The field of aesthetic soft tissue augmentation has a long successful history. Soft tissue augmentation dates back more than 100 years ago, when an early German plastic surgeon published a report on adipose grafts transplanted for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the face. Hence, fat grafts were the oldest facial dermal fillers used for soft tissue augmentation. Over the past 100 years, many implantable materials and devices have been attempted to cosmetically improve soft tissue defects and deficiencies in the face. Facial dermal fillers are becoming more important as an increasing proportion of people seek aesthetic improvement using minimally invasive procedures.

As a result of aging, smoking, sun, and force of gravity the elastic collagen fibers of the skin are lost; hence, wrinkles appear. Aging related changes of the lower face include atrophy of both the upper and lower lips and negative changes of the corners of the mouth which leads to the aged appearance of a "downturned mouth". Professional minor improvements in the lips and the surrounding lower facial structures can produce pronounced rejuvenating effects. Facial dermal fillers can be used in rebuilding the area around the mouth which aids in regaining a more youthful, rested visage. Facial dermal fillers are also useful in treating prominence of the naso-labial folds which is an early facial sign of aging.

Why are the public highly interested in facial dermal fillers? One main reason is the advent of Botox®. Botox® has been shown to cause incredible anti-aging effects on upper facial structures. The successful anti-aging effects of the upper face, using Botox injections, have urged the need for procedures that are efficient in lower face rejuvenation. Another reason for the facial dermal fillers' frenzy is the availability of novel filler technologies. When Botox injections are performed in the upper face in conjunction with facial dermal fillers in the lower face, unmatched results can be achieved in ameliorating the effects of aging and offering a more youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance.

Most people now believe that a beautiful face has a full three dimensional look that has prominences and depressions that are symmetrical in every single dimension. This concept renders soft tissue augmentation, especially facial dermal fillers, a magnet that is continuously attracting people who are eager to look better. Aesthetic lip enhancement is continuously attracting both young and older individuals. Actually, it is the most commonly sought facial dermal filler aesthetic procedure. The feasibility and simplicity of facial soft tissue augmentation procedures is another important factor that led to the publicity of facial fillers.