Dermal fillers are products that are injected into the dermis of the skin that can increase volume, soften folds, and smooth out wrinkles on the face.

Dermal fillers are injected below the surface of the skin to volumize areas that have lost fat, muscle and bone.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane^® are not permanent and can be dissolved simply by using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Once injected, the enzyme works to breakdown the dermal filler for up to 72 hours.

A number of factors plays a role in the longevity of dermal fillers: patient’s metabolism, type of filler used, treatment area and the specific injection technique. Restylane^® is FDA-approved to last between 6 months – 1 year.

Both of these treatments involve injections. Dermal fillers generally either plump certain areas (eg. lips) or smooth out areas (lines around the mouth). Botulinum toxin relaxes muscle movement that results in wrinkles (e.g. forehead, crows feet, neck).

Normal side effects of dermal fillers are usually mild: redness, bruising, tenderness or minor swelling. Although very rare, infection can occur.