Dermal Fillers

Non-Surgical Injectables Dermal Fillers

Usually, we think of losing fat as a good thing. When the subcutaneous fat in your face starts thinning, however, it can have an unwanted effect on your appearance. Our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat as we age. As collagen fibers break down, our skin also gets thinner and more lax. These combined factors can create a gaunt appearance with under-eye hollows, deflated cheeks and temples, and wrinkles. That’s where dermal fillers come in to replace this lost facial volume.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are an injectable cosmetic treatment that restores volume, smooths out wrinkles, and enhances facial contours. Also called soft tissue fillers and wrinkle fillers, these injectables come in many formulas and consistencies to treat a wide range of cosmetic concerns. Dermal fillers are primarily used to fill in hollow areas and wrinkles but can also augment facial features such as the cheekbones, jawline, or lips. 

These fillers are usually a gel-like substance that creates immediate volume when injected, but some also improve volume loss by stimulating collagen production. Dermal fillers are made with various ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, or polymer microspheres.

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Types of Dermal Fillers

One of the features that has made dermal fillers so popular is their versatility. At the Langdon Center, we offer several brands of fillers to ensure there’s a good fit for each patient’s unique needs and goals. We can use multiple dermal fillers to create a customized treatment plan that rejuvenates multiple areas of your face.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are among the most popular because of their versatility, safety, and hydrating benefits. Juvederm® is an HA filler with several different formulas to treat various areas of the face. Depending on which Juvederm® filler you receive, the results are immediate and typically last six to 18 months.

Made with calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, Radiesse® has a thicker consistency that makes it ideal for contouring the face and filling in deep folds. It’s also FDA-approved to rejuvenate aging hands. Radiesse® typically lasts a year or two.

This poly-L-lactic acid filler stimulates collagen production to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out. Sculptra® may not provide immediate results, but it’s worth the wait! Sculptra® has versatile uses and often lasts two years or more.

Bellafill® is a unique filler made with bovine collagen and PMMA (a type of polymer) microspheres. It can effectively smooth out wrinkles and acne scars. Bellafill® creates immediate volume but also stimulates collagen production for long-lasting benefits and is the only filler that lasts several years.

Restylane® is a hyaluronic-acid-based filler similar to Juvederm®. It has multiple formulas for use in the lips, cheekbones, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and more. This filler typically lasts a year or two. Like Juvederm®, the hyaluronic acid in Restylane® helps moisturize your skin to keep it soft and smooth.

Revanesse® Versa™ is a hyaluronic acid filler like Juvederm® and Restylane®, but it uses smaller and more refined particles of HA for a higher viscosity. This high-quality formula reduces common side effects like bruising and swelling at the injection sites for some patients. Versa™ has multiple uses and lasts for a year or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to their versatility, dermal fillers’ convenience is another popular feature. Filler injections at the Langdon Center are quick and easy. Many fillers contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort, or we can apply a topical numbing cream. One of our experts will make multiple small injections for even distribution and natural-looking results. 

This injection procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, so dermal fillers are easy to do on your lunch break. The appointment may take longer if you’re having several dermal fillers or other treatments, such as Botox®, performed simultaneously.

After your injection procedure, you can resume your regular routine without downtime. Dermal fillers have minimal side effects and don’t require any recovery time. Some swelling and minor bruising at the injection sites are normal, but this should subside within a couple of days.

We’ll give you specific instructions for aftercare. To prevent swelling, you should avoid strenuous activities, heat, and sun exposure for at least 24 hours after your injections.

Because we offer many dermal fillers and customize each patient’s treatment, your exact results will depend on your tailored treatment plan. Most fillers provide immediate results that last several months or longer. However, some fillers like Sculptra® take a few months to increase collagen production and show noticeable improvement. 

Fillers can last anywhere from six months to several years, depending on the brand and where they’re injected. You can have maintenance treatments as needed to preserve your results.

Some of the results you can achieve with dermal fillers include:

  • Enhanced facial contours
  • More defined jawline and cheekbones
  • Softer, smoother skin
  • Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
  • Reduced acne scarring
  • Fuller lips

With several types of dermal fillers, almost anyone is a candidate for at least one of the brands we offer. We may perform a skin test to ensure you aren’t allergic to any filler ingredients, such as the bovine collagen in Bellafill®. Ideal candidates for dermal fillers are healthy adults who want subtle facial appearance improvements. Dr. Langdon may recommend more intensive treatments like a facelift or CO2 laser resurfacing for more moderate to severe signs of aging.

Take the next step.

To learn more about dermal fillers or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Langdon, please fill out the form on this page or call The Langdon Center at (203) 453-8625. We look forward to working with you! The Langdon Center serves patients in the Guilford & New Haven, CT areas.