There is an extensive list of dermal fillers that can be used for various cosmetic corrections, but the core objective of every filler is to restore the loss of volume caused by the natural aging process.

By injecting specially formulated substances into specific parts of the body, these dermal fillers can provide volume to an area that once appeared deflated or sunken. This provides a much more youthful appearance without the need for an extensive surgical procedure.

Collagen is the most abundant of all the proteins in our bodies. In fact, it makes up about one-third of all of our body's proteins. It's an essential protein to have because it is responsible for many different functions throughout our bodies.

One of the most noticeable is its role in keeping our skin taut and firm, which prevents effects of aging like fine lines and wrinkles from developing. Unfortunately, as we go through the aging process, our bodies begin producing less and less collagen. It is estimated that by the age of 40, our bodies produce 1 percent less collagen every year.

That might not seem like a huge loss, but when you consider the fact that there are at least 16 types of collagen being put to use in your body, it's easier to see how that 1 percent difference has such a huge impact. This decrease in collagen leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles throughout the body and is why so many of patients need dermal fillers.

Dermal fillers are a safe, practical choice for men and women looking to reverse aging symptoms such as:

• Nasolabial folds that form between the nose and mouth
• Smile lines in the outer corners of the mouth
• Marionette lines that extend from the mouth to the chin
• Loss of facial volume and definition in the midface
• Early jowl formation along the jawline
• Hollowing in the temple area

These procedures are appropriate for any skin tone and do not require any anesthesia or recovery time afterward.

But remember, the absolute best candidates for any cosmetic procedure are those who are in good general health, maintaining a healthy weight, have realistic expectations for their results and do not smoke.

Our team of experts will assess your specific needs and anatomy before your procedure to determine whether dermal fillers are the right choice for you and which product will produce the most optimal outcome.

When you arrive at Morpheus Medical Aesthetics for your dermal filler treatment, you will be taken into a luxurious private room where your procedure will be performed.

The first step in the dermal filler process is a facial assessment and mapping. At this time, your medical professional will assess possible injection points on your face that will provide the best results. Marking may be made on your face to make the actual injections easier, and photographs may be taken to keep a record.

Then, an antibacterial agent will be used to clean your face and minimize the likelihood of infection. In most cases, no anesthetic is required for this process, although topical numbing cream or ice may be applied to more sensitive areas. Most patients report minor pain or discomfort during the injections.

The injections themselves take only a few minutes to complete and should be relatively comfortable. Your injector will strategically place the needle in the predetermined locations to produce the most balanced, natural result. Once your injections are finished, you will be free to leave our office right away and return to your daily routines.

Some patients discover that by adhering to a regular treatment schedule, they can begin to space appointments a bit further apart over time without sacrificing their results. It may be the muscles “train” to relax for longer, allowing you to enjoy a rejuvenated look for longer intervals.

Your recovery time is dependent on many factors, including the filler you received, your body's reaction to the procedure and the extent of treatment that was needed.

It is normal for patients to experience mild swelling, redness, pain or discomfort after their treatment. Ice or a topical massage can help alleviate some of these effects, but, regardless, they should fade within a day or two.

Other side effects can include bruising, a temporary “overfilled” appearance, hard areas at the injection site, and a reaction that appears to resemble an allergic reaction.

While these symptoms are generally harmless and temporary, we recommend giving our office a call if you experience any of these conditions just to be safe. We also recommend that you avoid intense physical activity for the first day or two to help minimize swelling and bruising.

Your medical professional will provide you with a specific list of post-treatment instructions. It is vital that you follow these instructions in order to ensure the safest recovery and the most effective results following your procedure.

There are many factors that will determine how long the results of your fillers will last. The primary determiner is which treatment you are deciding to undergo.

Juvederm can last anywhere between one and two years. Belotero can last about six months. Radiesse will last up to a year or more, and Restylane can provide results for up to 18 months. If you decide to go with Sculptra, you will have to do multiple treatments over three or four months, but your results will last up to two years.

Your body's reaction to the treatment and how fast you absorb the product will also play a role in the length of your results. Luckily, you can schedule regular treatments to ensure you maintain your dermal filler results indefinitely if you choose.

There is only one way to get an accurate estimate regarding how much a dermal filler treatment will cost you, and that is to book a consultation with our office near Larkspur. But here is a general price list to give you an idea of dermal filler costs:

• Juvederm – Ranges from $600 to $900 per 1.0 ml
• Belotero – $600 per 1.0 ml
• Radiesse – $700 per 1.5 ml
• Restylane- $600 per 1.0 ml, or $350 per 0.5 ml
• Sculptra – $750 per vial (usually two vials needed per treatment)

The exact amount of filler you will need depends on the areas you are covering and your unique condition.

When it comes to drastic changes, there is no competing with surgical procedures like a brow lift, eye lift, or facelift. But this doesn't necessarily mean dermal fillers are not as good. In many cases, people prefer the more subtle improvements that don't look overly done.

And that is because dermal fillers can still be highly effective in treating fine lines and wrinkles, and when you consider the risks, downtime, recovery process and cost investment that come with plastic surgery, it is not easy to choose between the two options.

Dermal fillers are significantly more cost effective, require very little recovery and downtime, have considerably less risk involved, and do not require you to take any time away from work or your usual routine.

There is always some confusion between these two different types of injectable treatments like Juvederm and Botox, especially since they both address similar symptoms like wrinkles and skin folding.

But understanding the difference in how they treat wrinkles is pretty simple: dermal fillers like Juvederm and Radiesse are used to replace the volume loss that causes the skin to become sunken and saggy, whereas neuromodulators like Botox focus primarily on stopping facial muscle movement that causes wrinkles to develop.

So while the result might be similar, your unique anatomy and the underlying cause of your wrinkles and fold will be the determining factor in which treatment is right for you.