Overview
Injectable fillers enhance facial features but save patients on the time, expense or risk involved with surgical options. Dr. White commonly turns to fillers to help lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine facial lines. He offers a comprehensive list of the available filler brands including Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Sculptra. Injectable fillers may be combined with wrinkle relaxers, such as BOTOX®, and skin treatments, like dermabrasion to provide patients with a non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Treatments like these are performed at our Dallas, Texas facility.
Injectable Fillers Reviews
Types of Injectables
The market for injectable fillers has exploded over the last decade; offering numerous options and brands for patients to consider.
Fat Transfer
A fat transfer is a process that takes fat from one body part and directly transfers it to an area of the face to add volume. This type of filler offers good results, but may not last as long because the body will naturally absorb some of the injected fat.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein made up of amino-acids. It can be derived from the human body or animals (known as bovine collagen). Collagen feels very natural when injected. It is commonly used in the lips for lip augmentation.
Calcium Hydroxypatite
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a substance found naturally in human bones. It is a mineral-like compound and one of the heavier derma fillers. This particular filler treatment is generally used for deep crevices and creases.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that exists in the human body. It can be found in connective and skin tissue and cartilage. It is extracted, reformulated and then offered as a derma filler. It is a popular choice because of its compatibility.
Polylactic Acid
Polylactic acid is a synthetic substance created and used as a filler. This particular substance works differently than the other fillers because, once injected, it stimulates collagen production. Therefore, results will not be immediate but will appear gradually over time.
PMMA
The primary semi-permanent filler on the market today is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This filler contains a low concentration of microspheres suspended in a larger amount of purified collagen gel. PMMA is more solid and heavier than most other fillers. It is used for deep wrinkles, deep contours and crevices, and is sometimes used as a permanent implant during reconstructive surgery.
During/After the Procedure
Prior to treatment, the practitioner will assess various aspects of the face and make marks directly on the skin to note where the injection sites will be. The face will be cleansed and a local anesthetic will be applied to help numb the top layer of skin. Using a syringe with a fine needle, the filler will be injected into the marked areas until the desired fullness has been achieved. Most patients are pleased with their results. While this will vary by filler product, most will produce results lasting from 3 months to a full year.
Expected Cost
The price for an injectable filler treatment will vary depending on how many syringes will be needed and product used.
Plan Your Procedure
- Recovery Time
- 1-2 Days
- Average Procedure Time
- 30 Minutes
- Post-op Follow-up
- 30 Days
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Out-Patient
Injectable Filler FAQ's
Are Fillers Safe?
All injectable fillers on the market today are FDA-approved and are safe to use. It is important to discuss the differences between each filler treatment to decide which is the best choice for your specific situation.
Long-Lasting Results?
The results of each injectable filler treatment will vary. On average, most will last between 3 months and a full year. Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane are among some of the most common fillers and usually last 6 months or longer. Fat injections will last the shortest amount of time because a portion will reabsorb into the body within several months.
Fillers VS. BOTOX?
Injectable fillers help to decrease wrinkles by adding volume to smooth the skin’s surface. BOTOX, Dysport and Xeomin offer a result that looks and acts similar, but with a different approach. These treatments use a neurotoxic agent injected into the skin to temporarily freeze overactive muscles causing wrinkles. When the muscles relax, the visible wrinkles on the outer layer of the skin relax and soften, resulting in a smoother, younger appearance.
