Off-Label Uses for Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane have become very popular as they are highly effective in reversing the signs of aging without the pain and recovery of more invasive surgical procedures.
Fillers are great at smoothing facial wrinkles, plumping flat lips, or adding volume to hallowing cheeks. However, there are many “off-label” uses for fillers that patients are often unaware of. From treating cellulite to lifting droopy earlobes, here are several less common uses for dermal fillers:
Cellulite
An estimated 80% of women have will experience some degree of cellulite in their lifetimes. Cellulite is the result of a “puckering effect” when normal fat pushes against connective tissue under the skin. The effect creates the unwanted appearance of divots or dimples along the skin. Dermal fillers can be effectively used to diminish the appearance of cellulite by filling in (adding volume) to puckered areas of the skin. Fillers can also work great in conjunction with other treatments like Avéli or Subcision to treat more severe cellulite. We use Sculptra Aesthetics, is a filler that is made from poly-L-lactic acid. Sculptra stimulates collagen production, which is why it is best used for correction of cellulite. You might need several treatments according to the degree of the cellulite. Each treatment is 6-8 weeks apart because it takes time for new collagen cells to grow. So, it is best to wait in between treatments. You will have bruising after this treatment because it is an injection under the skin and if the area is attached to the connective tissue we will have to under mind that tissue. Which means disconnect the dimple from the band with a small needle. Th under minding process can cause more bruising, then just injecting with Sculptra.
Buttocks Augmentation
Butt augmentation procedures are growing in popularity. There are more options for enhancing the derrière than there used to be! There are surgical procedure options such as butt implant surgery or fat transfer (which is the process of reinjecting fat into the buttocks that was harvested from another area of the body through liposuction). But for patients who prefer a more subtle lift or don’t have enough fat to harvest from another area of the body for fat transfer, dermal fillers such as Sculptra can be used. Since, sculptra stimulates collagen production and is more of a liquid substance it is best used to enhance the buttocks. It will take several vials to produce a visible augmentation. You will need several treatments spread out 6-8 weeks apart. The results are natural, and smooth. The procedure has the advantages of being quick, minimal pain, and no recovery time. The results are temporary. Clinical trials show a 2 year longevity with adequate treatments and volume.
Droopy Earlobes
With normal aging, the ears may experience signs of aging and damage, including droopy, sagging, or wrinkling earlobes. A hyaluronic acid-based filler, such as, Juvederm family of products or Restylane family of products can be used to instantly add volume back to the lobes while preventing future sagging. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are a nice gel form, which will help give the shape back to the ear lobe and help those patients the ability to wear heavy earrings again.
Crooked Noses
Rhinoplasty is the most effective way to permanently treat an oversized or crooked nose. But what if you don’t want to undergo surgery? Depending on a patient’s nasal characteristics it may be possible to cosmetically enhance the nose using dermal fillers.
Liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical procedure that uses fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm to reshape the nose. Learn more about non-surgical rhinoplasty here. You can also view before and after images in our photo gallery.
Knee and Elbow Wrinkles
The best kept secret about fillers is their ability to easily correct the signs of aging on the knees and elbows. While this is an “off-label” use, dermal fillers like Sculptra can be injected to targeted areas of the knees or elbows in order to smooth out wrinkles and add volume. Sculptra smooths out those wrinkles and helps stimulate the collagen which makes the skin look better along with filling in the lines. Sculptra is used for patients with thinner skin in this area. Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse are thicker fillers that can be used to correct these areas in thicker skin patients.
In summary, there are a lot of fillers on the market and they are used in different areas on label and off-label. You can get great results with the correct filler selection in the correct place. It is important that you choose a well knowledgeable provider with lots of experience. Your provider will help you choose the filler that is correct for you and your skin.
Kelly Wala is a Registered Nurse with a Baccalaureate Degree of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. As an Aesthetic Nurse Specialist for the past 10 years Kelly specialized in a full complement of non-surgical aesthetic services such as facial injectables, laser and light therapy, body contouring, and skin care. Kelly was the first in Texas to perform the Injectable Threadlift. Kelly is a Faculty trainer for Allergan Facial Aesthetics and Coolsculpting as well as a Faculty trainer for Galderma Facial Aesthetics and Sculptra. Aesthetics
This is very interesting to hear!!! I did not think fillers were used anywhere other than the face.
Is it possible to use Radisse as a lip filler. I have used voluma in Lips and loved it. Will you do that?
Hi Deidre,
Thanks for your great question! It is possible ot use Radiesse on the lips, however it usually not the go-to for lip enhancement. Often Voluma or Restylane are better options. However it all depends on your specific needs and goals. Your best bet: bring up the option during an in-office consultation with a skilled injector!
We hope that helps.
WD Staff