Dermal Fillers in Chicago, Illinois (IL)

Dermal fillers are injectable materials used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve volume and contour in the face and lips. Some newer fillers can be used in your hands as well. There are many formulations of fillers made of natural and synthetic materials that have different longevities and performance.

How dermal filler treatment is performed

Dermal filler treatment is an in-office procedure that is almost painless and has no downtime.

Your dermatologist will start by assessing your facial features, discussing your filler options, and drawing injection guidelines on your face with a marker. Some local anesthesia may be used to numb the injection sites. Your dermatologist then injects the dermal filler in targeted areas using a fine needle or a blunt-tipped injector called a cannula.

Dermal fillers are composed of materials that increase volume, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, or boost natural collagen growth in your skin. Options include: 

• Bovine collagen for nasolabial folds, acne scars, and forehead wrinkles 
• Poly-l-lactic acid that stimulates the fibrobrast cells in your skin that create collagen 
• Calcium hydroxylapatite for facial wrinkles, folds, and hollows 
• Hyaluronic acid that hydrates, volumizes, and softens your skin 
• Autologous cell therapy using fibrobrast cells taken from your skin and grown in a lab

Recovery and results

Dermal fillers are considered safe as long as they are injected properly. Common side effects can include bruising, swelling, and pain lasting two days to two weeks. Serious complications like granulomas, infection, and severe itching are rare but can occur if the filler is injected improperly. Most dermal fillers are not permanent, so for lasting results you may need touch-up treatments.