Your Complete Guide to Dermal Fillers

Learn how gel injections restore volume, soften creases, and smooth fine lines.

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Read on to learn more about dermal filler treatments.

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Top Takeaways

Economical

Dermal fillers are a cost-effective way to achieve a more youthful appearance without surgery or downtime.

Versatile

In addition to enhancing volume in sagging skin, fillers create symmetry in facial features and increase lip fullness.

Quick

Filler sessions typically last less than an hour, and recovery time is minimal compared to many other procedures.

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Dermal Fillers: Everything You Need to Know

What they are, what to expect, and info on different types of fillers.

Medically reviewed by
Angie McKnight | Certified Physician Assistant

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. It’s a cost-effective way to achieve a more youthful appearance without surgery or downtime.

There are various options for fillers, including synthetic materials, substances naturally found in the body, and fat from your own body.

For your safety, only use FDA approved, brand-name fillers administered by a licensed medical provider.

Why use dermal fillers?

The body experiences a reduction in collagen levels as we age. As a key component in the skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues, collagen depletion leads to skin laxity, volume loss, thinning, decreased elasticity, and sagging.

People opt for dermal fillers to address various concerns:

Enhance volume in sagging skin.
Create symmetry or definition in facial features.
Increase fullness in lips and cheeks.

Minimize wrinkles and creases on the face.
Address cellulite concerns.
Restore youthfulness in aging hands.

Pros

Immediate results.
Quick procedure: Typically less than an hour.
Minimal recovery time.
Results can last months to years.
Less expensive than elective surgical procedures.

Cons

Potential risks of dermal filler treatments include:

Asymmetrical appearance.
Bleeding, bruising, redness, pain and swelling.
Damage to skin, leading to scars.
Infection, potentially causing necrosis.
Lumps or bumps under the skin.

What to Expect

Here’s what happens during a treatment:

Consultation with healthcare provider before procedure.
Discussion of medical history and medications.
Examination of face and discussion of goals.
Injection areas are marked on the face.
Recommendation of specific filler type.
Review of possible side effects and recovery time.
Pre-procedure skin cleaning.
Application of numbing cream (optional).

Injection of fillers under skin with thin needle.
Possible mild pain or discomfort during injections.
Post-procedure skin cleaning.
Use of ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
Bruising, swelling, and discomfort may occur post-procedure
Results may be seen immediately but vary by person.

Facial fat grafting procedures are more involved and invasive as they involve liposuction to remove fat from body. It’s an outpatient procedure with potential for up to two weeks of recovery time

Recovery

After your treatment, it’s best to leave the area alone — no touching, rubbing, or putting pressure on it. This helps ensure the filler stays in place and prevents any issues.

You’ll also want to hold off on dental work, facials, or massages for the first two weeks. It gives the treated area time to settle and heal.

As for working out, take it easy for the first 24-48 hours. Intense exercise can boost blood flow, which might cause the filler to shift.

If you experience mild swelling, bruising, or redness, a cold pack should help. Avoid aspirin and alcohol, as they can make bruising worse.

Keep in mind, too much sun and heat can make swelling or discomfort more noticeable. Try to stay out of the sun. But if you need to go out, use a good SPF sunscreen to protect the area.

Lastly, follow your healthcare provider’s aftercare instructions carefully for the best results. Looking for a provider? Check out our directory!

Types of Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA): A naturally transpiring acid in the skin responsible for providing volume and hydration. The body produces less hyaluronic acid as we age. Results from HA injections typically last between six months and a year.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA): This filler uses a substance present in bones. This treatment is often used by healthcare providers for addressing deeper wrinkles. The effects of such fillers generally endure for approximately a year.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): A substance that facilitates the body’s collagen production. PLLA is frequently employed by healthcare providers to mitigate deep facial wrinkles, with results potentially lasting two years or more.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): Fillers containing collagen and minuscule spheres that remain beneath the skin post-injection. These spheres contribute to enhancing skin volume and firmness.
Fat grafting: Autologous fat grafting is a process where fat is taken from one part of the body and injected into the face. This technique allows for a more natural enhancement.

Safety Profile

The risks that come with dermal fillers depend on the type of filler and how permanent it is. Some possible issues include acne-like bumps, uneven results, bruising, bleeding, scarring, infections, lumps, being able to feel the filler under your skin, skin damage, redness, swelling, or not getting the exact wrinkle correction you wanted.

In very rare cases, the filler can accidentally get into a blood vessel, which can cause more serious problems like skin damage, wounds, or even vision loss.

It’s super important to bring up any concerns or questions with your provider, especially about any complications that might need immediate attention.

While most people are happy with their results, it’s good to remember that perfect results aren’t guaranteed. Because of the potential risks, make sure your treatment is done by a qualified provider who knows what they’re doing and can handle any issues that come up.