Abstract
Dermal fillers have become an integral part of both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Our expanding knowledge of the aging face has allowed us to shift the focus from skin-reduction
lifting procedures to soft tissue augmentation. Within the past 5 years alone, nine
new dermal fillers have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for
soft tissue augmentation. The rise in both the use and number of dermal fillers in
recent years is a testament to their safety and efficacy. Dermal fillers can be broken
down to three major types: temporary, semipermanent, and permanent. The former, which
include hyaluronic acid based fillers, provide safe and effective correction but only
for a limited time, typically approximately 1 to 2 years at best. This review will
cover the semipermanent (poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite) and permanent
(polymethylmethacrylate and liquid silicone) injectable fillers. These so-called deep
dermal fillers are valuable, durable tools in correcting the aging face. Given their
extended duration of effect, these fillers inherently carry their own risk for potential
adverse events. Thus, it is essential that clinicians have a thorough understanding
of these products to best counsel, recommend, and perform soft tissue augmentation
using these fillers.
Keywords
filler - soft tissue augmentation - semipermanent filler - permanent filler - rejuvenation
