Dermal Fillers Information for Patients

What are injectable dermal fillers?

These products are injected into the deeper layers of the skin for cosmetic purposes. Examples of what they can be used to correct include: soft tissue volume loss related to aging, deep wrinkles, depressed scars, or asymmetry caused by different diseases.

What are fillers made of?

The most commonly used dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxyapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid.

The brand names include:

• Hyaluronic acid
  • Restylane products
  • Juvederm products
  • Belotero
• Calcium hydroxyapatite
  • Radiesse
• Poly L-lactic acid
  • Sculptra

At DermWellesley, we ONLY use HA fillers.

Where can fillers be injected?

The above listed fillers have varying FDA approved indications for injection into the face, lips, and hands. During your consultation, your dermatologist will evaluate which injection locations, what type of filler, and how much are best for you. This varies for each patient.

Are injectable fillers appropriate for me?

Injectable fillers should be avoided in patients with known active infections, allergies to any components of these products, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They should be used with caution in immunocompromised patients.

How quickly do fillers work and how long does the effect last?

Hyaluronic acid produces immediate effects and last from months to years depending on the product used and your body’s metabolism of the product. Repeat treatments with all of these products are required to achieve the best long-term results. Patients should also be aware that results vary and are not guaranteed. Incomplete augmentation or an inadequate response to the treatment are possible.

What are the risks of injectable fillers?

No procedure is without the risk of side effects and complications, these include: