What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers or filler injections are a type of aesthetic treatment used to enhance or restore the appearance of the skin by adding volume and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. They are injected into the dermis, the second layer of skin, to provide a smoother, more youthful look.
Fillers are usually made of hyaluronic acid. The most common areas for treatment with dermal fillers are the cheeks, lips, under-eye area, and nasolabial folds (smile lines).
The effects of Dermal Fillers are usually temporary, lasting anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the filler type and the area treated. The procedure requires no downtime and is minimally invasive, allowing individuals to return to normal activities immediately after the treatment.
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How do Dermal Fillers work?
Dermal fillers enhance the volume of the skin and underlying tissues, restore the natural contours of the face, and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. When a dermal filler is injected into the skin, it fills in areas that have lost volume due to aging, sun damage, or other factors. This increased volume lifts the skin and smoothes out wrinkles and folds, restoring a youthful appearance.
The active ingredient in Dermal Fillers is usually hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the skin that helps retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid fillers are particularly effective because they are biocompatible with the human body and can be easily absorbed if the individual's body begins to break them down.
The procedure for injecting Dermal Fillers is relatively quick and simple and can be performed in a dermatologist's office or clinic. A topical anesthetic is usually applied to the area to minimize discomfort, and the filler is injected using a fine needle or cannula. The results are immediate, and the individual can return to normal activities immediately.
When are Dermal Fillers used?
- ✔ To add volume to the cheeks and cheekbones, restoring a more youthful appearance
- ✔ To smooth out wrinkles, fine lines, and deep furrows, such as those around the mouth, nose, and eyes
- ✔ To plump up thin or aging lips, restoring a more youthful, full appearance
- ✔ To enhance facial features, such as the chin or jawline, creating a more defined and sculpted look
- ✔ To correct asymmetry or deformities, such as a drooping mouth corner or a flattened cheek
- ✔ To treat acne scars, improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin
Note that filler injections are not a permanent solution, and the results are temporary, lasting anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and the individual's skin metabolism. Repeated treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired results.
What to do before Dermal Fillers treatment?
- ✔ Consult with a qualified practitioner: Find a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or aesthetic GP who has experience with Dermal Fillers.
- ✔ Stop using blood-thinning medications: If you're taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications, stop using them a week before your treatment.
- ✔ Be honest about your medical history: Tell your practitioner about any medical conditions you have, such as allergies, bleeding disorders, or a history of cold sores.
Following these steps, you can help ensure that your dermal filler treatment goes smoothly and that you achieve the best possible results.
What to expect during Dermal Fillers treatment?
Here's what you can expect during a typical dermal filler treatment:
- ✔ Consultation: During the consultation, the Doctor will discuss your goals and evaluate your skin to determine the best type of filler for you, expectations, and treatment risks.
- ✔ Numbing the treatment area: your Doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area to minimize discomfort.
- ✔ Injection of the filler: Your practitioner will use a fine needle or a cannula to inject the filler into the skin. The procedure is usually quick, taking only a few minutes for each area treated.
- ✔ Results: You will be able to see the results of your treatment immediately. The Doctor will evaluate your skin and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you achieve your desired look.
- ✔ After-treatment instructions: Your Doctor will give instructions to follow after the fillers injections. You may experience swelling, redness, and tenderness in the treated area, but these side effects should vanish within a few days.
Dermal Filler treatment is generally well-tolerated and has minimal downtime. The treatment results are usually temporary, lasting anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the filler type used and the individual's skin metabolism. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment.
