Skin Rejuvenating Dermal Fillers

What are dermal fillers?

Fillers are injectable substances that tend to plump up areas where wrinkles are or fill-in areas of volume loss due in large part to the effects of time.  There are so many different names, sometimes one wonders how we can keep up

with them all!  The fact of the matter is that the fillers can be divided into certain broad groups, and then the differences between the fillers within that group can be evaluated, but often are rather small.  Perhaps one has an anesthetic and one doesn’t.  Perhaps one is able to be reversed more easily than the other.  And perhaps one

is more concentrated and larger-moleculed than the other.

Are the fillers good for all of my wrinkles?

Absolutely not.  Basically we say that the filler may benefit  those wrinkles that result from sagging of the underlying structures and loss of volume. 

Dr. Martin believes that this is the area of the so-called naso-labial fold (those lines that go from the nose downward toward the mouth and chin like a parenthesis-shaped wrinkle).  He also believes that the fillers do well in the mid cheek to restore volume and for what is called the pre-jowl sulcus (an area on the line of the jawbone).

Can’t fillers be used to treat my crows feet and forehead lines?

These lines are wrinkles that develop as a result of movement. They are called “dynamic” wrinkles.  Each time we talk, smile or laugh, certain muscles pull the skin similarly, and the skin folds similarly.  The results are dynamic wrinkles.  Wrinkles between the eyes (frown lines), crows’ feet wrinkles, and some forehead wrinkles are examples, and the best minimal-downtime, non-invasive treatment is Botox® Cosmetic, not fillers.

What are some examples of names of fillers?

Restylane ®, Perlane®, Juvederm®, Prevelle Silk®, Sculptra®, Cosmoplast®, Radiesse®, Zyderm®, Evolence®, Artefill®, just as examples!  Probably by the time you read this, there will be another brand name.

What are the broad differences between these various types of Fillers?

Some are collagen fillers; some are hyaluronic acid fillers and some are hydroxyapatite fillers. While collagen fillers were the first to market, today probably more hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvederm®, Prevelle Silk®) are used than any other group.

Do you use Fillers along with Botox® Cosmetic?

Absolutely.  That is a wonderful way to gently erase many lines, folds and wrinkles.

What’s the first thing I should do if I am interested in Fillers?

Contact Dr Sandy Martin at the prestigious Center for Dermatology and Skin Surgery and schedule a consultation.  You and Dr. Martin can discuss what bothers you and you will get an honest evaluation and a treatment plan including costs.