Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are substances that plump up lines and wrinkles on your face and hands. If you want to regain a more youthful appearance, talk to Eva Geracimos, MD, about fillers. At ElevateHealth Aesthetics in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Dr. Geracimos performs aesthetic treatments like filler injections herself for optimal results. Call the office or book an appointment online today for high-quality, rejuvenating filler treatment.

What are fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances used for aesthetic purposes. They plump up lines and hollows in your face and hands, giving you younger-looking, smoother skin. Some fillers also stimulate new collagen growth. Collagen is the protein that gives your skin elasticity and fullness, but the body makes less of it as you age, worsening lines and wrinkles.

Fillers often consist of natural materials like:

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a lubricant found in joints and tissues.

Calcium hydroxylapatite

This mineral is present in human bones and teeth. Fillers use a water-based calcium suspension that produces a gel-like fluid.

Synthetic dermal fillers like polylactic acid and polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) are also available. These offer semi-permanent results, while natural fillers typically last between nine months and several years.

What can fillers treat?

Dermal fillers fulfill a range of purposes, addressing common aesthetic problems like:

• Acne scars
• Cheek depressions
• Crow’s feet
• Nasolabial furrows (deep smile lines down the side of your nose)
• Frown lines
• Marionette lines at the mouth corners
• Thin lips
• Scarring
• Smoker’s lines (vertical mouth lines)
• Forehead lines

Dermal fillers can also help add definition to your cheekbones and jawline.

What happens when I have dermal filler injections?

Before you undergo any treatment, Dr. Geracimos discusses the procedure, products, risks, and benefits. It’s vital that you have realistic expectations of what you can achieve with fillers and that you’re in good emotional health before having any cosmetic procedure.

Dr. Geracimos will also check your general health and medical history and ensure there are no contraindications — issues that make having fillers inadvisable, like being pregnant or having an allergy to the filler ingredients.

When you’re ready for your procedure, Dr. Geracimos assesses your face and marks the areas requiring filler injections. She cleanses your skin to prevent infection and may numb the area with an anesthetic cream, a cold instrument that chills your skin, or a local anesthetic injection.

Filler injections usually take just a few moments. After injecting the filler, Dr. Geracimos massages the site to achieve the desired effect. You can also have Botox® injections alongside fillers (known as a liquid facelift).

How soon will I see results from filler injections?

You should see a difference immediately after your filler injections. However, some redness and swelling might disguise the effects for a day or two.

It takes longer for fillers that stimulate new collagen growth to take effect, as the cells need time to grow.

Call ElevateHealth Aesthetics to arrange a dermal filler evaluation or book an appointment online today.