Dermal fillers are a group of non-toxic substances that are injected under the skin at various depths to smooth out fine lines, deep wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and acne scars, volumize and define lips, contour the chin and nose, or plump up sunken cheeks or temples for a full, lifted appearance.

Belotero (Merz Aesthetic) is one of the lightest dermal fillers available.  Sometimes called the “starter filler,” it is ideal for someone who wants to reduce fine lines around the lips, corners of the mouth, and minor marionette lines (the lines from the corners of your mouth down toward your jawline).

Belotero is made with a hyaluronic acid gel. “Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that’s found naturally in your skin and makes your joint spaces feel slippery. Its function is to absorb water, deliver nutrients, and act as a cushioning agent. So when you inject it into your skin, it acts like a sponge and expands to fill in wrinkles and folds and support sunken areas,” explains Dr. Debra Wattenberg, who specializes in cosmetic dermatology in her New York City boutique clinic, SkincareRX, and is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. The extra water brought to the skin’s surface also imparts a fresh, glowing radiance and a soft, supple skin texture. These injections induce a robust production of collagen, which helps to further firm and plump your skin and reduce wrinkles over time.