Published:
April 16, 2021
If smile, or laugh lines are no laughing matter for you, facial fillers may offer a solution. Facial (dermal) fillers are used to plump up folds and wrinkles in the skin. Unlike Botox which treats wrinkles caused by facial expressions, facial fillers work by adding volume.
Injected beneath the surface of the skin, dermal fillers can be used to treat cheek depressions, nasolabial folds (those laugh lines), and lips, along with other areas.
Types of Fillers
There are several types of facial fillers that can be used on the face. They differ in chemical makeup, longevity, and degree of softness. Some of the more popular choices are products that contain hyaluronic acid, such as Juvederm Voluma. Your plastic surgeon or dermatologist can help you determine the best option for your particular areas of concern.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout your body, especially around joints. Its main function is to act as a cushion and help with wound healing. When injected into the skin, wrinkles or folds immediately become less noticeable.
In the weeks after injection, you will notice a greater effect as the filler attracts water to further plump up the skin. Depending on the type of filler you choose, results can last anywhere from four months to a year or longer.
The Filler Procedure
The minimally invasive filler procedure usually entails placing a numbing cream on the skin folds 15 minutes before injection. The actual injection takes just a few minutes. Following the procedure, it is recommended you:
- Refrain from vigorous activity the day of the injection
- Don’t massage the areas for several days so the filler stays where it is injected
Potential Side Effects
Risks are usually minimal and can include bleeding or bruising, pain at the injection site, or allergy. It is important to select a medical professional, including board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists, to perform this procedure.