Dermal Fillers and Injectables

New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300

Specialists in plastic surgery, dermatology, and oculoplastic surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center have experience using safe, effective dermal fillers and injectables to treat wrinkles and restore facial fullness. We work closely with patients to help them achieve their goals for their appearance.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are smooth, injectable gels that restore volume and fullness to aging skin to improve its appearance. Many contain substances, such as hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite, that are found naturally in the body but synthetically produced for cosmetic purposes.

As an academic medical center, we offer new and modified techniques well ahead of other providers in North Texas. We provide our patients with distinctive insights on what will be most effective to achieve their needs.

Our plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, and dermatologists have completed extensive training following their medical residencies. The physicians have earned board certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Board of Dermatology, or a subspecialty of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Who Should Consider Dermal Fillers?

As we age, our skin loses some of its youthful fullness, and wrinkles become more noticeable around the eyes and mouth. Dermal fillers are an effective option for someone interested in reducing signs of aging and improving their facial structure without surgery.

Dermal fillers can provide temporary to long-lasting results to:

Eliminate deep wrinkles and fine lines at the corners of the eyes and mouth, such as crow’s feet, marionette lines, and smile lines
Smooth forehead furrows and frown lines between the eyebrows, often referred to as 11 lines
Minimize the appearance of scars from acne, surgery, or injury by improving skin texture and uniformity
Add volume and fullness to lips, cheeks, and around the eyes, making the face look fuller and more balanced

Dermal fillers are a versatile choice for improving the skin's appearance without surgery.

The treatment is quick, typically taking less than an hour, and offers immediate results with minimal downtime. This makes it a practical option for patients with a busy schedule. Depending on the type of filler used, the effects can last from several months to more than two years.

What Are the Treatment Options for Dermal Fillers and Injectables?

We offer a variety of dermal fillers and injectables, each designed for one or more purposes. Some options work better in certain areas of the face than others. Some are more fluid, while others are thicker.

Our team works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan, usually with a combination of fillers and injectables for the best possible results.

What Are the Different Types of Dermal Fillers?

Some of the dermal fillers we offer include:

Bellafill (formerly ArteFill): Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres (miniature beads) suspended in bovine (cow) collagen
Fat injections: Fat transferred from elsewhere in a patient’s body
Juvéderm (including Voluma, Volbella, and Vollure): Nonanimal, biodegradable gel based on hyaluronic acid
Restylane Lyft: Nonanimal, stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) gel
Radiesse: Very tiny, smooth calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres
Restylane (including Silk, Defyne, and Refyne): Natural biodegradable gel-based hyaluronic acid
Sculptra: Synthetic, biocompatible poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)

What Can Patients Expect from Dermal Fillers?

Preparation

Before the procedure, patients will have a detailed consultation with a UT Southwestern provider to:

Discuss the patient’s goals
Look at the patient's facial structure
Review their medical history to help ensure safety and optimal outcomes

It’s important for patients to disclose any allergies, skin conditions, or medications they’re taking, especially blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which could increase the risk of bruising.

Procedure

The entire procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The surgeon:

Evaluates the patient and maps the injection sites on the face to guide the placement of fillers
Applies anesthetic ointment or injects a local anesthesia to numb the skin, ensuring a comfortable experience
Injects the filler using a fine needle at the predetermined injection sites to enhance facial contours and smooth out lines

Recovery

After the treatment, patients may notice some mild discomfort, bruising, or swelling, which typically goes away within 24 to 36 hours. Most patients can return to daily activities in four to 24 hours, though it’s important to avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.

We may provide an ice pack to help reduce any swelling and discomfort. Results are often visible immediately, but the final effect will settle in as the mild swelling diminishes.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

The results of dermal fillers vary depending on the type used and the areas treated. Fillers such as hyaluronic acid typically last from six to 18 months, while more robust synthetic fillers can last for several years.

Patients looking for a more permanent solution may consider fat injections. This involves harvesting fat from the patient’s body, purifying it, and then injecting it into facial areas needing volume. This option requires a longer recovery but can provide lasting results.