A dermal filler is a soft tissue filler that is injected into the skin to add volume and improve surface wrinkles, contours, and other skin irregularities. Our Atlanta plastic surgeons offer a complete line of injectable fillers, each used for a different purpose and garnering various outcomes.
When combined with other treatments (such as BOTOX® Cosmetic), injectable fillers are sometimes likened to a “liquid facelift.” To guide patients in choosing the right product, our team conducts a comprehensive assessment of their individual needs.
What Types Of Injectable Fillers Exist?
The market for injectable fillers has exploded over the last decade, with numerous options and brands available for patients to consider.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the face to restore volume. While this natural filler can achieve excellent results, some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body over time, potentially reducing its longevity.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein made up of amino-acids that can be derived from the human body or animals (known as bovine collagen). Collagen generally feels very natural when injected and is commonly used for lip augmentation.
Calcium Hydroxyapatite
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a substance found naturally in human bones. A mineral-like compound and one of the heavier dermal fillers, calcium hydroxyapatite is typically used to treat deep creases and facial folds.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that exists in the human body, often found in connective and skin tissue and cartilage. It is a popular ingredient in a variety of dermal fillers.
Polylactic Acid
Polylactic acid is a synthetic filler that works differently from others. Instead of providing immediate volume, it was developed to stimulate collagen production, with results developing gradually over time.
PMMA
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the leading semi-permanent filler available today. It consists of microspheres suspended in a purified collagen gel, giving it a denser, heavier consistency than most other fillers. PMMA is commonly used for deep wrinkles, contours, and creases, and is sometimes utilized as a permanent implant in reconstructive surgery.
Which Injectable Filler Should I Choose?
-
-
JUVÉDERM® Ultra
JUVÉDERM® Ultra is an injectable gel that can instantly smooth moderate to severe parentheses lines and wrinkles around your nose and mouth.
-
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus®
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus is designed for lip augmentation.
-
JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA®
JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® can add subtle volume to the lips and soften the appearance of vertical lip lines.
-
JUVÉDERM® VOLLURE®
JUVÉDERM® VOLLURE® can ease moderate to severe lines and wrinkles by adding volume around the nose and mouth, typically delivering subtle, long-lasting results.
-
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA®
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® is an injectable gel that can replenish volume in the cheek area to correct age-related volume loss.
-
SKINVIVE™
SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM® is the first FDA-approved injectable treatment specifically formulated to enhance skin quality and radiance in the cheeks.
-
RADIESSE®
Composed of calcium hydroxyapatite, RADIESSE® can smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (e.g. nasolabial folds) and restore volume loss in the back of the hands.
-
Restylane®
Restylane® is used to add volume and fullness to enhance lips and also to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth.
-
Restylane® Defyne™
Restylane® Defyne™ is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler formulated with XpresHAn Technology™ to smooth deep laugh lines, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines. It can restore a youthful, natural-looking appearance while preserving facial expressions.
-
Restylane® Lyft
Restylane® Lyft is approved by the FDA for cheek augmentation and the correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies. In addition, Restylane® Lyft is used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines).
-
Restylane® Refyne
Restylane® Refyne, formulated with cross-linked XpresHAn Technology™, can soften laugh lines (including nasolabial folds and marionette lines) while enhancing your natural appearance.
-
Restylane® Silk
Restylane® Silk is composed of smaller, smoother particles specifically designed to provide natural-looking results while correcting lip thinning, lost shape, and vertical lines above the lip.
-
Sculptra® Aesthetic
Sculptra® Aesthetic works subtly and gradually over time for a more youthful-looking appearance. Unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, Sculptra® Aesthetic helps stimulate your skin’s own natural collagen production to help restore its inner structure and increase facial volume that has been lost to aging.
What Does the Injectable Filler Treatment Involve?
Prior to treatment, we will assess various aspects of your face and make marks directly on the skin to note where the injection sites will be. Your 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 of our patients are elated with their dermal fillers results.
Injectable Filler FAQs
Are injectable fillers safe?
At Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta, we only use FDA-approved fillers that have been proven safe to use.
How long do injectable filler results last?
While the effects of each injectable filler will vary, most last between three months and a full year.
Injectable Fillers vs. BOTOX® Cosmetic
Injectable fillers can decrease wrinkles by adding volume to smooth the skin’s surface. Meanwhile, neurotoxins (e.g. BOTOX® Cosmetic) aim to temporarily freeze the overactive muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. If you are interested in an injectable treatment, we will be happy to evaluate your needs and determine whether a neurotoxin or dermal filler may be the better choice.
