According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dermal fillers can help patients achieve a more youthful look by adding a pleasant fullness to the cheeks, lips and other areas, making patients look and feel more youthful and vibrant. They can also help smooth fine lines.

“One of our biggest non-surgical alternatives is fillers,” explains Constance Barone, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. “When people have fine marionette lines and sunken cheeks, those can be addressed by using fillers.”

Common Dermal Fillers

“Dermal fillers” may sound vague, but you probably already know the brand name of one of the most popular dermal fillers — Botox. However, there are other dermal fillers that are safe for use and commonly found in plastic surgeons’ offices.

Other popular dermal filler options include:

  • Juvederm
  • Dysport
  • Perlane
  • Prevelle
  • Restylane
  • Sculptra
  • Artefill

During your consultation, you can discuss with your plastic surgeon which options may be the best for your desired results.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Undergoing a facelift procedure usually requires time off from work and may even mean you’ll be spending the night at a hospital or surgery center. You will likely have bleeding and swelling for a few days. Some patients even experience swelling for several weeks or more after the procedure. On the other hand, while it’s important for patients to consider these facts, for some patients the results of a facelift are still worth it.

Others, however, find that dermal fillers make a better option because they can be injected in a plastic surgeon’s office — sometimes even over the course of a short lunch break. In general, patients can go back to work after an injection. It’s not uncommon to experience some swelling and a little bruising, but that generally fades within a few days.

Possible Complications

In general, dermal filler injections are considered safe procedures. Few people experience complications after using dermal fillers. Because they are possible, however, it is important for patients to understand those complications.

Some common complications from the use of dermal fillers include:

  • Acne
  • Asymmetry
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Infection
  • Skin rash
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Swelling

If you are concerned about possible complications from the use of dermal fillers, talk with your plastic surgeon. Again, it is important to remember that complications from dermal fillers are rare, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Making the Best Choice for You

Ultimately, when making the choice between a facelift and a non-surgical option, it’s also important to consider the overall outcome.The results from a facelift can last several years. But, the results from a dermal filler may only last about a year, says Dr. Barone — meaning you might need to take more frequent trips to your plastic surgeon’s office in order to maintain the results you initially experienced. Dermal fillers may not bring the dramatic results patients expect after undergoing a facelift, but they do offer patients who are looking for a younger appearance an additional option.