Dermal Fillers: The Ultimate Guide to Facial Fillers in Rochester, MN (Copy)
If you’ve noticed your cheeks looking less full or fine lines becoming more pronounced, you’re not alone. One of the primary reasons for these visible signs of aging is a decrease in facial volume. As our skin loses its natural fullness, wrinkles and hollows appear around the nose, mouth, and cheeks. That’s where dermal fillers—also known as facial fillers—come in. These innovative treatments can help restore lost volume, smooth away wrinkles, and bring back a youthful, refreshed appearance. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dermal fillers and injectable dermal fillers and how they can help you.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Injectable soft tissue fillers are injectable, gel-like products used to enhance and restore facial volume. They can also help soften creases, minimize fine lines, and improve facial contours. Each year, millions of people choose fillers as an effective alternative to more invasive cosmetic surgeries—often with minimal downtime and at a lower cost than surgical procedures.
How Do Dermal Fillers Improve Your Look?
Although dermal fillers are sometimes referred to as “wrinkle fillers,” their benefits go far beyond treating lines and folds. They can:
Smooth wrinkles and creases around the mouth and nose (such as marionette lines or smile lines)
Add volume to hollowed cheeks and temples
Reduce vertical lip lines
Plump and shape lips
Soften the appearance of a chin crease
Improve facial symmetry
By strategically restoring volume and smoothing the skin, fillers create a more youthful, contoured look.
Key Advantages of Dermal Fillers
Restored Volume: Fillers add fullness to areas like the cheeks, lips, and under-eye hollows, giving the face a naturally plump, healthy look. These treatments can help restore volume to specific areas, providing longer-lasting results compared to traditional injectable fillers.
Wrinkle Reduction: Injections can help smooth out fine lines and deeper wrinkles, particularly around the nose and mouth.
Enhanced Facial Contours: By restoring volume, fillers improve the contours of the cheeks and jawline, creating a more balanced appearance.
Different Types of Dermal Fillers
Several FDA-approved filler formulations are commonly used by qualified aesthetic providers for soft tissue augmentation. Each category is based on the key ingredient:
1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
Hyaluronic acid filler is a substance naturally found in our skin. It helps maintain hydration and softness. HA fillers are soft and gel-like, and they typically last 6 to 12 months (or longer) before the body gradually absorbs them. Many HA fillers also contain lidocaine to reduce discomfort during treatment. Popular HA fillers include:
Juvéderm: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, VOLLURE
Restylane: Restylane, Silk, Lyft, Refyne, Defyne, Kysse, Contour
Revanesse Versa
RHA Collection: RHA 2, RHA 3, RHA 4
2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite is another naturally occurring substance, often found in our bones. In filler form, tiny calcium particles are suspended in a gel. These fillers are thicker and can last about a year. They may also promote collagen production, making them ideal for deeper lines. One commonly used CaHA filler is Radiesse®.
3. Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic, biodegradable substance that encourages collagen production. It’s sometimes called a “collagen stimulator,” as the filler gel itself is absorbed by the body within days, leaving your skin to rebuild collagen over time. Results can last over two years. The FDA-approved product in this category is Sculptra® Aesthetic.
4. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
PMMA is a long-lasting filler option, composed of tiny spheres that remain in the skin to provide ongoing support. It’s often combined with collagen to boost skin structure and firmness. Bellafill® is an FDA-approved PMMA-based filler.
5. Autologous Fat Injections
Facial fat grafting involves harvesting your own body fat via liposuction, purifying it, and injecting it into areas that need more volume. While this requires minor surgery, results can be very long-lasting. The procedure must be carried out by a skilled, board-certified professional for safety and optimal results.
Choosing the Right Aesthetic Specialist
When it comes to any injectable treatment, the expertise of your Aesthetic Specialist matters. Look for someone who:
Has advanced knowledge of facial anatomy
Possesses strong aesthetic judgment
Offers proven experience in injectable procedures
Selecting a certified and experienced Aesthetic Specialist ensures you get natural-looking results and lowers the risk of complications.
Which Dermal Filler Is Best for You?
With so many options, choosing the right filler can be overwhelming. An experienced Aesthetic Specialist will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and select the product best suited for you. Factors like the texture and density of each filler, your specific concerns, and how long you want the results to last all play a role in creating a personalized treatment plan.
What to Expect During a Filler Appointment
Initial Consultation
Your appointment will begin with a thorough consultation. You’ll discuss your cosmetic goals, medical history, and any medications you’re currently taking. It’s important to mention if you’re on blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, as these can increase bruising.
Treatment Process
Preparation: The target areas are cleansed, and a topical numbing cream may be applied. Many fillers also contain lidocaine to ensure comfort throughout the session.
Injection: During dermal filler injections, your provider injects small amounts of filler under the skin in precise locations.
Immediate Results: You’ll see improvements right away, though some mild swelling or bruising may occur for a few days.
Most people can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment, although your provider may suggest avoiding strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
How Long Do Results Last?
Filler longevity varies by type, treatment area, and individual factors:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Often last 6 to 18 months. Results in areas like the lips may fade more quickly due to constant movement, while fillers designed for the cheeks (e.g., Juvéderm VOLUMA) can last longer.
CaHA, Poly-L-lactic Acid, and PMMA: Typically provide longer-lasting results, up to 12 months or more.
Fat Injections: Can deliver results that last several years, though the procedure is more involved.
Dermal filler treatment not only enhances facial symmetry but also significantly improves psychosocial well-being. Studies have shown that patients, particularly those with facial paralysis, experience notable improvements in self-confidence and emotional expression following treatment.
Maintaining the look you love often simply involves periodic “touch-up” appointments.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’d like to explore dermal fillers as a way to achieve a refreshed, youthful look, The Longevity Lab in Rochester, MN, is here to help. Our skilled team will guide you through every step—from choosing the right filler to ensuring a comfortable treatment and beautiful, natural-looking results.
Contact The Longevity Lab today to schedule a consultation and discover how dermal fillers can enhance your confidence and rejuvenate your appearance. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!
