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Cosmetic Dermal Fillers - An Introduction

by Brandon Cornett

Cosmetic dermal fillers have received a lot of media coverage lately, appearing everywhere from CNN to local news stations. They are being billed as the "new facelift" because they are an alternative to traditional plastic surgery.

But what exactly are these procedures? How do they work and what risks do they bring? Let's take a closer look at cosmetic dermal fillers.

What's In a Name?

Dermal fillers get their name because they are used to fill certain areas of the skin (dermis) for cosmetic purposes. Essentially, they are substances that are injected into the skin -- typically the facial area -- to smooth out wrinkles and to give the face a fuller, more youthful appearance. In medical circles, this procedure is also referred to as "facial volumization," which refers to the goal of adding volume to the patient's face.

Types of Fillers

You've probably heard of collagen lip injections. Collagen is one of several cosmetic dermal fillers used for the purposes mentioned above. While it is commonly associated with lip enhancement, it can also be used on the face in general.

We actually have a natural layer of collagen in between our skin and the tissue it covers. As we age, however, collagen levels decrease and it leads to the "sunken" look of the face. Cosmetic surgeons can inject collagen products (taken from either a cow or a human donor) in order to add volume to the patient's face. Hence the term "facial volumization."

Restylane® and Radiesse® are other products that are now commonly used in the United States. Unlike collagen, which is a naturally occurring substance, both Restylane and Radiesse are trademarked products. Let's look at each one in more detail.

• Radiesse is also a dermal filler used for cosmetic reasons. The product is designed to smooth out facial wrinkles and give the face a fuller, more youthful appearance. It is manufactured by BioForm Medical, Inc. The FDA approved Radiesse for use within the United States in December 2006. Since then, it has become increasingly popular as a skin fill product. Like most dermal fillers, the effects of Radiesse are temporary and said to last for up to six months.
• Restylane is manufactured by Q-Med. The FDA approved this product for use within the United States back in 2003. The primary ingredient in Restylane is hyaluronic acid. It's also a temporary treatment for reducing wrinkles, typically used around the nose and mouth.

Our blog offers more information on Radiesse as well as Restylane injections.

Research Dermal Fillers Before Deciding

While they may not produce the longer-lasting effects of a full facelift, cosmetic dermal fillers have certain obvious advantages. For one thing, they are non-surgical treatments with very little downtime (compared to a facelift).

With that being said, there are potential risks associated with these and other "skin filler" products. So if you are considering a cosmetic dermal filler procedure, you owe it to yourself to conduct a lot of research before making a final decision. Start by researching and comparing the different products that are available these days. Seek out unbiased information, as much as possible. Visit the FDA's website and read the notes about each product's approval.

Later, if and when you choose a specialist to perform your procedure, be sure to ask plenty of questions about it. Ask how long the physician has been using the product, and what kind of success they (and their patients) have experienced. Take your time, read up on the subject as much as possible, and make a smart decision about cosmetic dermal fillers.