How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Dermal fillers offered by your McCall and the Treasure Valley, ID, dermatologist, Ryan S. Owsley, MD of Comprehensive Dermatology of Idaho, can help you improve your appearance. Fillers are a good choice if you'd like to look more youthful or add volume to your naturally thin lips.

What do dermal fillers do?

Injecting dermal fillers under your skin increases volume and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. As you get older, the fat layer under your skin naturally decreases. This can lead to thin lips or sunken cheeks or undereye areas. When volume decreases, the skin begins to sag, forming fine lines, wrinkles and creases. Fillers restore lost volume, improve facial contours, and offer a simple, temporary way to improve the way you look.

Dermal fillers can:

• Soften nasolabial fold lines (lines that extend from your nose to your mouth on either side of your face)
• Improve the appearance of marionette lines (lines that extend downward from the sides of your mouth)
• Add volume to your cheeks and undereye areas
• Decrease puffiness under your eyes
• Fill in wrinkles, lines and creases
• Minimize wrinkles on your chin and around your mouth
• Increase lip volume
• Make acne scars less noticeable
• Enhance the contours of your face
• Smooth crow's feet, the fine lines at the outside corners of your eyes

The active ingredient in fillers vary. Common dermal filler types include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, collagen and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Fillers can last six months to three year or more, depending on the type. For example, Juvederm Voluma, a dermal filler that contains hyaluronic acid, may last one to two years. This filler is often used to increase cheek volume or change the shape of the chin.

If you receive Sculptra injections to fill in marionette lines or decrease chin wrinkles, your results may last as long as two years. Sculptra contains PLLA, an ingredient that stimulates your body to produce more collagen. Collagen is a natural protein needed for firm, supple skin.

What you can expect

When you visit the dermatology office for dermal fillers, your dermatologist will mark your skin, then numb it with local anesthetic or topical ointment. Once you're numb, he'll inject the filler and gently massage your skin. You may notice a little swelling after your treatment, which can be treated with an ice pack.

Renew your appearance with dermal fillers! Call your dermatologist in McCall, or Treasure Valley, ID, Ryan S. Owsley, MD of Comprehensive Dermatology of Idaho at (208) 467-7546 to make your appointment.