Injectable fillers are a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that can add volume to the face, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and plump up sagging skin. They are a popular alternative to traditional surgical treatments because they provide natural-looking results without the recovery time, risk, or downtime of invasive procedures.
What is dermal filler?
Dermal fillers are a type of injectable filler that’s used to smooth out skin by adding volume or restoring hydration. They are a soft gel-like substance that’s injected under the skin by a licensed medical professional to achieve a desired aesthetic outcome such as adding a subtle lift or smoothing out deep under-eye circles. They can also be used to plump lips, soften nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the side of your nose to the corners of your mouth), and rejuvenate the hands.
What are the main types of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers come in a variety of materials, but the most common are hyaluronic acid (HA) gels. HA is a naturally occurring sugar in the body that replenishes moisture and adds volume to the skin.
There are many different types of HA fillers available, including those made by Allergan, Galderma, and JUVÉDERM. Some are formulated to last longer than others, so it’s important to find the right one for your needs.
Hyaluronic acid is a popular filler because it provides beautiful, natural-looking Injectable fillers in Los Angeles results and dissolves gradually over time. It’s also the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.
Juvederm Voluma is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler that restores lost facial volume. The product uses mid-sized HA particles that give a subtle volume boost and help correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area.
RHA and biodegradable hyaluronic acid are similar to HA fillers but have different mechanisms of action. Both hyaluronic acid and biodegradable hyaluronic acids stimulate fibroblast activation, neocollagenesis, and tissue regeneration for long-lasting results.
Unlike hyaluronic acid, however, PAAG (Bio-Alcamid or Aquamid) fillers are not degradable, so they do not provide lasting volume enhancement but only last for a few months to a year. This may be because of the way that polyalkylimide fillers stimulate inflammatory response, which in turn results in edema.
These inflammatory responses may be triggered by various factors, such as heat or cold exposure, stress, infection, and bacteria. They can also be triggered by a lack of sufficient blood supply to the treated area.
Injection of HA-filled fillers can produce an initial edema and swelling of the injection site, but these effects will diminish soon after the injection. The edema will gradually dissipate and will disappear within weeks or months after treatment.
Other non-hyaluronic acid fillers, such as polymerized calcium hydroxylapatite (PCA) fillers and polylactic acid fillers, can cause temporary redness, pain, swelling, itching, and tenderness of the injection site. These are less common than HA-filled fillers but should be reported to your doctor if they occur.
Depending on your needs, your plastic surgeon will recommend the best filler for you. At the Glasgold Group, our surgeons have decades of experience performing a wide range of effective, minimally invasive filler treatments that will help you achieve your goals and restore a youthful look to your skin. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our expert cosmetic surgeons and discover how these treatments can transform your appearance.