Dermal fillers are one of the quickest ways to turn back the clock on your appearance and address a host of cosmetic concerns. As their popularity continues to grow, so have the number of dermal filler formulations, allowing us to customize treatments to the unique needs of each patient. At the same time, techniques in administering these treatments have also evolved, providing patients with even better results. One of the newest techniques in dermal fillers is to layer the different formulations to achieve an even more dramatic look.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers have come a long way from the standard wrinkle filling benefits they originally offered. Now, in addition to smoothing out facial creases, these formulations offer the following benefits:
- Restore youthful facial volume to areas like the cheeks and under the eyes
- Address mild skin laxity in the midface and along the jawline
- Plump and define thin lips
- Smooth out shallow scarring from acne or chicken pox
- Correct minor asymmetries to the nose, eyes or cheeks
Dermal Filler Options
In order to achieve a wide range of aesthetic goals, dermal fillers come in a broad selection of formulations today. These solutions vary in terms of their active ingredients, the size of their particles and the smoothness of their consistency. Some fillers are actually designed for deeper injection and often feature lidocaine in the mix to keep those injections more comfortable. Others are smooth and fine, making them a good option for more sensitive areas like the lips and under the eyes.
There are three basic types of dermal fillers available today:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers – These formulations contain hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally produced by the body to lock in hydration and give skin a smooth, supple appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma and Belotero. Some contain smaller particles to use on delicate areas while others are specifically designed to add volume to larger areas.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite – This ingredient is also a synthetic version of a substance produced by the body to strengthen teeth and bones. When used in dermal filler solutions, calcium hydroxylapatite offers smooth volumization in areas like the cheeks and along the jawline. The results can also be longer-lasting than those offered by fillers using hyaluronic acid.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid – This ingredient is designed to stimulate collagen production in the deep skin layers. Collagen is another substance the body produces to add elasticity and suppleness to the skin. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which leads to skin laxity and the appearance of facial wrinkles. By stimulating new collagen, we can effectively reverse signs of aging with subtle, natural results.
The Layering Technique
When dermal fillers are layered, it often means more than one formulation is used in a single area to produce the best possible results. This is particularly beneficial when treating deep creases around the nose and mouth. The layering approach can also provide support in the different dermal layers when the goal is to add volume to areas like the midface. We can complete the layering technique in a single treatment session, giving you dramatic results without the need to schedule additional appointments.
Layering dermal fillers requires expertise and ample experience in these treatments to produce natural, beautiful results. The physicians at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery have performed hundreds of dermal filler treatments and have perfected the techniques that produce the best outcomes. To learn more, contact one of our four offices: New York City, 888-834-2075; Tarrytown, 914-366-6139.
