Dermal Fillers: The Case for a Dissolvable Solution

15 Oct

When it comes to cosmetic enhancements, the world of injectables can be overwhelming. From temporary solutions to "permanent" fillers, the options seem endless. But what’s the right choice for you? At our practice, we believe the answer is clear: the most flexible and safest option is often the best. That's why we prefer using temporary, dissolvable dermal fillers over permanent options like Bellafill for Penile Enhancement.

Let's break down the key differences and explain why a reversible approach is so important for your long-term aesthetic goals.

The Difference: Permanent vs. Temporary Fillers

Dermal Fillers

Most popular dermal fillers today, like the Juvéderm and Restylane lines, are made from a substance called hyaluronic acid (HA). This is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in our bodies and is responsible for keeping our skin hydrated and plump.

• How they work: HA fillers add volume by attracting and holding water. They are a gel-like substance that is injected beneath the skin to smooth lines, restore volume, and enhance penile girth.
• Longevity: The body naturally breaks down and absorbs the hyaluronic acid over time, which is why these fillers are temporary. The half-life (time for half of the filler to break down) of HA fillers for penile enhancement typically range from 1.5 to 2 years and sometimes longer. Maintaining the results with the product will result in less product needed over time.
• Key Advantage: This is where the magic happens. Because they are made of hyaluronic acid, these fillers can be dissolved if needed and over time breaks down. 

Permanent Fillers (e.g., Bellafill)

Bellafill is a different class of filler. It is a long-lasting injectable composed of bovine collagen and tiny, non-absorbable microspheres of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

• How it works: Bellafill provides immediate volume from the collagen, but its primary function is to stimulate your body's own collagen production around the PMMA microspheres. This new collagen is what provides the long-term, lasting result.
• Longevity: The results from Bellafill can last for up to five years or more.
• Key Disadvantage: Because the PMMA microspheres are not absorbed by the body, this filler cannot be dissolved. If a patient is unhappy with the result, or if a complication occurs, the only way to attempt removal is through surgical intervention.

Why We Choose Non-Permanent Fillers

While the promise of a long-lasting solution with fewer appointments may sound appealing, the risks and lack of flexibility associated with permanent fillers are significant. Here’s why we, as a practice committed to patient safety and satisfaction, strongly prefer temporary fillers:

1. Reversibility and Safety: This is the single most important factor. In the rare event of a complication—such as a lump, an unwanted aesthetic outcome, or, most critically, a vascular occlusion—an HA filler can be immediately dissolved. This ability to reverse the procedure acts as a crucial safety measure, protecting the patient from potentially serious, permanent issues. With a permanent filler, there is no such safety net.
2. Flexibility and Customization: Trends change, and so do personal aesthetic preferences. Perhaps you and your partner desire substantial more girth now, but later prefer a more subtle enhancement. With temporary fillers, you have the freedom to adjust, refine, or completely change your look over time. You can try a new treatment without a lifetime commitment.
3. Less Risk of Migration or Lumping: While all fillers carry some risk of side effects, the more pliable nature of HA fillers makes them easier to work with for a skilled injector like our Double Board-Certified Surgeon –Dr. DuPont. . They are less prone to clumping and are better suited for penile enhancement.

In conclusion, while permanent fillers like Bellafill offer the promise of longevity, that very permanence is also their greatest drawback. A flexible and reversible solution is a far safer and more effective choice. It allows you to feel confident not just in your immediate results, but also in the long-term journey of your aesthetic health. We believe in providing treatments that give you control and peace of mind, and for that reason, we stand by the dermal fillers we use!