6 Things to Know Before Trying Injectable Dermal Fillers
Did you know that aging signs can be traced back to volume loss?
Facial tissues gradually thin out making the lines around the mouth and nose more etched and cheeks look slightly hollow. Dermal fillers can work efficiently in this stage by smoothing out wrinkles, plumping the lips and generally replacing the lost volume and restoring the youthful appearance.
- What are dermal fillers?
First things first: Dermal fillers, usually called soft tissue fillers, are medical substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness. There are multiple types of fillers that are categorized by the substance they are made from.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) - Naturally occurring substance that is already found in our skin. It keeps skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like and they generally last between 6-12 months.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) - A mineral that is found in our bones. The calcium particles are microscopic, in a smooth-gel format and typically thicker than those of hyaluronic acid. Fillers made with this material last up to 18 months.
Poly-L-lactic Acid – A biodegradable synthetic substance that is classified as “collagen stimulator”. It has been used in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches, and is also used to smooth out deeper facial wrinkles. Fillers made with this material may last up to two years.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) - A biodegradable synthetic substance that has been used in medicine for the last century. Its microsphere form remains beneath the skin to provide support. A PMMA is the only filler that cannot be absorbed by the body, providing semi-permanent results. They are only used around the mouth.
Autologous fat injections (facial fat grafting) – The only injectable filler that requires surgery, although making the results to last for many years. Typically using liposuction, your own fat is harvested from another area and is then being injected to the face to provide volume top cheeks, lower eyelids, temples, or other areas.
- What are the possible side effects of dermal fillers?
In general, dermal fillers are considered safe, making their side effects to be quite rare. The most common problems include skin rash, redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or pimple-like eruptions. Because fillers are being injected, it is important to choose a professional expert for this treatment, who knows the anatomy of your face and body. There are several blood vessels and nerves in the areas being treated, so an accidentally misplaced application could cause vascular occlusion, damaging the tissue the vessel supplies with blood.
- What to expect during treatment?
During your first consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will discuss with you your concerns and goals and he will evaluate your needs. He should also review your medical history prior to treatment, as certain allergies or administered medications could affect the results.
Before the actual treatment, you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area that has been totally cleaned out. Many dermal fillers already contain lidocaine, that helps in minimizing discomfort during and after the treatment. You should be able to notice results immediately after the injection.
After the finish of the treatment you will be able to go back to your normal activities, of course this is better to be defined by your cosmetic surgeon.
- What should you ask your consultant before applying fillers?
Firstly, you should confirm that your practitioner is medically qualified and with experience in the injection of medical-device products in order to avoid potential side effects. Most people just want to have dermal fillers. However an experienced professional should consider your needs and recommend you either another treatment or a combination of treatments that could be more efficient for you. You can also request from the doctor office some before-and-after photographs of real patients and you should communicate clearly your expectations. Don’t forget that it’s your face after all!
- Who should avoid dermal fillers?
According to the FDA, dermal fillers should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women. So in case you are expecting a baby or recently had a child, you may hold off. You should also avoid getting a dermal filler right before a teeth cleaning or other dental treatment, because these procedures require a stretching of the face and quite pressure that could cause misplacement of the fillers.
- How long will the dermal fillers results last?
The majority of fillers are not permanent. For that reason, you will need to follow frequent visits to the doctor’s office if you love the treatment’s results. Generally speaking, hyaluronic acid fillers naturally break down by your own body after about six months. So you are advised to get some touch-ups once or twice a year to maintain the look. From another perspective, this could work positively for someone who wants to try fillers, since the side effects will fade away without any long term risks.
Taking into consideration this first information, you can now arrange an appointment with your cosmetic surgeon.
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xx
~Maria