When we grow up, Subcutaneous fat and the structural proteins such as elastin and collagen are gradually reduced in our faces and this can cause wrinkles and fine lines and facial sagging.
Dermal fillers are injectable gel which is used to fill wrinkles, smooth fine facial lines and reduce signs of aging. There are several different types of fillers. Health care providers usually inject them in different facial areas, especially those around the eyes, mouth and nose. The filler procedure is distinguished by the appearance of its results immediately and the possibility of lasting its impact for months or years.
In this article, which is an ultimate guide for dermal fillers, We will discuss their types, uses and their impact on different facial areas. The article also discusses their risks and side effects and how to overcome them.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are substances that help in reducing wrinkles and fine lines and in improving facial contouring when they injected under the skin. Most people choose face fillers as a preliminary solution to improve their facial features or to get a more youthful appearance. The duration of this procedure is usually less than half an hour, and the time of its recovery is very short compared to cosmetic surgical procedures. The results appear immediately after the filler injection and it can last for months or years depending on the type of filler and the area of the injection.
Where do you put fillers in your face?
Doctors can inject Fillers into different facial areas such as:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Under-eyes
- Nasolabial folds
- Jawline and chin
- Temporal Area
- Nose
- Forehead
- Marionette lines (the lines that extended from the angles of mouth to chin)
What are THE USES of dermal fillers?
The FDA approved dermal fillers for specific uses that include:
- Filling severe facial wrinkles and moderate ones.
- Filling skin folds and fine lines.
- Enhancing the volume of lips, cheeks, the hollows under eye, jawline, chin and back of hand.
- Restoring facial fat lost in people with HIV.
- Correct acne scars on the cheeks.
Types of dermal fillers
Depending on the composition and sometimes uses, fillers are classified to the following types:
Calcium hydroxylapatite filler
This filler is naturally found in human bones and it is similar to metals. It often used to fill moderate wrinkles to severe ones such as nasolabial folds, marionette and frown lines, as well as to enhance the plump appearance of the cheeks and other facial lines.
The material of calcium hydroxyapatite is biologically produced, which means that no animal ingredients are used in its production, and this can reduce the risk of the allergic reactions and there is no need to do allergy tests when using this type of filler. This filler is known to give a very natural look result, does not move to another area and its side effects are very rare.
Hyaluronic acid filler
This filler, which is a natural component of the connective tissue of the human body, is the most common filler used.
Hyaluronic acid filler often used to fill and improve acne scars and cheek depressions, crow’s feet at the corner of eyes, smile lines, mouth corners, frown and worry lines at the forehead, as well as to redefine lips. The results of this filler typically last from half to one year.
Polyalkylimide filler
This filler is a semi permanent one and often used to treat deep wrinkles, refill thin lips, improve cheekbones and jawline and restore the size of the face lost due to age.
The material of polyalkylimide filler is compatible with human tissues, which means that the filler does not cause allergic reactions and no need for allergic tests when used.
Polylactic acid filler
Polylactic acid is an artificial dermal filler injected into the face, causing collagen production. This type of dermal filler known as a catalyst.
This filler is used to fill lines caused by laughing, redefine thin lips and treat deep nasolabial folds, and its results gradually appear over a few months.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filler
This filler is a semi permanent one and often used to treat moderate to deep wrinkles such as nasolabial folds, it can also used to fill scars and thin lips.
You may need to read about: What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?
What is the technique of the filler procedure?
There are differences in the technique of the filler injection depending on the type of filler and the target area, but in general the procedure includes the following steps:
- Preparation of the area: On the session day, the doctor prepares the target area for injection by cleaning and disinfecting it. He may put some signs on the injection area.
- Anesthetic use: The doctor often uses a local anesthetic before injection to relieve pain.
- Injection: The doctor injects the target areas with filler, the injection process may take 15 minutes to an hour.
- Healing: To reduce the pain and swelling after the procedure, the doctor may prescribe cold compresses, the person can leave immediately and may be able to continue his day as normal. He may experience a little pain for a few days.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Depending on the type of filler and the injection site, the dermal filler`s lifetime varies. In general, the denser the filler and the deeper the injection, the longer it lasts, although this is not a strict rule, the doctor will work to ensure optimal results and maintain them for longer by simply repeating the procedure or adjusting the quantities and techniques used.
Hyaluronic acid filler is often the least durable filler. So for people who undergo filler for the first time, this type is highly recommended. The effect of this type of filler usually lasts from half to more than a year. Lip fillers tend to dissolve slightly faster than nasolabial folds fillers.
Artificial fillers tend to last longer, as the body does not absorb it. It can be a great choice for some people, but they must prepared for results that last for years.
Risks and side effects of dermal fillers
Dermal filler can involve risks like any medical or cosmetic procedure.
The risks and side effects of dermal fillers include:
- Allergic reactions at the injected area or in all areas of the body.
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Changes in skin color (hyperpigmentation after inflammation).
- Mild pain.
- infection.
- bleeding or bruising at the injection site.
- The appearance of scars.
- Uneven skin surface and contours.
- Vascular damage in rare cases.
You can also read: How long does it take for dermal fillers to settle?
Frequently Asked Questions about dermal fillers
How do I know what fillers I need? Or How do I choose a dermal filler?
Finding the suitable filler starts from understanding your specific goals. Each type of the fillers used for a different purpose. For example, hyaluronic acid fillers used to hydrate skin and increase volume, and collagen-inducing fillers used for accurate and long-lasting results. There are many other factors that you should bear in mind such as the target area, the desired result, and how long the filler lasts. And there are several dermal filler brands, you may need to discuss it with your doctor.
Who is not suitable for fillers?
People with bleeding disorders or allergies should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider.
Is filler cheaper than Botox?
The dermal fillers cost is usually higher than that of Botox.
What is the difference between botox and fillers?
The difference between Botox and dermal fillers is:
- Botox is a muscle freezing material to prevent the appearance of wrinkles caused by facial expressions.
- Dermal fillers are substances that used to fill areas that have lost volume and softness and these areas include wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips and others.
- Botox results last 3 to 4 months while dermal filler results vary, depending on the filler used.
How to make dermal fillers last longer?
To make filler results last longer, you must take care of your skin and overall health, there are many techniques to increase the duration of dermal filler, such as:
- Reduce UV exposure.
- Regular Skin Care.
- Avoid tension.
- Regular maintenance of treatment.
How painful are dermal fillers?
Many people may worry about the pain of the filler procedure, but there is no need to worry, as the doctor will apply a local anesthetic on the area before injection.
Can fillers make you look 10 years younger?
Yes, absolutely! By targeting specific areas of the face, this procedure can significantly reduce wrinkles and signs of ageing, giving results that are more youthful and less old to up to ten years old.