Fillers

Dermal fillers treat fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume beneath the skin’s surface, effectively plumping and smoothing out the affected areas. The filler material, typically hyaluronic acid, helps to hydrate and restore the skin’s elasticity, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles for a more youthful look.

A review examined studies involving patients receiving semi-permanent or permanent dermal fillers for age-related lines and wrinkles. ^[1] Results from three randomized control trials and six case series indicated that permanent and semi-permanent fillers improved appearance ratings and patient satisfaction compared to temporary fillers. Overall, these fillers appeared more efficacious for age-related changes.

A study assessed the effectiveness and longevity of a cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid dermal filler (CPM-HA) for treating fine facial lines. ^[2] Subjects with various facial lines received CPM-HA treatment, and the results were evaluated over 26 weeks using different assessment scales. The treatment demonstrated significant and lasting improvements in all facial areas, with mild and self-resolving injection site reactions.

In one study, patient-reported outcomes were assessed in subjects who received intradermal treatment with VYC-12 (a hyaluronic acid injectable gel) in the cheeks, forehead, and optionally, the neck. ^[3] After initial treatment, a touch-up was offered 30 days later, with an optional repeat treatment at 9 months. The study found that satisfaction with skin improved significantly, with over 80% of subjects returning to normal daily activities within one day of treatment, and a high willingness to recommend the treatment to a friend at all time points.

Treatment Options

Dermal fillers can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume and restoring the skin’s elasticity.

Dermal fillers correct lip asymmetry by adding volume to less defined sections of the lips. This in turn results in a more balanced appearance of the lips.

A study used hyaluronic acid to correct both congenital and acquired lip asymmetries. ^[4] The treatment was administered to three patients with different cases of lip asymmetry. Results showed that the injection of dermal fillers improved lip volume, profile, and balance. An improvement in the upper lip scar was also observed.

A study reported the first use of injectable hyaluronic acid to correct the typical lip asymmetry and volume deficiency resulting from surgical repair of a cleft lip. ^[5] It was found that the use of hyaluronic dermal fillers successfully restored lip symmetry and achieved enhanced volume. The improvement in the appearance of the lips lasted approximately 4 months.

In a study involving 24 participants over 18 years old with repaired cleft lip and dissatisfaction with their lip appearance, hyaluronic fillers were injected in problematic lip areas. ^[6] The researchers measured the outcomes before and after 6 weeks of injection. Results showed that the participants had significant improvement in the appearance of their lips as well as patient perception of lip appearance.

Treatment Options

Dermal fillers address lip asymmetry by adding instant volume to less defined sections of the lips.

Tear troughs, also known as infraorbital hollows, appear as depressions or dark circles beneath the lower eyelids. In most cases, tear troughs extend from the inner corners of the eyes towards the sides of the nose. This can contribute to the appearance of under-eye bags and can make you look tired or older than your biological age.

Dermal fillers can significantly reduce the appearance of tear troughs by adding volume to the under-eye area. This lightens the dark circles and fills in the depressions beneath the lower eyelids, creating a smoother and more refreshed look.

A study compared tear trough deformity correction techniques using different fillers. ^[7] Over two years, 30 participants aged 35-60 were divided into two groups: one received a conventional technique with a low G Prime filler (Group A), while the other had lateral injections with a high G Prime filler (Group B). Both groups saw significant improvements in appearance and skin quality, but the lateral injection technique required less filler and had fewer complications compared to the standard medial technique.

A systematic review assessed patient satisfaction and complication rates related to filler injection for tear trough deformity. ^[8] The researchers analyzed 28 articles involving 1956 patients who received various filler materials, including hyaluronic acid. Results showed that the filler injections were effective for facial rejuvenation and were associated with higher satisfaction rates and lower complication profiles.

A study assessed the use of hyaluronic acid fillers in treating periorbital melanosis (dark pigmentation or discoloration of the skin around the eyes) caused by tear trough deformity. ^[9] The study included 60 cases, and patients were injected with hyaluronic acid fillers in the under-eye area. Results showed that the treatment was associated with a higher patient satisfaction rate and reduction of dark pigmentation and skin discoloration around the eyes without major side effects.

Treatment Options

Dermal fillers can lighten the appearance of tear troughs by adding volume to the under-eye area.

Volume loss in the chin and jawline can affect your facial appearance by causing less definition. In addition, the age-related decrease in collagen can lead to the formation of jowls or sagging skin. As a result, you may look older than your real age.

Chin and jawline augmentation with dermal fillers can help achieve a more youthful appearance.

By adding volume to these areas, the appearance of sagging skin or hollowing is significantly reduced. Moreover, the treatment helps define the chin and jawline, creating balanced facial contours.

In one study, the midline volume injection technique using hyaluronic acid fillers was applied to 37 Asian females and 3 males, targeting various facial areas like the forehead, nose, and chin. ^[10] The researchers used 3D imaging data to assess the outcomes and found that the treatment resulted in immediate facial rejuvenation and optimized facial contours which were associated with higher patient satisfaction.

Thirty adult patients received VYC-25L, a hyaluronic acid filler designed for chin and jaw sculpting. ^[11] After 20 days, 96.7% of the patients reported significant improvements in their chin and jaw appearance. Overall, the treatment was safe with temporary bruising and swelling being the only observed complications.

In a study involving 30 patients (1 male and 29 females), jawline augmentation with a hyaluronic acid-based filler was assessed using three-dimensional imaging for more than 12 months. ^[12] Results showed a significant aesthetic improvement of the jawline after 3, 6, and 9 months. The improvement continued for 12 months and was associated with a higher satisfaction rate from both the patients and researchers.

Treatment Options

Dermal fillers can be used in chin and jawline augmentation by adding more volume and definition to these areas.

Acne scars can have a significant impact on a person’s emotional well-being and self-esteem.  Dermal fillers can effectively treat certain types of acne scars by plumping up the depressed areas and smoothing out the skin’s texture. When injected into the scar tissue, dermal fillers add volume to the skin, raising the depressed scar and making it less noticeable. This helps to create a more even and smoother skin surface, thus reducing the appearance of acne scars.

In a study of 30 patients with moderate-to-severe atrophic (indented) acne scars, the researchers compared a filler containing high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (P) with a traditional cross-linking hyaluronic acid filler (JV). ^[13] Patients received three monthly injections on each side of their face and were evaluated after 6 months. JV initially reduced scar volume but had minimal effect on elasticity and stretch, while P showed delayed but more significant improvements.

In a study involving 12 subjects with moderate-to-severe acne scars, hyaluronic acid treatment was assessed for its impact on overall facial appearance. ^[14] Over three sessions, hyaluronic acid gel was injected into each side of the face, and improvements were evaluated up to 36 weeks after treatment. The results showed enhanced facial appearance, reduced scar severity, increased subject satisfaction, and improved self-esteem and self-confidence.

In a study involving 30 patients with atrophic acne scars, platelet-poor plasma (PPP) gel was injected monthly for six months. ^[15] PPP gel was derived from the blood of the patients and was used as a “biofiller” for skin rejuvenation. After 6 months, a significant reduction in scar severity was observed. The treatment was simple, minimally invasive, cost-effective, and free from the risk of immunogenic reactions, demonstrating its efficacy in improving atrophic acne scars.

No, most dermal fillers provide temporary results that can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used.

Discomfort during the procedure is typically minimal. Your practitioner may use a numbing cream or local anesthetic to ensure your comfort.

You can see immediate results after the treatment, with further improvement as any initial swelling subsides.

Dermal fillers are not right for everyone. You should not get dermal fillers if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in dermal fillers.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You are pregnant.
• You have a bleeding disorder.
• You have an active skin infection.
• You have an autoimmune disorder.

The cost of dermal filler varies and depends on the following factors:

• Type of filler used
• The amount of filler needed
• The body area/s needing treatment
• The fee of the practitioner

After the treatment, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activity, prolonged sun exposure, and touching or massaging the treated area.