Introduction
Dermal fillers are injections placed underneath the skin to help smooth out certain types of wrinkles. Fillers have been used in the face for many years. However, experience has taught surgeons to stay away from certain types of fillers. Dr. Bustillo does not use or recommend silicone or biopolymer injections. These types of fillers, while permanent, are responsible for serious and permanent complications for many patients throughout the world. Dr. Bustillo only uses non-permanent dermal fillers approved by the FDA. These are extremely safe and have been in use for many years.
A discussion of dermal fillers would be incomplete without an introduction to facial wrinkles. There are two types of facial wrinkles, dynamic and static wrinkles. Static wrinkles are those caused by a combination of gravity and loss of skin elasticity and are typically located in the lower third of the face. Examples of these types of wrinkles include the nasolabial folds (those that go from the nose to the corner of the lips) and marionette lines (those that go from the corner of the lips to chin). These wrinkles are treated with dermal ” fillers “. Please refer to the Botox section for more information on dynamic wrinkles.
Dr. Bustillo uses two main types of dermal fillers. The first group are the hyaluronic acids. These include Restylane and Juviderm. They are composed of synthetically produced sugars that are normally found the body. These last approximately six months. Dr. Bustillo uses the hyaluronic acids to help correct the depressions found along the junction between the eyes and the cheeks, known as the ” tear trough “, to correct the crease between the nose and the lips, known as the ” nasolabial folds “,to improve the marionette lines below the lips, and to fill thin lips.
The second group of dermal fillers are the calcium hydroxyapetite fillers, or Radiesse. This filler lasts for approximately one year. Dr. Bustillo uses this filler for deep nasolabial and marionette folds and for cheek augmentation.
F.A.Q.
Are Dermal Fillers for you?
Dermal fillers are considered a minimally invasive procedure for facial rejuvenation. The fillers are placed just below the surface of the skin, to help smooth out certain types of wrinkles. Dr. Bustillo believes in placing dermal fillers to help patients achieve a more youthful appearance while maintaining a natural look.
The wrinkles most commonly treated with dermal fillers include the tear trough deformity below the eyes, the nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the lips, the marionette lines. Thin lips can also be filled with fillers.
Understanding Dermal Fillers
Dr. Bustillo first places a special numbing cream over the areas that are going to be treated. The dermal fillers are then administered using small needles that are as thin as a hair. This allows for a relatively fast and painless injection. After the injection, the skin is cooled with a small packet of ice to help reduce local swelling. The swelling typically resolves in several hours. Rarely, the area may remain swollen for a day or two.
Patients typically can return to normal activity, such as work on the same day. However, patients are asked to refrain from exercise the same day. The effects of the dermal fillers are apparent immediately.