FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They are commonly used for cosmetic purposes to address signs of aging, such as facial wrinkles, folds, and volume loss. Unlike Botox, which relaxes muscles to reduce wrinkles, dermal fillers physically fill in the areas beneath the skin.
Common Uses:
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Smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles (like nasolabial folds and marionette lines)
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Plumping lips
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Restoring volume in the cheeks and midface
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Enhancing facial contours (like jawline and chin)
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Reducing the appearance of scars
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Rejuvenating hands by adding volume
Types of Dermal Fillers:
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Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Naturally found in the skin, it helps to hydrate and add volume. Popular HA fillers include Revanesse (Versa), Restylane, and Juvaderm.
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Calcium Hydroxylapatite: A mineral found in bones that is used to restore facial volume and stimulate collagen. Radiesse is a well-known filler in this category.
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Poly-L-Lactic Acid: A synthetic material that helps to stimulate collagen production. Sculptra is a common product in this category.
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Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): A semi-permanent filler that forms a matrix under the skin, supporting long-term volume. Bellafill is an example.
Dermal fillers offer immediate results, and the effects typically last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used and the area treated. They are minimally invasive and require little to no downtime.
What are Neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are injectable treatments that temporarily relax muscles by blocking nerve signals, thereby reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. They are commonly used in cosmetic procedures to smooth facial wrinkles that are caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as frowning, smiling, or squinting.
How They Work:
Neuromodulators, like botulinum toxin type A, work by preventing the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. This leads to temporary muscle relaxation in the treated area, softening wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming.
Common Neuromodulators:
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Botox (by Allergan)
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Dysport (by Galderma)
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Xeomin (by Merz)
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Jeuveau (by Evolus)
Common Uses:
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Smoothing frown lines (glabellar lines) between the eyebrows
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Reducing crow’s feet around the eyes
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Softening forehead wrinkles
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Minimizing lip lines and neck bands
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Treating conditions like excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), migraines, or muscle spasms
Neuromodulator treatments typically last 3 to 6 months, depending on the product and individual response. The procedure is minimally invasive with little to no downtime.