Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Oh, my face is wrinkled, it's not like it used to be"? It's normal for our skin to change in appearance as we age. But some people think a lot about their appearance. So, one of the most popular ways to get a fresh, youthful look to your face without having to go through surgery is called Dermal Fillers. Let's talk about this in detail, very simply.
Simply put, what are these dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a special substance under your skin using a small needle. This substance is used to fill in wrinkles, lift sagging skin, and add volume to the skin, giving it a fresher look.
Think of it like an inflated balloon. As time goes by, the air in it gradually deflates. As we age, our skin loses an important protein called collagen . This collagen is responsible for the firmness and elasticity of our skin. When collagen decreases, the skin becomes thinner, sags, and wrinkles form. So these fillers are used to fill that gap.
This treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes. The recovery time is very short. The results are visible immediately. Depending on the type of filler you use and the location of the injection, these results can last from a few months to a few years.
Who uses dermal fillers? Why?
Many people turn to this treatment to improve their facial appearance and maintain a youthful appearance. Fillers mainly help with these things:
- Add volume to sagging skin and give it a fuller look (e.g., to the cheeks).
- Make both sides of the face symmetrical and give it a beautiful shape.
- Give lips and cheeks a full, sculpted look.
- Erase fine lines and deep wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and on either side of the mouth.
Additionally, medications for certain medical conditions, such as HIV, can cause facial thinning. In such cases, some people use fillers to restore fullness to the face.
What types of dermal fillers are there?
There are several types of dermal fillers. Some are synthetic, some are natural, and some are injected into the face using fat from elsewhere in your body. Doctors call this "autologous fat grafting."
Let's take a look at the most common types of fillers on the market.
| Filler Type | Description and contents | Results duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid (HA) | This is an acid that is naturally present in our skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump. Its production decreases as we age. Restylane® is a popular type of HA filler. | About 6 months to a year. |
| Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) | This is made from a substance found in our bones. It is usually used for deep wrinkles. An example is Radiesse® . | About a year. |
| Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) | This works by helping your body produce its own collagen. It's best for deep wrinkles. An example is Sculptra® . | 2 years or more. |
| Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) | This filler contains collagen and tiny spheres. These spheres are permanently embedded under the skin, giving the skin volume and firmness. Bellafill® is one such filler. | Long-lasting results. |
You should talk to your doctor to decide which type of filler is best for you.
What happens before and after filler treatment?
Before treatment
First, you should see a qualified doctor, preferably a dermatologist. The doctor will examine your face and ask you what changes you want to make.
- You can mark the injection sites with a pen.
- You can also take photos of your face.
- They will recommend the type of filler that is right for you and explain the possible side effects and recovery time.
At this time, you should definitely tell your doctor the following:
- Allergies you have.
- About any medications you take.
- Have you ever had bruises or bleeding from doing something like this before?
- If you have any neurological problems or skin diseases, talk about it.
During treatment
This is something that can be done right in the doctor's office. First, your skin is thoroughly cleaned and an anesthetic cream is applied. This makes the injection much less painful.
Then, using a thin needle, a small amount of filler is injected under the skin. It feels like a slight sting, but it is not very painful. The entire process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
After treatment
After the treatment, the doctor will clean the skin again and may apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. There may be bruising, swelling, or some discomfort for a few days. This usually goes away within a few days. Most people see results right away.
What are the benefits and risks?
Like any cosmetic treatment, this one has benefits as well as some risks.
| Advantages | Risks & Complications |
|---|---|
|
|
Very important: Very rarely, some people may experience vision problems after filler injections. If you experience any vision problems, along with weakness, pain, or discomfort on one side of your body, seek medical advice immediately.
When should you see a doctor?
After filler treatment, if you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately :
- Persistent bleeding or severe pain.
- Signs of infection (fever, redness and swelling at the injection site).
- Symptoms of an allergy (difficulty breathing, hives).
Take-Home Message
- Dermal fillers are a non-surgical treatment that reduces facial wrinkles, plumps up sagging skin, and gives a youthful appearance.
- Although the results are immediate, they are temporary. The duration varies depending on the type of filler.
- Since there are different types of fillers, it is essential to seek the advice of a qualified doctor to choose the one that is best for you.
- Although this is a safe treatment, don't forget that there are risks such as bruising, swelling, and infection.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms (severe pain, vision problems) after treatment, inform your doctor immediately.
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