagen is an important protein that supports the skin and keeps it looking soft and youthful. Over the years, collagen levels decline, which leads to skin laxity and the formation of wrinkles.
By replacing that support in the deeper dermal layers, we can effectively restore youthful volume and smooth away wrinkles from the inside out. Some fillers also promote collagen production by the body, which leads to natural results that tend to last longer than other formulations.
Active Ingredients
There are a number of ingredients you might find in your dermal filler formulations:
Hyaluronic Acid
– This natural skin hydrator is found in the body, but like collagen, levels can decrease over time. By adding hyaluronic acid to the dermal structure, we can help the skin retain moisture while restoring a supple appearance to the skin. Hyaluronic acid offers a smooth formulation when added to dermal fillers that makes it effective for reducing fine lines and plumping up the lips or even filling up hollowed out areas of the face. The main drawback to hyaluronic acid is that it doesn’t always last quite as long as some of the other dermal fillers that are now available. Hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvederm, Voluma and Belotero.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
– This is another substance found in the body, typically in the teeth and bones. The biocompatible material has been used for more than two decades in other areas of medicine and now shows its benefits as a cosmetic treatment as well. Because fillers containing calcium hydroxylapatite tend to be a bit thicker than hyaluronic acid formulations, the results also tend to last longer. Radiesse is the filler of choice containing this ingredient.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid
– This substance has been used in the medical realm for more than 40 decades, primarily as suture material. When used for cosmetic purposes, poly-l-lactic acid serves as a stimulator for collagen production. The ingredient works a bit differently than other filler ingredients. Instead of immediately plumping and smoothing the skin, poly-l-lactic acid goes to work underneath the skin’s surface to increase collagen levels. The collagen provides natural and more youthful results over time and those results can last up to three full years. It is a great option to get a gradual and natural change for areas that are drooping, sagging or hollowed out. It works best to restore beautiful cheek bones and restore and improve the hollowing under the eyes. Sculptra is the filler containing poly-l-lactic acid.
Procedure and Results
Dr. Patel will help you choose the right filler formulation based on your specific concerns, treatment area and desired results. No matter which filler you choose, the procedure should take only a few minutes to complete and you will be able to return to your regular activities immediately afterward. All dermal fillers, except Sculptra, will yield positive results right away. Those results typically last six months to one year before a touch-up treatment is needed to maintain results.
Whether you are looking for a way to boost your cheekbones or get rid of creases around the nose and mouth, there is a dermal filler for you. To learn more about these treatments, contact Dr. Patel at 732-354-3792.
