Restore the contours of the face by replacing lost volume and padding the folds and wrinkles.
Dermal (or cosmetic) fillers are used to help restore the contours of the face by replacing lost volume and padding the folds and wrinkles. These fillers are different from , which is used to help smooth lines on the forehead and crow’s feet, by blocking muscle contractions under the skin.
Fillers don't replace surgical procedures such as a and n, as they can’t help skin that has a lot of sagging. If you’re looking to replace lost volume, resulting in a younger appearance, talk to your LSU Plastic Surgeon about dermal fillers.
There are several types of FDA-approved fillers, offered under a variety of brand names. Some are made of sugars that occur naturally in the body, others are compounds similar to minerals found in the body. Some fillers are synthetic materials, and still others come from cows (bovine) or human cells. The filler used depends on the location and extent of the area of your face you are looking to enhance. Common treatment areas are:
Results vary from patient to patient, but can last from four months to two years, depending on the area of your face treated and the type of filler used. The results of some fillers are immediate, while other act gradually, requiring a series of injections over a few months. Some results can be reversed with an enzyme injection if you don’t like the final look.
Depending on your comfort level, a numbing cream can be applied to the area prior to injection, and fillers are often mixed with a numbing agent to minimize discomfort. Side effects can occur such as redness, swelling, or bruising that can last up to a few weeks. Allergic and other reactions are rare, but can occur.