Everything You Need to Know About Dermal Fillers

• What Are Dermal Fillers?
• How Dermal Fillers Work
• Common Treatment Areas
• Types of Dermal Filler Ingredients
• What to Expect During Treatment
• Aftercare Tips and Recovery
• Filler Treatments for Wrinkles and Volume Loss
• Comparing Fillers vs. Fat Grafting
• Is This Treatment Right for You?
• Safety and Side Effect Considerations
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore volume, and smooth lines, and enhance facial features. They work by plumping up targeted areas, helping to reduce the signs of aging and adding subtle definitions. Most fillers are made from naturally occurring substances like hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture and adds hydration to the skin.

These treatments are commonly used for both cosmetic enhancement and age-related volume loss. They can effectively:

• Smooth out fine lines and deep wrinkles
• Restore fullness to hollow or sunken areas
• Enhance natural facial contours for a more defined look
• Improve facial symmetry and proportion

Popular treatment areas include:

• Cheeks – to lift and restore volume
• Lips – for shaping and fullness
• Under eyes – to reduce the appearance of dark circles or hollows
• Jawline and chin – to define and contour the lower face

Dermal fillers work by adding volume beneath the skin’s surface, helping to smooth wrinkles, lift sagging areas, and restore a youthful appearance. Depending on the type of filler used, they can either physically fill hollow spaces or stimulate the body’s natural collagen production over time.

Different filler substances offer unique benefits:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): The most commonly used filler, HA is a naturally occurring sugar molecule that attracts and retains moisture. It provides immediate plumping and hydration, making it ideal for areas like the lips, cheeks, and under eyes. Results typically last 6 to 12 months.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): This filler is made of tiny calcium particles suspended in a gel. It’s thicker than HA and is often used for deeper lines and facial contouring. CaHA not only adds volume but also encourages natural collagen growth, with results lasting up to 18 months.
• Poly-L-lactic Acid: This biocompatible filler stimulates collagen production over time. It’s typically used for gradual volume restoration and can last more than two years with a series of treatments.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): A semi-permanent filler that creates a long-lasting support structure under the skin. PMMA is often used for deep wrinkles and acne scars.

Getting dermal fillers starts with a consultation. During this visit, your provider will assess your facial structure, discuss your goals, and recommend the best type of filler for your needs. This personalized approach ensures that the treatment enhances your natural features while maintaining a balanced, youthful look.

The actual procedure is quick and relatively comfortable. A numbing cream or local anesthetic is often applied to minimize any discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a light pinch or pressure as the filler is injected beneath the skin using a fine needle or cannula.

Here’s what to expect in terms of treatment time and recovery:

• Treatment duration: Most sessions take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.
• Downtime: Minimal. Some swelling, redness, or bruising can occur, but these effects usually subside within a few days.
• Aftercare tips:
  • Avoid touching or massaging the treated area unless directed.
  • Refrain from strenuous activity, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure for 24–48 hours.
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling if needed.

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a highly effective dermal filler ingredient that offers both immediate volume and long-term rejuvenation. It consists of tiny, smooth calcium microspheres suspended in a gel-like solution. Once injected, the gel provides instant structure and volume, while the calcium particles stimulate the body to produce more collagen over time.

CaHA is best suited for treating more advanced signs of aging or for structural facial enhancement. It’s commonly used in areas that require deeper support or definition, including:

• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Marionette lines (lines running from the mouth to the chin)
• Jawline and chin contouring
• Cheek enhancement

Compared to softer fillers like hyaluronic acid, CaHA offers several advantages:

• Longer-lasting results – typically up to 12–18 months
• Stronger lifting power – ideal for deeper folds or sagging
• Natural collagen stimulation – continues improving skin texture and firmness even after the filler is absorbed
• Non-migrating formula – stays in place, providing stable, defined results

Frown lines, those vertical creases between your eyebrows, can become more noticeable with age due to repeated facial expressions and the natural loss of skin elasticity. These lines are a type of dynamic wrinkle, caused by muscle movement, while static wrinkles are present even when the face is at rest. Understanding the difference is important when choosing the right treatment.

Dermal fillers can be effective for static frown lines, especially when the skin has lost volume or structure. In these cases, fillers work by gently lifting and smoothing the area, creating a more relaxed, youthful appearance. However, if the lines are primarily dynamic (formed by muscle activity), a neuromodulator like Botox is often more appropriate, though fillers may be used in combination for enhanced results.

Beyond frown lines, fillers are also used to rejuvenate other key areas of the face, including:

• Under-eye hollows – to reduce dark circles and create a well-rested look
• Cheeks – to restore midface volume and lift sagging skin
• Lips – for subtle enhancement or fuller definition
• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines – to smooth deeper facial creases
• Jawline and chin – to contour and create a more sculpted profile

Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a procedure where fat is harvested from one area of the body, typically the abdomen or thighs, and injected into the face to restore volume and improve contour. Because it uses your tissue, fat grafting offers a natural solution to facial aging with the potential for long-lasting results.

When comparing facial fat grafting to dermal fillers, several key differences stand out:

• Results:
  • Fat grafting provides a subtle, natural-looking volume that integrates into the surrounding tissue.
  • Dermal fillers offer more immediate, precise shaping and contouring, especially for targeted areas like the lips or under the eyes.
• Invasiveness:
  • Fat grafting is a surgical procedure that involves liposuction and requires some downtime for recovery.
  • Fillers are non-surgical, minimally invasive, and typically involve little to no downtime.
• Longevity:
  • Fat grafting can offer permanent results, although some of the transferred fat may not survive, requiring touch-ups.
  • Fillers are temporary, lasting anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the product used.

Someone might consider fat grafting instead of fillers if:

• They want a long-term or permanent solution to volume loss.
• They’re already undergoing liposuction and want to make use of the harvested fat.
• They prefer an all-natural approach without synthetic materials.
• They have experienced filler fatigue or need large-volume correction that fillers can’t easily address.

Dermal fillers can be a great option if you're looking to refresh your appearance without surgery. They offer quick results, minimal downtime, and customizable treatment plans. However, choosing fillers should be a thoughtful decision based on your goals, skin condition, and overall health.

Here are some key considerations when deciding if dermal fillers are right for you:

• Your aesthetic goals: Are you looking to smooth wrinkles, enhance facial features, or restore lost volume?
• Treatment areas: Some fillers are better suited for specific areas like lips, cheeks, or under the eyes.
• Desired longevity: Depending on the filler type, results may last from 6 months to 2 years.
• Comfort with maintenance: Fillers require touch-ups to maintain results.

Seeing a licensed and experienced provider is essential. A qualified professional will assess your face, recommend the most suitable filler, and perform the injections safely to avoid complications. Proper technique also ensures natural-looking, balanced results.

Before getting treated, be sure to discuss any relevant health factors, including:

• Allergies or sensitivities to ingredients in dermal fillers
• Previous cosmetic procedures that may affect your results
• Medications or supplements that could increase the risk of bruising or bleeding
• Medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or infections near the treatment site

Dermal fillers are a safe, versatile way to smooth wrinkles, restore volume, and enhance your natural features without surgery. With options like hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite, they offer customizable results and minimal downtime. At Skin Select, we believe your beauty journey should be fully informed and carefully guided. From your first consultation to post-treatment care, our team in Los Angeles takes the time to explain your options so you know exactly what to expect. When done properly, fillers can refresh your appearance, boost confidence, and maintain a naturally balanced look.