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What Are Dermal Fillers? A Complete Guide

At Knox Dermatology, we believe that feeling confident in your skin is essential to your overall well-being. As Dallas’s trusted dermatology experts, we often hear the question: What are dermal fillers? Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this popular cosmetic treatment! 

What are Dermal Fillers? 

You may have heard a lot of myths, but let’s get down to brass tacks – what are dermal fillers exactly? These treatments are injectable substances that restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. Unlike Botox and other neurotoxins, which relax muscles to reduce wrinkles, fillers literally “fill” the space beneath the skin to restore lost volume or create definition. Our natural hyaluronic acid diminishes as we age, leading to volume loss and wrinkles. That’s where fillers come in! Dermal fillers are primarily made of hyaluronic acid, and when injected into various areas, they help maintain skin hydration and elasticity.  

Who Can Benefit from Fillers? 

Whether you notice early signs of aging or significant volume loss after weight reduction, dermal fillers offer versatile solutions. They’re ideal for many patients: 

  • Adults with moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds 
  • Those seeking fuller features, such as lip or cheek enhancement 
  • People looking to restore facial volume lost through aging or weight loss 
  • Individuals with certain types of acne scarring, including icepick scars 
  • Patients wanting to enhance facial symmetry or contours 

Common Treatment Areas 

What are dermal fillers used for most commonly? As these treatments rise in popularity, the most common areas include: 

  • Nasolabial folds – smile lines running from nose to mouth 
  • Lips – for volume and definition 
  • Cheeks – to restore or add volume 
  • Jawline – for definition and contouring 
  • Under-eye hollows 
  • Temples 
  • Hands – to minimize visible veins and tendons 

Types of Dermal Fillers 

Different types of dermal fillers are specifically formulated for various areas and concerns. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are the most common type, with results lasting from 6 to 18 months. Calcium hydroxylapatite has a thicker consistency, making it ideal for targeting deeper wrinkles and volume loss, and it lasts approximately 12 months. Poly-L-Lactic acid is a biocompatible injectable that stimulates collagen production over time, with results lasting up to two years. Finally, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), such as Bellafill, contains tiny microspheres that provide long-lasting structure beneath the skin, with results lasting five years or more!  

The Treatment Experience 

If you’re wondering about dermal filler procedures, you’ll be pleased with the results. These treatments are quick, typically less than thirty minutes, and involve minimal discomfort thanks to the quick help of numbing agents. Additionally, they require little to no downtime, as most patients return to their normal activities immediately, although some mild swelling or bruising may occur. 

Is It Right for You? 

Are you curious whether dermal fillers can help you look and feel your best? Knox Dermatology is here to help! Our team is confident that our dermal filler treatments offer natural-looking results when administered by our qualified team of professionals. At Knox Dermatology, our Dallas-based experts customize every treatment plan to enhance your natural beauty while maintaining facial harmony and balance.  

Contact Knox Dermatology today to schedule your personalized consultation. We’re here to answer all your questions and help you determine if fillers are the right choice for your aesthetic goals!