| Dr. Ellen S. Marmur, an active member of the AAD, ASDS. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Cosmetic Dermatology.
Q.What are Dermal Fillers used for?
Dermal fillers are used to sculpt the face—in my book, SIMPLE SKIN BEAUTY (Atria Press, 2009), I show many creative ways fillers can enhance the face, neck, earlobes, and hands. As we age, we lose volume and elasticity so our faces change dramatically. By knowing the body’s anatomy plus understanding the nature of each filler, I can use fillers to restore your natural, younger look.
Q.How does Dermal Fillers work?
Fillers work in two ways. First, they restore volume where it’s been lost. Cheeks, chins, nasolabial folds, under the eyes, in the temples, and in the back of the hands are all popular places to add volume with fillers. Second, most fillers stimulate your own new collagen to grow. This collagen is yours and lasts for years as long as you take care of your skin by wearing sun protective creams and not smoking cigarettes.
Q.How effective are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are extremely effective and very safe when injected by a core physician—dermatologists, plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and ENTs. There are some important risks that should be reviewed before an informed consent is signed in the doctor’s office. No fillers should be injected outside of a medical practice due to risks of infections and disfiguring complications.
Q. What are the types of Dermal Fillers?
There are two categories of dermal fillers: temporary and permanent. There is only one permanent filler commonly used today in the United States—silicon. In the right hands, it is wonderful. Seek an experienced injector if you choose silicon as your filler. There are many types of temporary fillers lasting from 3 months to several years. These include Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Radiesse, and Sculptra.
Q. How long does the effects of Dermal Fillers last?
Fillers last different lengths of time depending on the substance and also on where the filler is placed. For example, if hyaluronic acid is used to fill the dark circles under the eyes it can last 1-2 years. In the lips it may last 6-18 months. It also depends how much is injected—studies show that a touch up after 4 months will make the overall filler effect last closer to 18 months.
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