Dermal fillers are largely composed of hyaluronic acid. This substance is normally found in the human body. The hyaluronic acid used in dermal fillers may be derived from animals or may be created in a laboratory. The hyaluronic acid used in Juvederm, Voluma, and Restylane are non-animal derived.
As we age, the tissue of the face that holds the skin in place so that it appears youthful and firm begins to break down. Over time, lines, wrinkles, and folds will begin to appear in the skin as a result of this supportive tissue and subcutaneous fat breaking down. The hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers helps to replace the hyaluronic acid that has depleted from the facial tissue, restoring volume to the tissue of the dermis.
Dermal fillers are commonly used to reduce the appearance of the following:
Dermal filler injection procedures may last between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the extent of treatment. Before dermal fillers are injected, the face is cleansed with an alcohol based cleaner. A local or topical anesthetic may be used to numb the area during the procedure, if desired.
Dermal fillers are injected into the dermis in several places using an ultra-fine needle. After administering several injections in the same general area, the physician will massage the area before continuing with injections. This helps to achieve the best results.
Over time, the body will begin to absorb the injected hyaluronic acid, causing lines, folds, and wrinkles to reappear. The time that it takes the body to begin this reabsorption process may vary from patient to patient, but is usually between 6 and 12 months. In some patients, dermal filler results may last as long as 18 months.
