5 Things to Know Before Trying Dermal Fillers

Our bodies naturally change with age, and those differences might include new wrinkles on our faces or cheekbones that aren’t as high as they once were. Dermal fillers can help minimize these signs of aging if you’re unhappy with them.

However, these changes are completely normal and occur when we lose some of the subcutaneous fat that supports our skin. Over time, the skin on the middle of our faces shifts down too, causing our cheeks to sag a bit, explains Mary Stevenson, M.D., dermatologist at NYU Langone Health. “Filler can be used to help lift and add support,” she tells SELF. It can also help soften wrinkles, Dr. Stevenson says.

There are several categories of dermal fillers, and they’re all generally administered in the same way (more on that in a bit). Before electing to have any type of cosmetic or medical procedure, it’s important to understand what the process entails and any potential risks. Understandably, you might also have concerns about visiting a doctor’s office during the pandemic. Our story about making medical appointments during COVID-19 can help you decide if now is the right time to schedule an elective procedure. But below, you’ll find information experts think you should know about dermal fillers

Hyaluronic acid, which you may recognize as a common ingredient in some skincare products, is one of the most popular types of fillers, explains Jenny Kim, M.D., Ph.D, professor of dermatology, medicine, and nutrition at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Because it helps skin retain moisture, hyaluronic acid can make your face look more plump and hydrated. It's also used in lotions as a moisturizer, but no cream can restore lost volume—only injectable hyaluronic acid can do that. Juvéderm and Restylane are two popular name brand hyaluronic fillers that you may have heard of.

2. How do I know which dermal filler to try?

A good doctor will explain the ideal treatment plan for you, but know that the most natural-looking results may require more than one type of filler. There are many different brands of fillers within each category, and the products vary in how they should be used—like filling out cheeks—and concentration of the active ingredient, explains Dr. Kim. For example, Restylane, one brand of hyaluronic filler, has five different lines—and each is used for different reasons. "Restylane Lyft has larger particle sizes—think of them like the bricks of a foundation," Whitney Bowe, M.D. a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells SELF. Those larger particles have the heft to "rebuild" thinned cheekbones, while a smaller particle size, as in Restylane Silk, works better for addressing fine lines and plumping lips.

3. Why do people get dermal fillers?

Dr. Kim explains that patients come to her saying “they just want to look a little better,” without turning to cosmetic surgery. She uses dermal fillers to add in volume and smooth out wrinkles, which her patients are normally happy with, she says.

4. What precautions should I take before getting fillers?

It probably goes without saying, but safety should be your top priority when considering any medical procedure. Dr. Kim says visiting a board-certified dermatologist or a board-certified plastic surgeon is one way to ensure that your physician is experienced. This extra certification step shows that the doctor completed additional training in their particular specialty. (You can find a board-certified specialist by visiting The American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Academy of Dermatology websites.) Even though dermal fillers are available at medical spas, you should see only licensed and trained physicians for any injectable treatment. There are risks for issues like infection, discoloration, and lumps if injections are done incorrectly.

Given that this is a cosmetic procedure, you understandably want to be satisfied with the results. One way to find a doctor whose work you like is by asking friends who have had this done for their recommendations. "People are starting to be more open about injectables," Ava Shamban, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, tells SELF.

5. What should I ask my doctor during the consultation?

“I think as a patient you should always ask for a consultation first and then really talk about what your goal is and how they [the doctor] can help you,” says Dr. Kim. You may think you just want dermal fillers, but an expert could recommend another treatment—or a combination of treatments—based on your specific skin type and goals. For example, your doctor may suggest using laser therapy if you have a lot of pigmentation, she says.

Dr. Shamban advises requesting before-and-after photographs of real patients from the doctor’s office. Every practitioner has different philosophies, techniques, and levels of experience. And don't be afraid to ask about your doctor’s training and certification during the initial consultation.

Lastly, you and your physician should communicate about realistic results and your expectations—it's your face, after all.

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