Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a temporary, minimally invasive injectable that plumps the skin and softens wrinkles. We use them for various reasons, but the main benefit is filling areas of volume loss. Over time, the face naturally loses the layer of fat called subcutaneous fat, which leads to age-related volume loss. Often, volume loss is most apparent in the cheeks, but it can occur almost anywhere on the face. 

Dermal fillers are temporary, lasting a few months to a year depending on the location within the face and they are not as long-lasting as a surgical procedure to correct facial volume loss, such as facial fat grafting. Dermal fillers can, however, offer a minimally invasive solution and can help you decide if you want a more durable solution to facial aging. Cosmetic surgery such as a facelift or facial fat grafting can provide longer lasting results naturally.

Dermal fillers often contain Hyaluronic Acid (HA.) HA is one of the most popular types of dermal fillers, and for a good reason. It plumps and hydrates the skin underneath to help fill in the desired areas. Because HA is an acid that your body naturally produces, there is little to no chance of an allergic reaction. 

Some of the most popular brands of dermal fillers that contain HA are Juvederm® and Restylane®. Several different formulas within these brands can address different areas of the face. Juvederm® Ultra XC, for example, is a thinner formula that is used to plump the lips. Restylane® Defyne is a thicker formula that fills in deeper wrinkles in the face. 

The amount of time that dermal fillers last does depend on the formula and location injected. Generally, dermal fillers that are thinner formulas last for around six months, while thicker formulas last for over one year. 

An alternative to HA is poly-l-lactic acid. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we offer a dermal filler with this formula called Sculptra®. It is a longer-lasting, temporary filler that works slightly differently than HA. Sculptra® interacts with your body to create new collagen and can be used on the face to add volume or even into the buttocks for a non-surgical alternative to a buttock augmentation. 

Unlike HA fillers, with Sculptra® the volume in your skin will not be seen immediately. It can take up to 12 weeks for the body to create the new collagen that provides the desired volume. The results, however, can last up to 2 years. 
In general, dermal filler placed in areas of the face that don’t move as much will last longer. Dermal filler used under the eyes for under-eye bags may last twelve months, while lip filler may last four to six months.