Injectable Fillers

Dermal filler is a broad term used to describe a number of treatments that help reduce the signs of aging by smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. These injectable substances work by restoring volume to areas where the skin has lost some of its elasticity, giving your face a fuller, more youthful appearance.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers:

• Plump Thin Lips: Fillers can add volume and shape to naturally thin lips, giving them a fuller, more defined look.

• Enhance Facial Contours: Filler can also improve the shallow contours of the cheek and jawline.

• Reduce Lower Lid Shadows: Filling in eye hollows, dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of dark circles and shadows below the eye.
• Smooth Facial Wrinkles: Dermal fillers are very effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles, including those around the smile lines and forehead.

While dermal fillers only offer temporary results, they provide a less invasive way to enhance your facial aesthetic without surgery.

There are a variety of dermal filler options available, each designed to address a specific cosmetic concern. Understanding your options can help you to make a more informed decision about your treatment.

Common Dermal Filler Types:

• Calcium Hydroxylapatite: A naturally occurring substance found in the bones, this filler can reduce moderate-to-severe facial creases and add fullness to the cheeks. Radiesse® is a common type of calcium hydroxylapatite filler.
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Hylaform® are all examples of this filler that can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, crow’s feet, and worry lines. It can also be used to plump lips.

• Polyalkylimide: Effective for treating deep wrinkles and plump thin lips, this filler is useful for its biocompatibility and minimal reactions.

• Polylactic Acid: This filler stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, helping to improve the look of laugh lines, marionette lines, and thin lips. Sculptra® is a common type of polylactic acid used for collagen regeneration in the affected areas.
• Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) Microspheres: Fillers like Bellafill® contain tiny biocompatible spheres that remain under the skin to provide support. These fillers are used to treat smile lines and to provide long-term lip enhancement.

• Fat Injections: As the name implies, fat is harvested from the patient’s body and then injected into target areas to fill deep creases and improve the fullness of the face.

Injectable dermal fillers are minimally invasive outpatient procedures typically performed in our office. The process is quick and non-invasive, allowing you to return to your daily activities soon after treatment.

The Dermal Filler Procedure:

1. Our specialists will discuss your cosmetic goals and evaluate your facial structure to determine the best type of filler for your needs.
2. Depending on the area being treated, local or topical anesthesia may be used to minimize discomfort during injections.
3. Filler is carefully injected into the targeted areas using a fine needle. The entire process typically takes between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the number and area being treated.

Most will see results from their dermal injections immediately after the procedure, with the full results around two to three weeks following treatment.

While treatment is extremely safe, on rare occasions, side effects might affect your recovery. These effects generally subside within a few days of injection and can include mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site.

Of the patients affected, some may experience a mild rash or itchiness near or around the injection sites, but by following the aftercare instructions provided by our team of expert injectors, you can minimize the risk of these side effects.

The longevity of dermal fillers can depend on a variety of factors including the type of filler used, your metabolism, and lifestyle.

• Temporary Fillers (e.g. hyaluronic acid): Results can last from 4 to 12 months before the body gradually absorbs the filler.

• Semi-Permanent Fillers (e.g. PMMA, polylactic acid): These fillers can last for two or more years.
• Fat Injections: The longevity of these results varies but can be long-lasting with proper care and upkeep.

Dermal fillers can offer patients a quick and effective way to rejuvenate their appearance without the need for surgery. At Pinnacle ENT, we’re committed to helping you achieve a youthful, rested look with treatments tailored to your needs.