Injectables & Wrinkle Fillers Treatments

Facial fillers are used at our Poway dental office to rejuvenate aging skin by reducing wrinkles, enhancing lips, elevating scar depressions, and restoring volume lost through aging. These treatments, which include hyaluronic acid, collagen, and calcium hydroxylapatite, counteract the effects of aging exacerbated by muscle movement and sun exposure.

At Gentle Dentistry in Poway, facial fillers range from temporary to long-lasting solutions, administered through precise injections in targeted areas. Dr. Abadan and her team are experts in determining the most effective filler treatments for enhancing lip symmetry, addressing high lip lines, and refining overall facial aesthetics.

These fillers effectively plump areas where natural collagen and fat have diminished. Hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in your body, is frequently used to add volume to nasolabial folds, mentalis folds, and marionette lines, and to enhance thinning lips. Popular hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are carefully injected to achieve a rejuvenated facial appearance.

Here are some well-known dermal fillers:

• Juvederm Facial Filler: This hyaluronic acid gel adds hydration and volume to the skin, temporarily correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Juvederm is a product of Allergan, the makers of Botox.
• Restylane Facial Filler: A soft tissue dermal filler that enhances skin volume with small injections, Restylane is a non-animal, biodegradable gel that smooths wrinkles and folds, particularly around the mouth and eyes.

Additionally, some lesser-known dermal fillers include:

• Sculptra: FDA-approved for restoring facial volume in HIV patients, Sculptra is composed of synthetic polylactic acid in microspheres.
• Captique: Used to fill moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, Captique is based on non-animal hyaluronic acid.
• Collagen (Zyplast/Zyderm): Derived from purified cow skin, this filler is used for facial lines, wrinkles, and scars, providing natural protein support.
• Radiesse: A long-lasting synthetic filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite, Radiesse helps correct moderate to severe wrinkles and folds by encouraging collagen formation around the injected areas.
• Hylaform: Designed for moderate to severe wrinkles around the mouth and nose, Hylaform is a modified form of hyaluronic acid that smooths the skin temporarily.

Length and Side Effects of Dermal Filler Injections

Filler injections typically last 10 to 20 minutes per session, with variability depending on the treated areas and individual needs. Side effects can include numbness, bruising, redness, pain, swelling, or discoloration. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately, though it’s advisable to avoid excessive heat, sun exposure, and strenuous activities for the first day post-treatment.

Results of Injectable Fillers

The effects of injectable fillers generally last a few months to a year, with the longevity depending on the specific filler used. For sustained results, periodic follow-up treatments are recommended. Treatment involves a series of micro-injections under the skin, tailored to the depth and volume required for each wrinkle or skin defect.