Dermal fillers have become very popular in recent years as a non-surgical option to reduce visible signs of aging and improve the appearance of the face. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 6 million injectable filler treatments were administered in 2023 alone.

These injectable substances are usually composed of natural or synthetic materials that are injected under the skin to help to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and improve facial contours. While most dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance that helps to hydrated skin), they may also be made from calcium hydroxylapatite or poly-l-lactic acid. In this blog post, we are going to look at the common facial areas and aesthetic issues that dermal fillers help treat.

Facial Volume Loss

Dermal fillers are injected into the skin to directly increase fill in sunken or hollow areas. Some other types of injectable fillers (e.g. poly-l-lactic acid) stimulate the production of collagen and give the skin its structure and elasticity.

• Cheeks – our cheeks may lose volume and become hollow as we age. Dermal fillers increase volume in this area to create a more youthful facial appearance.
• Temples – sagging temples tend to contribute to a tired-looking facial appearance. Dermal fillers may be used to lift and contour the temples.
• Lips – plastic surgeons and dermatologists typically use dermal fillers to enhance lip volume, shape, and definition.
• Hands – our hands show signs of volume loss and wrinkles as they age. Injectable fillers may be administered to restore a smoother appearance.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Many of the patients who seek dermal filler treatments are individuals who wish to alleviate wrinkles and fine lines:

• Nasolabial folds – injectable fillers are commonly used to treat lines that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
• Marionette lines – fillers help reduce the appearance of marionette lines (lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin).
• Forehead wrinkles – dermal fillers may be used to soften forehead wrinkles.
• Crow’s feet – injectable fillers may help minimize the appearance of crow’s feet (lines that form at the corners of the eyes).

Facial Contours

Injectable fillers (including hyaluronic acid fillers and autologous fat fillers) may be used to restore facial contours:

• Jawline – Dr. Erick Sanchez or his injection specialist may use injectable fillers to define the jawline and create a more sculpted facial appearance.
• Chin – the appearance of a weak or receding chin may be improved using dermal fillers.
• Nose – a dermal filler treatment, while not as complete as a nose job, may be used to address minor imperfections in the nose (such as a bulbous tip or flat bridge).

Non-Facial Applications

While dermal fillers are mostly used to address common facial aesthetic problems, they may also be used in the following areas:

• Earlobes – injectable fillers help restore volume to earlobes that have become elongated or thin over time. This creates a more youthful and plump appearance.
• Neck – injectable fillers may be used to treat the appearance of neck creases and wrinkles. Your injection specialist will add volume to the skin to help smooth out these lines and restore a more youthful neck appearance.

 Conclusion

Facial fillers are increasingly popular because they are a minimally invasive treatment that requires very little downtime. This treatment option enhances facial features to deliver natural looking results. It is also versatile in that it can address a wide variety of cosmetic issues. It is important to note though, that not all issues may be treated using dermal fillers. Your plastic surgeon will recommend facial plastic surgery if you have severe signs of aging.