For many men and women, dermal fillers have become a go-to anti-aging treatment to renew the volume in their facial tissues and achieve plumper, fuller skin. Given that many fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA)—a naturally occurring substance in the body that works with collagen to maintain the structure of the skin—and HA is naturally depleted from the body with age, products like JUVÉDERM®f can help in maintaining the skin’s youthful elasticity. While often highly effective, the results of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are not permanent and many patients have questions as to why.
We start out with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid in the body, which is why younger skin looks fuller and more hydrated. As we get older, the body’s ability to maintain the same levels of HA diminishes, causing the skin to look flatter and less voluminous. This is why HA that is reintroduced with injectable dermal fillers underneath the surface of the skin eventually breaks down. That said, these quick in-office treatments often provide rejuvenation for 6 to 24 months—depending on which filler is used—before the effects begin to fade. Since hyaluronic acid is so easily metabolized by the body, the results of HA injectables also typically have the unique benefit of being reversible if a patient desires. An enzyme called Vitrase can be injected into the soft tissue to dissolve the hyaluronic acid, thereby undoing the effects of HA fillers.
If you have any other questions about dermal fillers or our other non-surgical treatments, the friendly team at OC Facial Plastic Surgery would be happy to assist you. Please contact our practice for more information, or to schedule a consultation.
