Dermal fillers are minimally invasive injections that are meant to rejuvenate parts of the skin. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have experience with enhancing the lips, softening facial creases, and removing wrinkles through dermal filler treatments.
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What Are Dermal Fillers?
The injection of a “filler material" into the skin is commonly used to decrease signs of aging.
Fillers are used to:
- Enhance contours
- Fill in unattractive lines
- Soften and sometimes eliminate creases
Common areas of treatment include:
- Around the jowls
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Frown lines
- Lips
- Marionette lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Smoker's lines
Larger amounts of fillers can be used to increase volume in the cheeks or temples.
Types of Fillers
A variety of synthetic and natural fillers are available for use. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of all materials and which ones might be right for you.
Are Dermal Fillers Right for Me?
Adults over the age of 20 are candidates for dermal fillers. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes to perform and, following a detailed consultation with the physician, can be performed during the initial visit. Some patients with severe wrinkles may be better candidates for a facelift or necklift in conjunction with fat injections.
Before the Procedure
Your plastic surgeon will perform a detailed analysis of your face and the desired area of rejuvenation. You should speak with your prescribing physician regarding the use of blood thinners. These medications can cause bruising and swelling.
Your First Dermal Filler Consult
Your surgeon will thoroughly explain what dermal filler injections are and how they work. During your consultation, you can also expect to discuss:
- Any past skin rejuvenation therapy or facial surgery.
- Current medications that you take, in addition to alcohol, tobacco, and drug use habits.
- Your goals of the rejuvenation.
Before considering any kind of skin rejuvenation, your doctor will perform a general health assessment to screen for any risk factors. They'll make recommendations for treatments that best suit your desired outcomes.
Procedure Details
In the office, the part of your body that will be receiving the filler will be numbed with topical agents as well as a local anesthesia. Your surgeon may also want to inject a nerve blocking agent to better numb a specific area of your face.
Once the area is numb, the various fillers will be placed into the areas that you want rejuvenated.
Where Do I Go to Have My Procedure?
The procedure will be done in the plastic surgeon's office.
Recovery
Most patients can go out in public that day. In most cases, bruising from the injections is minimal.
Anticipated Results
Dermal filling agents usually result in an improvement and enhancement in the areas that are treated. There may be a softening or elimination of a crease, filling of a line or wrinkle, enhancement of the lips, or increased prominence of the cheek or chin.
Risks and Safety
The risks of the procedure are minimal and can include:
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
Not every person is a candidate for this procedure, and your risks may be greater or different than those of other patients. Your plastic surgeon will review all potential risks and complications with you prior to the procedure.
Insurance and Financing
Health insurance rarely covers the cost of elective medical procedures. Call 1-877-639-9688 to discuss alternative payment options with UPMC experts.