Dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular as a non-surgical option for enhancing facial features. These are simply a type of injectable product that is used to fill in wrinkles, fine lines, and add volume to areas that have lost it. The most common areas that are treated with dermal fillers are the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes. And even if the term “dermal filler” is unfamiliar, you probably know the brand names. Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra are just a few of the most popular dermal fillers on the market today.
Exactly what are they and how can you use them to enhance your features? Let’s talk about it!
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable products used as an aesthetic treatment around the world. They are made of variety of biologically-safe materials. In fact, a fair number of them are sugar molecules based on a substance we produce naturally in our body already. The most common type of dermal filler is hyaluronic acid because it is biocompatible, meaning it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
Other types of dermal fillers include calcium hydroxyapatite and polylactic acid, which are used to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Sculptra is an example made from polylactic acid, and it works deep within the skin to stimulate collagen production. This reinforce the skin’s inner structure and restores volume
How can dermal fillers enhance facial features?
Dermal fillers can be used to enhance a variety of facial features, including restoring a more youthful structure for those that are aging. Some of the most popular areas for dermal filler injections include:
Cheeks – As we age, we lose volume in our cheeks, which can create a sunken, tired appearance. Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the cheeks, creating a more youthful, lifted look.
Lips – Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the lips, creating a fuller, more plump appearance. Fillers can also be used to smooth out fine lines around the lips, creating a more youthful appearance. Check out our client’s case study and before and after lip filler images!
Under eyes – Hollows under the eyes can create a tired, worn-out appearance. Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to this area, reducing the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles.
Nasolabial folds – These are the lines that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Dermal fillers can be used to fill in these lines, creating a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Jawline – Dermal fillers can be used to enhance the jawline, creating a more defined, sculpted look. This can be particularly effective for those with a weak or undefined jawline.
What is the procedure for getting dermal fillers?
The procedure for getting dermal fillers is relatively simple and typically takes less than an hour to complete. Before the procedure, the injector will typically apply a numbing cream to the area to be treated, in order to minimize any discomfort. Some products have numbing agents in the injection itself to further reduce discomfort. The dermal filler is then injected into the treatment area using a small needle. The injector may massage the area after the injection to ensure that the filler is evenly distributed.
The injector will talk with you about your goals and determine the best injection sites to achieve them. They know the limits of what these products can do so they can guide your decision making process. Prior to the treatment they may have you make various faces to get more insight into your current situation and more precisely place the product. During the injection process they may have you repeat this process.
What are the risks associated with dermal fillers?
Like any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with dermal fillers. The most common side effects include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These side effects typically resolve within a few days. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as infection or allergic reactions can occur, but this is not common at all. However, you’ll want to fully disclose anything you are allergic to and any pertinent medical information, including prescriptions you may be taking, prior to treatment. It is important to choose a qualified injector who is experienced in administering dermal fillers to minimize the risk of complications.
How long do dermal fillers last?
The length of time that dermal fillers last varies depending on the type of filler used and the area of the face that was treated. People also metabolize filler at different rates. On average though, hyaluronic acid fillers typically last between 6-12 months, while calcium hydroxyapatite and polylactic acid fillers can last up to 2 years. To maintain the results of dermal filler injections, most patients will need to return for additional injections on a regular basis.
Dermal fillers are a fantastic solution to smoothing out line, improving skin texture and replacing lost volume. This is important, because once we hit twenty years old, the amount of collagen and elastin we produce slows significantly. These are what support our facial features and give our skin its nice, elastic nature when we’re young. After our twenties, we actually start losing collagen, around 1% a year. You can’t take collagen supplements and magically turn around lost volume, but you can use dermal fillers!
Learn more about dermal fillers and Sculptra, or give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions!