Dermal fillers have become the foundation of aesthetic medicine, a non-surgical way to combat the signs of aging and enhance facial features. But what exactly are dermal fillers, and how do they work beneath the surface of the skin? This blog will go into the science of dermal fillers, the composition, the mechanisms of action, and the results.
Skin Aging and Volume Loss
Before we get into how dermal fillers work, we need to understand the underlying processes of skin aging. As we age, our skin undergoes several physiological changes that cause wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of facial volume. These changes are:
Composition and Types of Dermal Fillers
These changes result in the signs of aging we see, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and a gaunt look.
Loss of Collagen and Elastin: Collagen and elastin are the proteins that give the skin its structure, elasticity, and firmness. As we age, the production of these proteins slows down, and we lose skin elasticity and get wrinkles.
Decrease in Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that attracts and retains water, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. As we age, the amount of HA in the skin decreases, and we dehydrate and lose volume.
Fat Redistribution and Loss: Facial fat pads shift and diminish over time and contribute to volume loss and sagging.
Bone Resorption: Age-related bone loss in the face causes the jawline to retract and the soft tissues to lose support.
Dermal fillers are injectable substances that address these age-related changes by restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours. They are made of biocompatible materials that are safe for injection into the skin. The most common types of dermal fillers are:
How Dermal Fillers Work: Mechanisms of Action
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: HA fillers are the most common type, made from a substance that’s naturally in the skin. They attract and retain water, providing instant hydration and plumping to the skin. HA fillers are also reversible with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves HA, making them a safe and versatile option.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers: CaHA fillers are made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a gel carrier. They stimulate collagen production and provide longer-lasting results, often used for deeper folds and facial contouring.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers: PLLA fillers are biostimulators that stimulate collagen production over time, providing a gradual improvement in skin texture and volume. They’re often used for sagging skin and facial volume restoration.
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Fillers: PMMA fillers are semi-permanent fillers for deep wrinkles and acne scars.
The Injection Process and Results
Volume Restoration: Fillers fill in the gaps and folds in the skin, restoring lost volume and smoothing out the skin.
Hydration: HA fillers attract and retain water, adding to the plumping effect and hydration.
Collagen Stimulation: Some fillers, like CaHA and PLLA, stimulate the body’s natural collagen production for longer-term improvements in skin texture and volume.
Structural Support: Fillers can provide structural support to the skin by filling in hollow spaces and providing a scaffolding effect, which lifts and contours sagging skin.
The dermal filler injection process involves a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who will assess your needs and goals. The treatment area is cleaned, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to numb the area. The filler is then injected with a fine needle or cannula into the areas to be treated.
Safety and Considerations
Results are immediate, and the full effect will be visible in a few days once the swelling and redness have subsided. The length of time the results last will depend on the type of filler used, the area treated, and your factors. HA fillers last 6-18 months, CaHA and PLLA fillers can last up to 2 years or more.
Dermal fillers are safe when administered by a qualified and experienced healthcare professional. However, side effects can include bruising, swelling, redness, and in rare cases, more serious complications like infection or vascular occlusion. Choose a reputable provider and follow post-treatment care instructions to minimize risks.
Dermal fillers are a powerful way to combat the signs of aging and enhance your features. By understanding the science behind these treatments, including the aging process, the composition of fillers, and how they work, you can make informed decisions about your aesthetic goals and choose the right treatment for you.
Comments