Smoothing out folds and wrinkles can make an enormous difference in a person’s appearance and sometimes even make them look several years younger.

Dermal fillers are used to help reverse the signs of aging and provide patients with a more natural, youthful appearance compared to surgical face lifts. Dermal fillers are used to:

• Reduce or eliminate wrinkles
• Reduce the appearance of scars
• Enhance lips
• Enhance the contours of the face

  There are a few types of dermal fillers available today, including:

• Hyaluronic acid based fillers (i.e. JUVEDERM®, VOLUMA®)
  
• Calcium hydroxyl apatite fillers (i.e. Radiesse®)
  

Your dermatologist will work with you individually to determine the best filler for your individual circumstances. Usually, a topical ointment will be used to numb the targeted area. Then, using a small needle, the dermal filler will carefully be injected into each wrinkle or scar being treated. Patients can expect some temporary, mild burning or stinging as the filler is being injected.

Side effects are uncommon, but can include: allergic reactions, bacterial infection and bruising around the treated area, just to name a few. Results vary depending on the type of filler, but normally can last anywhere from three months to five years.