What You Need to Know About Dermal Fillers

Are dermal fillers right for you? If you're considering this non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation as a way to reduce the effects of age, take a look at the questions to ask first.

What Are Your Aesthetic Goals?

Rejuvenation is a general term. Even though you want a younger, rejuvenated look, you may have specific problem areas you want to address. Before your initial consultation, list your dermal filler treatment goals. These should match what fillers can do.

If you're not completely sure what fillers can or can't do, this cosmetic option is primarily used to:

• Smooth mouth and nose lines. Do you have "smile lines"? These injectables can fill shallow (not deep) smile lines and smooth the appearance of the mouth and nose area.
• Add volume. Along with smoothing lines, fillers can also restore volume to the cheeks and the temple region.
• Plump lips. Are your lips thin? Whether your lips are naturally thin or you've experienced age-related volume loss, injectables can plump and enhance the look/shape of your mouth.
• Smooth the chin area. The mouth and nose areas aren't the only facial space where patients use fillers. These injectables can also smooth chin creases.

While, as the name implies, fillers can fill out fine lines, they don't provide the lifting or tightening of a surgical procedure. If you're still not sure whether injectables are right for you, read on for more information.

What Types of Fillers Are Available?

Now that you've chosen aesthetic goals, it's time to select the right filler for your needs. The umbrella term "filler" refers to a host of different products, made from different ingredients. The most popular options include:

• Hyaluronic acid. This injectable can reduce the look of some facial depressions and may improve the look of acne, burn, or injury-related scars. Patients also use this filler to smooth frown lines, smile lines, or crow's feet.
• Polyalkylimide. Patients use this option to smooth deep wrinkles, fill the cheekbone and jawline area, and plump thin lips.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite. Do you have moderate to severe creases around your mouth or nose? This option can fill these types of wrinkles as well as enhance cheek fullness.
• Polylactic acid. This option works well for patients with laugh lines, thin lips, and nose-to-mouth folds.

The choice between dermal fillers requires professional guidance. If you're not sure which one will meet your needs, discuss the alternatives with your doctor or medical provider.