Don’t Want Surgery? Dermal Fillers May Be for You

Dermal fillers have come a long way since cosmetic collagen was first approved in 1981. While bovine (cow) collagen remained the lone injectable filler for the next decade, growing demand has sparked a surge of new products to smooth and shape all areas of the face including laugh lines, nasolabial folds, under-eye hollows and more.

All dermal fillers work in the same way, literally filling in folds and creases in the skin to add volume. Fillers raise depressed areas to the same level as the rest of the skin, so that wrinkles instantly disappears or significantly lessen.

You can also use fillers to build a fuller pout or hide embarrassing nasal bumps. Sometimes referred to as “liquid facelifts,” fillers often present a gentler, if shorter lasting, alternative to cosmetic surgery.

Hyaluronic Acid

According to Dr. Debra Luftman in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, “Hyaluronic fillers are the best option for natural-looking, long-acting dermal fillers.” Hyaluronic acid is made from sugars found naturally in the body, which retain water to add volume to the skin.

Brand names include Juvederm. Restylane and Perlane. Typically, the first treatment only lasts about six months; however, further treatments may last up to one year.

Calcium-Based Fillers

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Patients seeking longer-lasting smoothness may prefer calcium fillers, which can last up to 18 months. These products contain calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, and are ideal for deep folds like those around the mouth.

Radiesse is a major brand of calcium-based filler, and is generally more expensive than hyaluronic acid fillers. However, the cost may even out if you need fewer injections over the years, so don’t shun these on price alone.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid

Poly-L-lactic acid was originally approved to treat facial wasting in AIDS patients, but is now widely used for cosmetic use. Sold under the brand name Sculptra, Poly-L-lactic acid is the same substance used in resorbable stitches.

Results last up to two years; however, the process requires up to four separate injections, spaced several weeks apart. Sculptra is not used for smaller wrinkles, but rather plumps up larger areas.

Collagen

Yes, collagen is still around — and it’s safer and more effective than ever. Your skin naturally produces collagen to keep it soft and supple, but collagen production diminishes with age. When injected, it fills in facial lines and may also camouflage scars.

Because some people are allergic to bovine collagen, your skincare professional will probably administer a test before proceeding with this treatment. Zyderm and Zyplast are two brand-name bovine collagen products.

Other products, such as CosmoPlast and CosmoDerm, have human collagen produced in a lab. These may be less likely to cause an allergic response.

Fat Transplants

Nope, it’s not science fiction: Patients who undergo liposuction can opt to use their own body fat to fill in facial wrinkles. Because this procedure requires surgical incisions rather than a simple injection, the risks are higher. Patients may experience infections or excessive bleeding, and may get bruises that take weeks to heal. And although results are longer-lasting than with most injectables, there is a chance that the fat may eventually be reabsorbed into the body.

 Ultimately, only a trained dermatologist or other skincare professional can help determine whether dermal fillers are right for you, and which type is best for your needs. Each option comes with potential side effects, so be sure to do your homework and weigh the risks vs. rewards.

About The Author
Mia Liefso is a professional medical skin therapist and the owner of Bradford Skin Clinic & Med Spa in Bradford, Ontario.  She has certifications in IPL, VPL, laser and ultrasound technologies, as well as body contouring and medical facial peels. Her professional interests include difficult skin conditions—premature aging, skin care for the elderly, endocrinology, and helping people love the skin they’re in. Her diverse personal interests include history, animals, roller derby, travelling and gourmet cooking. 

We offer you a FREE consultation that provides details and advice on our services and the different options you can explore and cover.

Online Reviews​

Julie Hartle
Julie Hartle
5 out of 5 stars
3 weeks ago
LOVE my results from Nurse Alex. She is extremely professional and knowledgeable and talented. So happy!
Billie Delaney
Billie Delaney
5 out of 5 stars
a week ago
Ladies are wonderful. Nurse Alex is great. Very good, explains what she is doing and what to expect. If you have any skin issues, contact...
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Stella Adyero
Stella Adyero
5 out of 5 stars
in the last week
Ashley was so wonderful & great in every sense. She's very warm, friendly, approachable and professional. Also very knowledgeable, she provided me with all the...
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corinne lane
corinne lane
5 out of 5 stars
a week ago
Booked with Shannon for lip filler. It was my first time and she made me feel super comfortable and was very informative! Everything was super...
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Hadas Menashe
Hadas Menashe
2020-09-18
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I started going to Bradford Skin Clinic because of Alex my injecting nurse. She started there recently (but has many years of experience). It’s a beautiful and clean place with professional service. If it’s Botox or filler for my lips, Alex was always gentle and patient. I love that she is 💯% honest with me and will always stop me from making bad decisions in regards to my face! LoL!
Elisabeth Isakov
Elisabeth Isakov
2020-09-17
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I started seeing Alex and I am amazed at the results I have seen already. The services and products Alex has recommended for me have changed my skin so much in the past few months. I am so thankful to have found such a knowledgeable professional!
Ilona Petrenko
Ilona Petrenko
2020-09-17
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I have been getting my Botox injection with Alex for the last two years, I initially met her in her Vaughan clinic and yesterday had the pleasure of visiting her location in Bradford, the place is so lovely clean modern and professional and the staff there is amazing :)
Kristine Viegas
Kristine Viegas
2020-04-26
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Friendly staff and amazing customer service. Ordered my at home facial, delivered to my house so quickly with great results.
Natalie Hartley
Natalie Hartley
2020-03-15
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Just had my very first ever micro-needling experience and in 24 hours utterly FANTASTIC results which will get even better over the next few weeks. Love that Jess talked me through the entire experience prior, loved that she focused in on the need areas and was diligent about her technique and maximizing the needles depth and range where appropriate. A day later my skin is smoother, pores already diminishing, fine line disappearing. I loved this treatment and highly recommend!
Christopher Stark
Christopher Stark
2020-01-07
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This is an amazing clinic! From their social media presence to their informative website. This is the exact kind of business we offer great prices & coverage's too because they are so professional.
Cathy Hamilton
Cathy Hamilton
2019-01-30
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Awesome staff! And my skin is so much better after just a couple sessions!
Margaret Joyce Crognale
Margaret Joyce Crognale
2018-12-07
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I got my first ever peel 3 weeks ago and started using a cleanser and moisturizer that Mia recommended to me. Within a couple of days I noticed a big difference in the way my skin looked and felt. I also HAD a lot of facial veins that I was very embarrassed by. Mia suggested a photo rejuvenation for broken capillaries and we scheduled it for the following week. I went in with a feeling like oh well let see what this can do as I had been living with this for so long I wasn’t sure anything would help. 20 minutes later about 80% was gone and within about 3 days another 10% was gone with 1 treatment! That was a week ago yesterday. I went to the open house yesterday with no make up on so I could show Mia, Ashley and Jessica what they did for me. I am so thankful and grateful. I will definitely be back soon for another treatment and continued maintenance. The clinic is beautifully decorated and spotless clean. The owner and staff are amazing women and so welcoming. I highly recommend Bradford Skin Clinic.
Sheri McGrath
Sheri McGrath
2018-11-26
recommends
Very knowledgeable with many years experience.
Allana Cosby
Allana Cosby
2018-11-18
recommends
Great service and products!