Fillers

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are a collection of injectable medications that boost the appearance of your skin, plump hollowed areas, and add youthful firmness. At Polavarapu Plastic Surgery, Dr. Polavarapu offers a variety of fillers, including Juvéderm®, Belotero®, RADIESSE®, and the Restylane® family of products.

Many of these fillers contain a compound known as hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in your body. Production of hyaluronic acid declines as you age, resulting in sagging skin and more evident wrinkles.

When injected with dermal fillers, your skin rehydrates, plumps, and looks more youthful. Other fillers contain calcium hydroxylapatite, which provides immediate volume as soon as it’s injected and stimulates your body to produce natural skin-strengthening compounds.

What types of skin issues can dermal fillers address?

Dermal fillers can be helpful in reducing the signs of aging by smoothing out moderate-to-severe wrinkles and folds and restoring plumpness in certain areas. The specific issues Dr. Polavarapu may address with these injectable products include:

• Nasolabial folds
• Parentheses lines and marionette lines
• Tiny lines around the lips
• Acne scars
• Lip augmentation
• Cheek volume
• Volume on backs of hands

Dr. Polavarapu examines your skin and considers your aesthetic goals when recommending the best type of filler for your needs. She may use a combination of products to achieve the type of youthful appearance you desire.

Do the dermal filler injections hurt?

Most patients tolerate the application of dermal fillers quite well. They’re administered via a fine needle to your face, so expect to feel a pinch during treatment. Dr. Polavarapu offers a topical anesthetic prior to treatment, and some fillers include an anesthetic in their formula. You may be offered ice following treatment to ease any immediate discomfort.

Following the injections, you may have some redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection sites for a few days. These side effects resolve quickly and can be masked with makeup.

How long do the effects of dermal fillers last?

The positive effects of dermal fillers last anywhere from six months to two years. Exactly how long they last depends on how your body processes the filler, the type of product used, and the area treated. Lip-plumping injections that improve your lips’ shape and volume last typically about six months while wrinkle-reducing effects may persist longer.

To keep up the effects of dermal fillers, you need to repeat the injections. Dr. Polavarapu can put you on a regular treatment schedule, so you don’t notice a change in your look between retreatments.

To learn about the positive effects of dermal fillers, call the office of Polavarapu Plastic Surgery or book an appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary