Dermal fillers® are injectable implants that help to smooth skin and wrinkles. As the name implies, they are injected beneath your skin using a needle.
People choose to get dermal fillers to enhance their facial features or gain a more youthful appearance. This elective treatment usually takes less than half an hour, and recovery time is minimal. Results are seen right away and last months to years depending on the type of filler and the location.
Why are Dermal Fillers used?
As you age, your body starts to lose collagen. Collagen is an important substance that exists all over your body, including in your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Decreased amounts of collagen in your skin causes skin laxity (loose) and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity and starts to sag.
There are four categories of fillers. Each is named for the type of material they’re made with:
Hyaluronic Acid
This is a substance naturally produced by your body and already found in your skin and cartilage. Generally, dermal fillers made with hyaluronic acid last between 6-12 months. Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products. It helps the skin to retain moisture and makes your face look more plump and hydrated. It’s used in lotions as a moisturizer, but no cream can restore lost volume as only injectable hyaluronic acid can do that.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
This is a mineral that is found in our bones. Dermal fillers made with this material last up to 18 months.
Poly-L-lactic acid
This is a biodegradable synthetic material that’s also used to make medical products like dissolvable stitches. These dermal fillers may last up to two years.
Polymethylmethacrylate beads
These are the only dermal fillers that can’t be absorbed by your body, meaning the results are permanent. They’re only used around the mouth.
How Dermal Fillers fight ageing
Dermal fillers volumize creases and folds in the face in areas that have lost fat and collagen as we age. After age 30, we all lose approximately 1% of hyaluronic acid from our bodies. Hyaluronic acid is the natural filler substance in your body. The face starts to lack volume and appears aged with deeper nasolabial folds, unaesthetic marionette lines, a deeper mentalis fold, the lips start to thin, and turning down the corners of the lips. Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected right underneath these folds to replace the volume lost which creates a younger look in the face.
What Dermal Fillers® treat:
- Shallow areas on the face
- Shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
- Recessed scars
- Static wrinkles on the lower face
- Thinning lips etc.
What Dermal Fillers can’t do!
For some patients, surgery such as a facelift, brow lift or eye lift may be the best approach. Minimally invasive rejuvenation treatments, such as soft tissue fillers, cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time when consideration of a facelift becomes appropriate. It is important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and that ongoing treatments will be needed for long-term results.
DERMAL FILLERS® Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore lost volume for a more youthful appearance. Fillers can be used on the face to soften wrinkles and creases and restore fuller lips.
2. How do I know which Dermal Filler® to use?
Our Specialist explains the ideal treatment plan for you, but know that the most natural-looking results often require more than one type of filler.
3. Why choose Dermal Fillers®?
Dermal fillers are particularly popular because patients see differences in their appearances almost instantly. If you’re unhappy with the way the filler looks, don’t panic, in most cases, it can be adjusted.
4. Is the anti-ageing effect of Dermal Fillers permanent?
No. The effect of dermal fillers typically lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 months at which point the procedure needs to be repeated.
5. Is the Dermal Fillers procedure painful?
Expect no major pain but prepare for some discomfort.
6. How long is a Dermal Fillers treatment?
Dermal Fillers treatment takes slightly longer: 20-30 minutes.
7. Any special aftercare needed?
No but it is generally advised that one avoids intense physical activity for the first 24-48 hours.
8. What are the side-effects?
Dermal Fillers may cause some mild and short-lived bruising, swelling and discomfort.
9. Who should not get Dermal Fillers?
- If you are allergic to any of the components in the filler
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you take blood thinners or an immunosuppressant
- Exercise caution if you have a history of severe scarring or have a pigmentation disorder
