How do they work?

The fundamental working principle of dermal fillers is ‘pumping’. This simply implies that they will pump up the area around the region that has received the injection, leveling with other parts of the skin, thus making it not look sunken by any means. Ultimately, different fillers may have this goal achieved in slightly different ways, but the bottom line result is that the skin will look plump and firm, young and refreshed.

The operation is accomplished by taking advantage of the basic roles and functions of the skin. This can also help in fully understanding the operation. The human skin is made up of two layers, namely the epidermis and the dermis. The outermost layer is the epidermis and its main function is to serve as protection against effects of the environment and other components. It controls water loss from tissues and cells, thus serving as a barrier to the outside environment.

The dermis layer is right below the epidermis and constitutes the skin’s structural elements like nerves, hair follicles and blood vessels. The growth of cells and blood vessels is enhanced through a framework provided by a network of fibers that is formed by protein. The major component of the dermis is collagen, and it gives the skin its firm elasticity and strength, offering fundamental support to the skin. As one grows old, the aging process causes the upper layer - the epidermis - to gradually become thin. This leads to a decreased capability to offer the much needed protection to the inner layer by acting as a barrier to actions that lead to water loss. In addition, collagen production in the body slows down considerably as the existing collagen becomes ineffective.

These activities result in wrinkles, folds, depressions and other forms of skin anomalies associated with old age. It is at this point that dermal fillers become necessary to reduce the consequences of the deteriorating epidermis and weak collagen. Dermal fillers will technically work as replenishment for the natural collagen that has been rendered less effective due to the aging process. They work as collagen and, depending on the quality of the particular type used, impressive results can be definitely achieved. The general working principle is similar for all dermal fillers, but may vary slightly from one type to another. Dermal fillers are usually designed to treat one area specifically, such as the lips. Often, various dermal fillers are marketed under a similar name with each treating a different area of the body, or providing a different level of treatment.