Fillers
What is it?
WHAT ARE INJECTABLE DERMAL FILLERS?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
What does it do?
HOW CAN DERMAL FILLERS ENHANCE MY APPEARANCE?
While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:
- Smooth out lines around the nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
- Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples.
- Diminish vertical lip lines.
- Plump & enhance the lips.
- Smooth out a chin crease.
- Improve symmetry among facial features.
What is it made with?
WHAT ARE FILLERS MADE WITH?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA approved HA fillers include:
- Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, VOLLURE
- Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Contour
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.
Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (meaning it is safe to use in the body), biodegradable synthetic substance. It has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid products are technically classified as “collagen stimulators,” as their main mechanism to smooth fine lines is by helping your skin rebuild natural collagen—the filler gel itself dissipates a few days after treatment. Poly-L-lactic acid is typically used to treat deeper facial wrinkles, and results can last more than 2 years. FDA approved Poly-L-lactic acid fillers include Sculptra® Aesthetic.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic, biocompatible substance that has been used in medicine for much of the last century. In dermal fillers, PMMA takes the form of a “microsphere” or tiny ball, that remains beneath the skin indefinitely to provide continued support. PMMA fillers will also contain collagen, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that provides structure and firmness.
What is the difference?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS AND DERMAL FILLERS?
Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are both cosmetic injectable treatments. They help reduce the appearance of visible signs of ageing and are often used together to achieve a more dramatic facial rejuvenation.
Fine lines and wrinkles are often caused by over-active muscles contracting when you make a facial expression. This causes the skin to crease. Anti-wrinkle injections relax the overactive muscle, resulting in smoother and younger-looking skin. The effects last for around 4 months before a top-up treatment is required to maintain results.
Dermal fillers restore lost volume and hydrate the skin to reduce the appearance of visible signs of ageing and enhance facial contours. The effects of dermal fillers typically last for much longer than anti-wrinkle injections.
Pre & post treatment
WHAT TO EXPECT?
PRE-CARE (BEFORE TREATMENT)
- One week prior to your appointment, we advise you to avoid using alcohol, garlic and/or aspirin, or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines for pain, swelling and/or fever, such as medicines containing diclofenac, mefenamic acid, indomethacin, or ibuprofen – ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medication includes any of these ingredients. Following these instructions will reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding at the point of injection.
- If this is your first visit, you will need to provide your medical doctor with information on your medical history and any current problems, as well as details of any allergies you have or medications you are taking.
- There is no need for an allergy test unless your medical practitioner feels it’s necessary.
POST-CARE (AFTER TREATMENT)
- Because dermal filler is a non-surgical treatment, there is minimal recovery time.
- For the first 24 hours following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and alcoholic beverages, to help minimise the risk of temporary redness, swelling and/or itching.
- No treatment can halt the aging process; you will require top-ups if you want to maintain the effect so ask your medical doctor when he/she would recommend rescheduling another appointment.
IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME?
There is little to no downtime with dermal fillers. This minimally invasive cosmetic injectable treatment doesn’t involve any of the risks and painful side effects of cosmetic surgery.
You’ll be able to go straight back to work and social activities after your dermal fillers session. Most people experience mild redness and swelling around the injection sites, but this should subside within 24 hours. You can also apply makeup immediately to disguise any unwanted signs of treatment.
It’s important to avoid activities that could disturb the filler product or increase the risks of side effects for the first couple of days. This includes strenuous exercise and alcohol consumption.
How long does it take?
HOW LONG DOES AN APPOINTMENT TAKE?
We require you to come in 30 minutes before your appointment if you are doing lip filler, so a topical anesthetic can be applied to minimize pain. The appointment will be up to 45 minutes long.
If you are doing filler on your midface, chin, or tear-through areas the total appointment will be 60 minutes long.
How long does it last?
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?
How long the effects of dermal fillers will last depends on the product, the area of treatment, and the patient. The denser the product is and the more deeply it is injected, the longer it will last, although this is not a hard and fast rule. To maintain your results, your doctor will simply repeat treatment, adjusting the amount and techniques as necessary to ensure optimal results.
Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to be the most temporary option, and therefore are often recommended for first-time filler patients. These will typically last from 6 to 18 months. Injections to the lips will wear out a little faster than those to the nasolabial folds. Certain HA fillers, such as VOLUMA, are formulated to last longer, but are usually limited to certain areas, such as the cheeks.
Synthetic fillers tend to last longer, as they are not absorbed by the body. They can be a great option for the right patient, but you’ll want to be ready to commit to results that will be there for several years—and choose an experienced, qualified provider whose aesthetic style you like.
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