What Are Dermal Fillers Made Of?

As we age, our skin’s natural collagen and elastin start to break down, leading to lost facial volume, wrinkles, and fine lines. Dermal fillers have become a popular cosmetic treatment for addressing these issues, providing a non-surgical way to rejuvenate your face and restore a youthful appearance.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances that are used to fill in lines, wrinkles, and hollow areas in the face. They can also be used to add volume to your lips and cheeks and to improve your facial contours. Dermal fillers add volume and fullness to the skin, smoothing out wrinkles and lines to restore a more youthful appearance.

There are many types of dermal fillers, each with unique ingredients and formulas. Many popular brands of dermal fillers are made with poly-L-lactic acid, hydroxylapatite, or hyaluronic acid. At Alamo Ranch, we use the Juvederm® brand of HA fillers for their great results, versatility, and hydrating benefits.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occuring substance in your skin that promotes water retention. It’s a common ingredient in moisturizers for its ability to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Thanks to their hyaluronic acid formula, Juvederm® fillers have moisturizing benefits that leave you with soft, healthy skin.

What Can Juvederm® Dermal Fillers Treat?

Juvederm® includes several formulas to address a variety of cosmetic concerns. Though they’re all made with hyaluronic acid, these fillers have unique consistencies to target different parts of the face. Common uses for Juvederm® fillers include:

• Restoring lost facial volume, such as flat cheeks or under-eye hollows
• Augmenting the lips or cheekbones
• Enhancing facial contours
• Smoothing out lines and wrinkles, including smile lines, nasolabial folds, and more

What to Expect With Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler injections are a simple, convenient procedure that takes less than an hour to complete. After your skin is cleaned and prepped, one of our providers will make several injections in the treatment area with a very small needle. Juvederm® fillers contain lidocaine to minimize any discomfort.

After the injections, some patients experience some mild swelling or bruising, but these side effects typically subside within a few days. With Juvederm® fillers, you’ll enjoy immediate results with no downtime.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

The duration of your dermal filler results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of filler used, the area being treated, and your metabolism and lifestyle habits. In general, Juvederm® can last anywhere from six months to two years, with most patients seeing results that last for about a year. 

Over time, the filler will gradually break down and be absorbed by the body, causing the effects to fade. Regular touch-up treatments can help maintain the results of dermal fillers and keep your skin looking youthful and refreshed.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a safe and effective option for most people looking to improve their skin’s appearance and restore a more youthful look. Good candidates for dermal fillers include people who are:

• Are in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations for the results of the treatment
• Have wrinkles, lines, or hollow areas in the face that they would like to address
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are not taking blood-thinning medications

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about dermal fillers, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Alamo Ranch Laser Aesthetics. Call us at (210) 999-9588 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you.