Dermal Filler Treatments

Fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours.

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About Dermal Filler

Overview

Cosmetic providers use soft, gel-like fillers that go under the skin to bring back volume, smooth lines, soften wrinkles, and shape the face. Because they work well and can do many things, fillers are now a popular way to refresh the face.

As more people want non-surgical treatments, over 1 million men and women pick this option each year. They like it because it gives clear, natural results and is a lower-cost way to improve how they look. With no surgery or downtime, they can quickly go back to their daily life feeling more confident.

Providers use different FDA-approved fillers, each with its own main ingredient. To keep things safe and get the best outcome, licensed medical pros use only trusted, name-brand products.

Types
There are various options for fillers, including synthetic materials and substances naturally found in the body, as well as using fat from the individual’s own body.
 
Types of dermal fillers:
 
  • Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally transpiring acid in the skin responsible for providing volume and hydration. The body’s production of hyaluronic acid diminishes with age, with results from HA injections typically lasting between six months to a year.
  • Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), a filler type comprising a substance present in bones. The effects of such fillers generally endure for approximately a year, often used by healthcare providers for addressing deeper wrinkles.
  • 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. 
  • Renuva fillers- 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.
  • Fat grafting- Using fat from one’s own body can provide long-lasting results.
 
Overall, there are different choices available for facial fillers, including those that utilize the body’s own fat.
Why use dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are utilized for various reasons. As individuals age, the body experiences a reduction in collagen levels. Collagen, a key component present throughout the body including the skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues, diminishes with age leading to skin laxity, volume loss, thinning, decreased elasticity, and sagging.
 
Individuals may opt for dermal fillers to address the following 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 with Dermal fillers
 
  • 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
What happens during a dermal filler visit
 
  • Consultation with healthcare provider before procedure
  • Discussion of medical history and medications
  • Examination of face and discussion of goals
  • Marking of face for injection areas
  • Recommendation of specific filler type
  • Review of possible side effects and recovery time
  • Cleaning of skin before procedure
  • Application of numbing cream (optional)
  • Injection of fillers under skin with thin needle
  • Possible mild pain or discomfort during injections
  • Cleansing of skin after procedure
  • Use of ice pack to reduce pain and swelling
  • Bruising, swelling, and discomfort may occur post-procedure
  • Results may be seen immediately but vary for each individual
 
Facial fat grafting procedure is more involved and invasive as it involves liposuction to remove fat from body
 
  • Purified fat is then injected into face
  • Outpatient procedure with potential for up to two weeks of recovery time
Recovery
It is advised to refrain from disturbing the treated area following a cosmetic procedure. Touching, rubbing, or applying pressure to the area can potentially displace the filler or lead to complications. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid dental work, facials or massages for the first two weeks post-treatment.
 
Similarly, intense physical activity should be minimized for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. Vigorous exercise can increase blood flow, potentially causing the filler to move from the treatment area.
 
Common side effects such as mild swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site can be alleviated by using a cold pack. It is suggested to avoid aspirin and alcohol, as they can exacerbate bruising.
 
Furthermore, exposure to sun and heat should be limited as they can worsen swelling or discomfort post-treatment. It is advisable to shield the treated area from the sun and use a high SPF sunscreen if necessary.
 
It is advisable to strictly follow the aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Safety Profile
The potential risks associated with dermal filler injections vary depending on the specific filler used and the permanence of the substance. These risks include acne-like skin eruptions, asymmetry, bleeding, bruising, skin damage leading to scarring, infection, lumps, palpability of the filler under the skin, skin necrosis, rash, redness, swelling, and under- or over-correction of wrinkles.
 
In rare cases, the filler may be accidentally injected into blood vessels, leading to potential blockages and serious consequences such as skin loss, wounds, or even loss of eyesight.
 
It is crucial that you discuss all your questions and concerns directly with your provider, including complications that may require urgent care.
 
While positive outcomes are anticipated, there is no guarantee of complete satisfaction with the results. Given the potential for significant complications, it is essential to seek treatment from a qualified provider who is knowledgeable about the risks and equipped to address any complications that may arise.

Dermal Filler Treatments

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Dermal Filler Treatments

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