Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers, also known as face fillers, are injections of gel-like substances that go just under your skin. They smooth out wrinkles and can make your face look younger. Face fillers are often manmade (synthetic) materials, but you can also use fat from other places in your body to fill in areas of your face. These injections give you a nonsurgical way to rejuvenate your appearance.

Penn Medicine’s Cosmetic Dermatology specialists use dermal fillers, like Juvéderm®, to help revitalize your look if you have fatigued, sagging, or wrinkled skin that comes with aging, heredity, or certain treatments for medical conditions. Our doctors choose from several different types of dermal fillers to add fullness under your eyes or to your cheeks, lips, jawline, or temples. The results are immediate and can last months to years—or even your lifetime, depending on the filler.

As you age, your skin naturally loses collagen and fat. This may lead to a loss of volume, wrinkles, and other signs of facial aging and aging skin. Some medications can also cause these changes, including treatments for HIV/AIDS.

You might choose to get dermal fillers to:

• Diminish wrinkles around your eyes and mouth
• Fill in hollow areas under your eyes
• Smooth creases, including on your forehead and between your eyebrows (frown lines)
• Plump your lips and cheeks
• Improve sagging skin
• Make indented scars less noticeable
• Bring symmetry to your face

However, dermal fillers aren’t recommended if you have a bleeding disorder or certain allergies.

After being injected with synthetic fillers, you’ll have some swelling, and you may notice bruising, numbness, and redness. Applying an ice pack can help ease swelling. Your skin might temporarily look overfilled, or you may feel lumps under your skin. These side effects should go away within a couple of days. Most often, you can continue your routine without interruption, but you should avoid high intensity exercise for a few days. The results of synthetic dermal fillers can last six months to two years.

If you received fat injections, you’ll have facial swelling and bruising that may take a couple of weeks to heal. During that time, your body will absorb some of the fat that was injected, which will help reduce swelling. Using cold compresses during the first few days of recovery can lead to less bruising. Depending on how much liposuction was needed, you might have drainage tubes and need compression bandages, and the area may be swollen for a few weeks. Follow your health care team’s advice about your activity level while you heal. You may need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity. The results of fat injections can last your lifetime.

If you had synthetic fillers, you may experience light bleeding where you were injected. Rarely, dermal fillers can lead to lumps or an imbalance in your face. Very rarely, they can cause an infection or vision problems.

If you have fat injections, you may have bleeding, bruising, and swelling at the site of the injection. There’s also a minimal risk of infection, lumps under your skin, or scarring. Rarely, the filler can be injected into a blood vessel. Liposuction risks are rare but can include infection, bleeding, changes in skin color or sensation, and scarring. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about the potential risks of the procedure.

Injections of dermal fillers are medical procedures that require skill and training. At Penn Medicine, we have doctors who focus exclusively on the face and understand facial anatomy. Our dermatologists, dermatologic surgeons, and plastic surgeons are experienced at using every type of facial filler to deliver the results you’re looking for. We guide you through every step of the process, providing a thorough consultation, treatment that addresses your goals, and careful attention during your recovery.

The landscape of your face gives you a unique appearance and appeal, and dermal fillers can enhance your natural features without surgery. These treatments can give you a more youthful look, minimize scars, or help return lost volume. We’re here to provide expert care throughout your journey.