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County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

Acute Communicable Disease Control

Dermal Fillers

Key Points:

Find out which type/brand is best for you
This should be performed in a clean environment
This procedure must be performed by a doctor, nurse, or physician assistant
New and sterile needles and syringes are needed

What is it?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume. More specifically, dermal fillers are used to treat thin lips, shallow contours, and facial creases or wrinkles. Dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and ongoing treatments are needed for long-term results.

There are many types of dermal fillers. It is important to discuss with your doctor to decide which type is best for you. The most common types are:

Calcium hydroxylapatite – Brand names: Radiesse
Hyaluronic acid – Brand names include: Captique, Esthélis, Elevess, Hylaform, Juvederm, Perlane, Prevelle, Puragen, Restylane
Polyalkylimide – Brand names include: Aquamid
Polylactic acid – Brand names include: Sculptra
Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres – Brand names include: Bellafill

Who can perform it?
Although it is a quick, in-office procedure, effective and safe use requires a physician with specialized training and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy to recommend and inject an appropriate filler. Significant complications can occur with dermal fillers, as with any medical procedure.

Whomever you choose, make sure your provider has a proven background in cosmetic medicine as well as training and substantial experience performing filler injections. If an RN or PA will be performing your injections, that person should be working closely under the supervision of a qualified physician, preferably a board certified cosmetic surgeon.

SAFETY TIPS:
As with any injection, ensure that your provider is using safe injection practices to protect you from infection. Needles, syringes, and even medication vials should not be used on multiple patients. Ensure they are using new needles and syringes by asking them to open the packages in front of you.

When performed properly, severe complications from dermal fillers are uncommon. Potential risks vary depending on the specific filler used and the relative permanence of the filler substance.

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Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.