Facial fillers are gel-like substances injected into or under the skin to smooth it and make wrinkles less noticeable. Before the facial filler is injected, you're given a numbing medicine.
Facial fillers are biodegradable materials that dissolve over time and are absorbed by the body. They're also called soft tissue fillers. The procedure usually isn't suggested for people with bleeding disorders, a weak immune system and certain other conditions.
Facial fillers for wrinkles that are FDA-approved injectables include:
Facial fillers for wrinkles are safe in all skin colors. They carry very little risk for changes in skin color, also called postinflammatory pigmentation, or keloid scarring. Talk with your healthcare professional about the pros and cons of each type of facial filler.
As with any procedure, injecting facial filler for wrinkles has risks, including:
To minimize these risks, seek care from a healthcare professional who understands anatomy, who has done this procedure many times with success and who knows how to treat emergency situations. FDA-approved dermal fillers are available by a prescription for injection by a licensed healthcare professional.
Before the facial filler is injected, you're given a numbing medicine. Or sometimes the filler is mixed with a numbing medicine to make the procedure more comfortable.
The procedure usually is done in an outpatient setting and takes up to an hour.
You may have mild discomfort, bruising and swelling for up to a week. After the swelling goes down, you might need a touch-up injection for best results. How long the effect lasts depends on your skin and the type of filler used. Repeat injections are needed to maintain results.
