Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours

. They can also improve the appearance of the face by improving the skin’s overall quality

. These injections rejuvenate the skin, achieving a fresher, younger appearance

. Dermal fillers can:

• Plump thin lips

• Enhance shallow contours

• Soften facial creases and wrinkles

• Improve the appearance of recessed scars

• Reconstruct contour deformities in the face

• Decrease or remove the shadow of the lower lids

The effects of most FDA-approved dermal fillers are temporary because the body eventually breaks down and absorbs the materials

. The injection procedure may have to be repeated to maintain the desired effect

. The effect lasts about six months, but results depend on the health of the skin, the skill of the healthcare provider, and the type of filler used

. Common temporary fillers:

• Hyaluronic acid, a sugar that is naturally found in the body

• Calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral and a major component of bone

• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biodegradable, synthetic material

Dermal fillers are approved for specific uses in people aged 22 and older

. Those uses include:

• Correcting moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and skin folds

• Increasing fullness of lips, cheeks, chin, under-eye hollows, jawline, and back of the hand

• Restoring facial fat loss in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• Correcting acne scars on the cheek

Risks of an improperly performed dermal filler procedure commonly include bruising, redness, pain, or itching

. Less commonly, there may be infections or allergic reactions, which may cause scarring and lumps that may require surgical correction