Dermal Fillers
What are dermal fillers and what do they do?
Dermal fillers are gels or compounds which are injected to fill in creases, folds, and deep wrinkles on the face. They offer immediate improvement in a patient's appearance. More recently, fillers have been used to volumize the aging face.
Are these natural substances?
Most dermal fillers (Juvederm, Voluma, Volift, Volbella, Belotero, Revanesse and others) are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring human substance found in the skin and joints.
Radiesse is a Heath Canada approved filler that is known for its longevity. It has been reported to last for 18 months. Occasionally, a small “touch up” is required at about 6-9 months to achieve this duration. The composition of Radiesse is microscopic spheres of calcium in liquid slurry. The longevity of the correction is the result of the body creating new collagen in response to the Radiesse. The liquid portion of the filler is absorbed in 3-6 months and when that is absorbed, but before the collagen is completely integrated is when a touch up might be needed.
Which areas are commonly injected?
The areas injected with dermal fillers are:
- Nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
- Lips (for fuller lips)
- Under the eyes in the tear troughs
- Forehead creases (usually only after Botox® administration)
- Cheeks (to enhance and lift the cheeks)
- Jowls (actually hides them)
- Marionette lines (vertical lines from the corner of the mouth and downward)
- Frowning mouth (used to turn up the corners of the mouth)
- Chin crease (soften this area)
- Wrinkles around the mouth and cheek area, “Smokers” lip lines
- Temples (fill in hollows found in weight loss, athletes, and in age related loss)
- Preauricular (in front of ear area, particularly common in people who have had facelifts)
How long do the dermal filler last?
Dermal fillers can last anywhere from 6 months, up to 18 months or longer. The exact duration is determined by the area of placement and the dermal filler used. In general, the more muscle movement, the less longevity of the filler. Dermal fillers are gradually reabsorbed and when they are fully absorbed, you can expect to go back to your pretreatment appearance. It is recommended to have touch up injections rather then wait until complete absorption occurs.
Afterwards, what can I expect?
One can expect some post treatment swelling for a couple days, which may last up to one week. It is therefore recommend to not have this treatment within 2 weeks of any special occasion that is planned. Bruising can occur and can last up to 2 weeks but with blunt cannulas, bruises are much less common.
Dr. Maloney is happy to provide dermal filler treatments at:
Fraser ENT
101-8644 120 Street,
Surrey, B.C.
778-565-3239 (main)
778-565-3249 (fax)
www.fraserent.ca
dr.amanda.maloney@gmail.com
Triniti Laser Clinic and Medical Spa
210 6th Street,
New Westminster, B.C.
604-544-5666
www.trinitilaser.com
info@trinitilaser.com
False Creek Skin Solution Clinic,
660A Leg in Boot Square,
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4B3
604-877-1299
www.fcskinsolution.com
info@fcskinsolution.com