Dermal Fillers

As skin ages, the collagen and elastin levels in the dermis (the deep layer of skin) become depleted and disorganized. This causes a loss of elasticity, which along with other genetic and environmental factors causes wrinkling. The aging face also loses some of the fat that is characteristic of a youthful face.

Injectable dermal fillers are injected into the dermis to increase the volume beneath a wrinkle, crease, or depressed scar. The product, therefore, smoothes the skin and creates a fuller, more youthful appearance. The result is instantaneous, and at times builds on itself. Most products last at least 6-9 months, and the result can often be extended significantly, if the patient undergoes a second treatment with a smaller volume after a few months.

The most common areas that we treat are the nasolabial folds (the creases that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth), the marionette lines (the lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the bottom of the jaw), the lips, and crow's feet.

The process can be uncomfortable, so we apply a topical anesthetic and sometimes inject a local anesthetic as well prior to injecting the filler. Then using an ultrathin needle, the product is introduced into the deep layer of the skin. A patient can expect some mild bruising and tenderness at the sites of injection.

At the Waldorf Center, we use different products depending on an individual patient's needs and the areas they want to treat. The products we use most frequently are Juvederm™, Restylane®, and Perlane®. Also available are Radiesse® and Breeze®. The type of filler is selected after the patient and his or her well-trained clinical injector (physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse) have discussed the aesthetic goals and preferences of the patient, to help insure they get the result they are seeking.

Allergic reactions with these products are extremely rare, so skin testing is not required.