Patients often wonder why we carry so many different types of fillers in our office. They may come in with the name of a branded filler that they saw advertised on TV and feel that this is what is needed to address their concerns.
A large part of the aging process involves loss of volume in key areas as well as loss of skeletal mass in the bony structures of the face. Balanced and artful replacement of volume restores a more youthful appearance of the face. Fillers can improve the contour of the jawline and bring back a more youthful rested look to the eye area. Other areas that benefit from dermal fillers include the lips as well as the neck and décolletage.
As you can imagine, each of these areas require different properties from the filler that is used. A stiffer, more substantive filler is needed for deep injection to mimic bony structures and a more fluid flexible filler for lips and superficial use. Where the filler is used and for what purpose will determine what the doctor uses and where.
Fillers come in different categories with the most commonly used type of fillers being Hyaluronic acid based fillers. These fillers are based on a gel like substance that is naturally found in our tissues. There are many brands and within each brand, various viscosities of fillers with different names are available. An experienced injector would ideally need to know each one, how it “feels” when injected and which patients would benefit from which type. An older patient may prefer a lip hydrating filler over a plumping filler and a patient with thinner skin would need a very thin filler when used for the décolletage.
Another filler type is biostimulatory fillers including calcium hydroxyapatite. This filler is made of collagen and calcium hydroxyapatite spheres that act as a scaffolding on which your own body lays down collagen. This filler is often used in deeper areas to lift and sculpt them. It is commonly used to rejuvenate the look of the hands.
Dermal filler treatments are non invasive and involve injection via needles or cannulas into targeted areas. Treatments may take as little as 30 minutes. Results can last from 6 months to two years depending on the area treated and the dermal filler used. Injection of fillers also stimulates your own skin’s production of collagen so you can expect continued improvement as you maintain results with future treatments.
At Sona MD we can also use fillers to improve facial asymmetry and help sculpt areas of the face to improve the overall aesthetic effect so you can look your best.
Dermal Fillers available at Sona MD include: Belotero , Juvederm, Radiesse and Teosyal Redensity