Dermal Fillers · Manhattan Dermatologist · Cosmetic Dermatology NYC

Dermal Fillers

Aging gracefully isn’t the same thing as giving up and accepting what the years have done to your looks. Thanks to advances in dermatology and cosmetic procedures, you can hold onto your youthful appearance years longer than you could before. Dermal fillers, facial fillers, permanent lip fillers, and temporary lip fillers are practical and cost-efficient surgical alternatives. And your Manhattan dermatologist is well-versed, experienced, and trained in all of them.

The Secret of Fillers

Whether you were a sun worshiper, a night owl, or an over-achiever who worked too hard, the sins of your youth eventually show on your face. Fillers have been the go-to anti-aging secret for the rich and famous for decades. As these procedures have become more affordable, everyone can have them. Ask your NYC cosmetic dermatologist about them. Injectable fillers can now be comparable to facelifts at a fraction of the cost, although their effects are often temporary. Fillers also have significantly less downtime. You can achieve dramatic results that last from six months to more than a year in simply a matter of minutes.

As You Age

Over the years, your face tends to lose its subcutaneous fat that lies beneath the deepest layers of your skin. The loss happens gradually over time, leaving your facial muscles much closer to the surface of your skin. This causes expression lines, crow’s feet, and the frown lines between your eyebrows to become more pronounced. The natural aging process causes your skin to stretch and sag. Certain aging factors can speed this process, such as:

• Sun exposure
• Heredity
• Lifestyle choices

Dermal fillers can drastically soften and, in many cases, completely eliminate lines and furrows. Permanent and temporary lip fillers are ideal for combatting thinning lips.

Proactive Approach to Aging

Unlike Botox, which serves to relax the muscles under your skin, dermal fillers fill in wrinkles, hollows, and fine lines. Fillers are also popular for restoring youthful volume because they can plump and lift cheeks, temples, and jawlines. They fill out your thinning lips and can even help to rejuvenate the sagging skin on your hands. Fillers can also be used to:

• Improve the appearance of scars
• Reconstruct some facial deformities
• Decrease or eliminate under eye shadows

Dermal fillers are extremely helpful for combatting the early signs of aging. There are several facial fillers available on today’s market, but they are not all created equal. Take the time to consult one of the leading dermatologists in Manhattan, so you pick the best option to treat your specific need.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

The most popular wrinkle fillers are hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a natural material that’s already in your body. Brand name hyaluronic acid fillers include:

• Restylane
• Juvederm
• Voluma
• Volbella
• Vollure
• Belotero

Results from the different product lines may vary from person to person because not only is each formula slightly different, but also each can affect individuals differently as well. In some cases, repeated treatments can actually stimulate your body’s natural production of collagen. And there is also evidence to support that, over time, less filler is needed to achieve the same results.

Synthetic Wrinkle Fillers

These lab-made substances do not occur naturally in your skin. But the results from this type of filler have a tendency to last longer and, in some cases, can provide a semi-permanent solution to lines and wrinkles. Unfortunately, longer-lasting products are more prone to side effects. Since synthetic fillers are foreign to your body, side effects can be more severe. If not applied correctly by a skilled medical professional, these fillers can cause disfigurement. Synthetic fillers include:

• Radiesse
• Bellafill
• Sculptra
• Silicone

Collagen Wrinkle Fillers

This was the first group of wrinkle fillers. Originally, they were derived from forms of purified animal collagen. These worked well and looked natural but tended to break down faster and have higher rates of allergic reactions. Better ways of processing collagen have significantly lowered the associated risks. And there are now synthetic collagens that are safer for more people. While results still don’t tend to last as long, they are thought to be more natural-looking.

Autologous Wrinkle Fillers

Autologous wrinkle fillers are mostly derived from your own fat, surgically removed from your abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. It’s then treated and injected into the desired area. Since this requires two separate procedures, the process is more painful, more time-consuming, and more expensive, although it’s possible to complete both in a single day. Results from this type of filler can be semi-permanent. But they may involve a series of injections over time. Platelet-rich plasma injections, also known as a vampire lift, are the latest form of autologous filler. In this procedure, your own blood is drawn, treated, and injected into the desired areas of your face.

Just the Facts

Dermal fillers are minimally invasive injections that provide visible results after a single session. Sessions typically last an hour or less. Since nearly all fillers are prone to breaking down, however, repeat injections are necessary to maintain your desired results. Dermal fillers should be taken seriously and only administered by certified medical professionals, like your Manhattan dermatologist. Following your treatment, some redness, bruising and swelling may occur, but they’re normal and generally subside in a few days. Your pain and discomfort are minimal. Risks and complications associated with facial fillers are uncommon but include:

• Allergic reactions, especially to animal-derived collagen
• Nodules of filler under the surface of your skin
• Asymmetry
• Bruising, bleeding, or swelling at the injection site
• Being able to feel the filler under the surface of your skin
• Rash or itching
• Redness
• Blindness (very rare)
• Skin necrosis (very rare)
• Under- or over-correction of wrinkles

Important Reminder: This information is only intended to provide guidance, not definitive medical advice. Please consult dermatologist NYC about your specific condition. Only a trained, experienced board certified dermatology doctor or pediatric dermatologist could determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.