Before & After | Blog | Med Spa | In The Media

Aesthetic Surgery with Dermal Fillers

How the Aging Process Affects the Face

As part of the natural aging process, our faces lose subcutaneous fat. This loss of fat means that our muscles are now working closer to the surface of the skin, thus, making them more visible. The crow’s feet and smile lines on our faces also become more noticeable. Moreover, the skin on our face stretches, only adding to the loss of facial volume.

Other factors affecting the skin on our faces:

  • Sun exposure
  • Genetics
  • Lifestyle

Benefits of Aesthetic Surgery with Dermal Fillers

A patient looking to restore volume to their face and reduce facial lines may accomplish this with a dermal filler.

Dermal fillers can:

  • Soften wrinkles and creases on the face
  • Enhance facial contours
  • Make thin lips plumper
  • Reduce the visibility of recessed scars
  • Increase collagen production

Dermal fillers differ in their:

  • Level of softness
  • Longevity
  • Ingredients

For example, a softer filler is used to plump the lips, while a more sturdy filler enhances facial contours like the jawline and cheekbones.

FDA Approved Absorbable Injectable Dermal Fillers

Ingredients Found in Absorbable Injectable Dermal Fillers

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) – this is a fabricated polymer that is biodegradable and biocompatible. The results achieved with this filler material can last up to two years.

Hyaluronic acid – this is a sugar found within the tissue of our bodies, including cartilage and skin. Fillers that consist of hyaluronic acid can last up to a year. Juvederm® and Belotero® are made using hyaluronic acid.

Collagen – a type of protein naturally found in the body. Collagen fillers usually last between 3 or 4 months.

Calcium hydroxylapatite – a mineral commonly found in the bones and teeth. This kind of filler generally lasts about 18 months. Radiesse® contains a synthetic form of calcium hydroxylapatite.

Dermal Fillers Increase Body’s Own Collagen Production

The In vivo stimulation of de novo collagen production was caused by cross-linked hyaluronic acid dermal filler injections in a photo-damaged human skin study in 2007. Upon conclusion of this study, the researchers hypothesized that the repeated injections of cross-linked hyaluronic acid influenced collagen production by stretching the dermis, which led to dermal fibroblast activation. Dr. Charles Dietzek is a cosmetic doctor specializing in dermal fillers. He frequently uses Juvederm® Ultra and Juvederm® Ultra Plus, both of which are created using cross-linked hyaluronic acid.

Dermal fillers are temporary because, eventually, the body absorbs them. However, according to the 2008 study, Persistence and Improvement of Nasolabial Fold Correction with Nonanimal-Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid 100,000 Gel Particles/mL Filler on Two Retreatment Schedules: Results up to 18 Months on Two Retreatment Schedules repeated injections may stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen and over time, the same result can be achieved using less filler.

If you are searching for New Jersey Aesthetic Services, please contact one of the Vein & Vascular Institutes and make an appointment for your initial consultation. Our South Jersey Cosmetic Center facilities are conveniently located in Sewell, Vineland, and Voorhees.