Dermal fillers are today’s modern approach to skin rejuvenation. All of us naturally lose volume in our faces as we age. This event leads to the sagging of our skin, hollowing of our cheeks, and the “aging” of our appearance. These injectables are safe, reversible ways of restoring the lost volume of our skin, smoothing out wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours in a unique yet effective method that can look completely natural.
Today, let us learn about dermal fillers and five (5) things you didn’t know they can do. We’ll also add in some examples, how they work, and the benefits we can get from them. Read until the end and discover if dermal fillers are your best option.
1. Dermal Fillers are Injectables.
Dermal fillers restore lost volume, flatten lines, soften creases, and enhance facial contours by injecting gel-like substances beneath the skin. Their effects include smoothing wrinkles, plumping lips, and restoring a youthful appearance.
The hyaluronic acid dermal fillers used across all skin clinics and med spas are FDA-approved. This substance is found naturally in your skin. It works by absorbing water and assists in retaining moisture and softness. Your body naturally and gradually absorbs the particles.
Injectable dermal fillers are often used to:
- Eliminate chin creases.
- Lessen the appearance of lip lines.
- Make sunken cheeks or temples appear fuller.
- Plump and enhance the lips.
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
- Soften the look of recessed scars.
2. There are many famous dermal fillers that go by their brand names.
Restylane
Benefits
- Restores natural youthful volume
- Plumps up nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Makes skin appear younger and look smoother
- For lip enhancements, it makes the lips fuller and gives them more definition.
Advantages
- It is made with hyaluronic acid that contains nothing of animal origin
- It does not require a potential user to undergo allergy testing, which can sometimes take weeks
- It can be performed in-office, in less than half an hour, and require little-to-no downtime for the patient.
Side Effects
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain
- Bruising
- Tenderness in and around the injection sites
- Injections carry a risk of infection, bleeding or allergic reaction
JUVÉDERM XC
Procedure
- It takes about 30 minutes to administer
- Fine needles or cannulas are used for the injection
- Administered below the skin in the targeted area
- Adds volume or fills in wrinkles and folds
- Improves comfort since it contains lidocaine, so anesthetics may not be needed
- Some practitioners still use topical anesthetics on the area to be treated before the injection
- Afterward, treated areas are gently massaged
Once treatment is completed, patients can return, with virtually no downtime, to their regular activities. For the first 24 hours after treatment, to reduce the risk of complications, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and alcohol consumption.
Results
- Visibly immediate after injection
- Any swelling and bruising should subside during the next few days, especially when ice is applied
- Results can last up to a year
Note: Results from injectable dermal filler vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental touch up treatments may be needed in order to achieve and maintain optimal correction of wrinkles and folds.
Risks
- Bruising
- Discoloration
- Firmness
- Infection
- Itching
- Lumps or bumps
- Pain or tenderness
- Redness
- Swelling
3. How Dermal Fillers Work
Dermal fillers help restore lost volume in some regions of the body. It also helps enhance certain areas, like the lips or cheeks, by adding volume in a controlled manner. Dermal fillers are FDA approved to address the following problems:
- Aging Hands
- Acne Scarring
- Cheek Enhancement
- Brow Furrows
- Fine Lips
- Crow’s Feet
- Pronounced Nasolabial Folds
- Frown Lines
- Vertical Lip Lines
- Under Eye fine lines
4. The Dermal Filler Procedure
An injection procedure is generally performed after a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the practitioner will discuss your skin concerns and look at your face’s movement and natural facial expressions to assess which treatment options are suitable for you.
- During the dermal filler procedure, practitioners may apply topical anesthetics or numbing creams to the targeted areas that will be injected.
- Other practitioners may also inject a local anesthetic. Discuss this option with your doctor or healthcare provider during your consultation if you think about any potential pain during the procedure.
- Depending on the area and desired results, practitioners inject the dermal filler beneath the skin with a needle or a catheter. The process is quick and even has very minimal downtime.
- Some people experience bruising or swelling immediately after their dermal filler procedure. However, this side effect typically fades away after a few days.
Generally, results are seen immediately, but full results can be seen a few days after the procedure. How long these results will stay visible will be based on several factors like where the filler is injected, which product is used, and your metabolism.
5. Recovery and After-Effects
Typically, recovery from dermal filler injections takes up to only a week, with scenarios of swelling and potential bruising being the two most common side effects. Your practitioner will explain any possible side effects specific to the injection site, but dermal fillers are generally proven safe and effective.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has indicated some other severe but rare side effects. These after-effects include allergic reactions and infection at the injection site and should be considered before undergoing dermal filler procedures.
Also, there is the potential for fillers to leave an asymmetrical result, but if injected by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, these risks are minimal. In general, dermal fillers are a popular and effective way to preserve a youthful appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Can anyone be a good candidate for dermal fillers?”
In general, dermal fillers are beneficial to most people. Still, the ideal candidate has minimal permanent cosmetic work, is healthy, does not smoke, and is in excellent health.
“How long do dermal fillers usually last?”
Depending on the type and location of injection, dermal fillers can last from six months to two years. Again, results may significantly vary from patient to patient.
“How soon will I begin seeing results from my dermal fillers?”
Depending on the type and location of injection, dermal fillers can last from six months to two years. Remember, results may vary from patient to patient.
“What do dermal fillers do?”
Dermal fillers can smooth skin, fill in hollow areas, reduce wrinkles, and restore a youthful appearance.
Final Thoughts on Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are proven safe and effective treatments for mild-to-moderate facial wrinkles and scars and for adding volume and plumpness to the skin. Most side effects are mild and self-limited, and more severe side effects are rare.
If you are interested in experiencing dermal fillers, our amazing friends at Auri Aesthetics can help you today.
