What are fillers and what are they used for?

Dermal fillers are a popular treatment with my patients because they work on a variety of concerns. Specifically, it is a clear jelly-like substance that is injected under the skin. There are many brands that make these products and each brand has a variety of subtypes which have specific properties that vary by thickness and firmness. While it can seem overwhelming – you don’t need to know all the different brands and subtypes. Your dermatologist can choose the right products for you based on your concerns. The best thing to do is to focus on your goals and your concerns rather than the different types of products.

So, what can fillers actually do?

Restore volume: Historically, dermal fillers were used to fill specific lines and creases such as the nasolabial fold creases. Over time and through experience, we are now using fillers to restore volume loss rather than filling individual lines. Volume loss in the face due to aging causes the skin and face to sag towards the midline of the face. You might notice deeper creases at the nose and mouth and also a bottom-heavy appearance of the face. Fillers can be used to essentially “lift and separate” the sagging skin. This restores volume and also draws the lines of the face up and out rather than down and in. This is a great treatment for just about everyone once volume loss occurs in the face.

Balance proportions: In some cases, fillers can be used to increase the size of certain features. For example, fillers can be used to increase the size of the lips if they are very thin, or build out a small chin or define a weak jawline. The treatments are not intended to change or distort your features, but to create a balanced and harmonious look.

Improve skin texture: A more advanced use of dermal fillers is improving skin tone and texture through collagen building. Aging and UV light damage causes the skin to thin which gives a crepe-like appearance. Using advanced techniques,
dermal fillers can be used to reinforce the skin and improve the look of fine wrinkled skin. This is a great treatment for larger areas on your face with fine wrinkles such as the upper lip, side of the face, and neck.

If you’re interested in getting fillers, make sure to see a board certified dermatologist who can guide you on the best products and treatments to meet your goals.