What Do Fillers Do to Your Face?

Learn about dermal filler treatments - what they do, how they work & what risks are involved - from an expert's perspective.

What Do Fillers Do to Your Face?

Fillers are a popular injectable treatment option designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, chin wrinkles, and crow's feet. They can also be used to contour the face, such as increasing the jawline or cheekbones. Fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and wrinkles, or improve facial contours. The effects of most FDA-approved dermal fillers are temporary because they are made of materials that the body eventually breaks down and absorbs.

The injection procedure may have to be repeated to maintain the desired effect. FDA regulates dermal fillers as medical devices. As such, it is important to consult with a trusted doctor who doesn't overdo your fillers and stays away from failed filling jobs and a visit to a plastic surgeon for costly plastic surgery to restore your face. Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the more temporary option and are therefore often recommended for patients with first-time fillers. Juvederm Voluma is the first FDA-approved filler in the U.

S. for volumizing the middle face (cheeks) and is the first HA filler to include a 2-year effect statement on its label. Dermal fillers work by increasing the skin's supply of hyaluronic acid, dermal fillers revitalize and add volume to the skin, instantly diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and giving a smoother, more natural look. Dermal fillers can be used to achieve superior facial contour without subjecting you to the risks associated with invasive plastic surgery. You will have a follow-up checkup with your doctor to see how your face has been adjusted after treatment. Follow-up checks are also the right time to inform your doctor of any adverse reactions you experience to help prevent further complications.

In some cases, medical professionals use fillers in areas where Botox may fail or is not suitable for lifting or softening the skin, such as near the eyebrows or eyelids. Fillers are an effective solution for adding support and filling sagging skin and lifting it up. Fillers can stretch the skin a little and make it look smoother. However, anything that's too much isn't good for you either. Overfilling an area can stretch soft tissue and cause skin to sag.

A good, experienced medical professional knows well how to limit the amount of fillers you need to avoid such complications. The cost of dermal filler treatments varies and depends on the provider performing it, the area being treated, and the type of filler selected. While many facial fillers provide immediate results, some of them will require several treatments over the course of weeks or months for optimal benefits, followed by occasional touch-ups. A licensed healthcare professional must perform all dermal filling procedures using only FDA-approved fillers injected with a syringe. Dermal fillers decrease signs of aging in multiple facial areas by adding volume to regions that are sagging, as well as filling in wrinkles and lines. During a filling procedure, your medical professional or licensed physician will evaluate your face to develop strategies for applying fillers. Injecting dermal fillers into the face and hands can improve the appearance of facial lines and volume loss caused by age or certain medical conditions. Dermal fillers are ideal for filling in folds and lines, filling lips and cheeks, and improving facial contours.

Like it or not, everyone will have to age eventually - but with dermal fillers you can look younger without surgery or downtime.