Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face.
Dermal fillers are used for facial aesthetic treatments and are injected into the skin. They are designed to effectively reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles, contour and create volume, and to revitalize the skin. Dermal fillers are based on Hyaluronic acid which is a substance that naturally exists in your body.
Who are a good candidates
Both men and women are equally good candidates for dermal fillers.
Ideal candidates might also have one or more of the following concerns:
- Thinning or sunken cheeks caused by a loss of volume.
- Thin or unevenly shaped lips.
- A receding chin.
- Minor nose deformities.
- Deep nose to mouth lines.
- Lines around the mouth.
Consultation
Be prepared that our plastic surgeon will discuss with you the following during your initial consultation :
- Your Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
- Any past treatment with soft tissue fillers, botulinum toxin therapy, laser or other minimally invasive facial procedures, as well as any prior facial surgery
- Your course of treatment
- The type of filler recommended in your case and why
- Expected results
- The longevity of the result
Procedure
The dermal filler gel will arrive at the practice packed in a sterile ready to use syringe form. The size of the needles chosen for the procedure will vary according to the type of dermal filler selected. For instance, fillers with a smooth gel consistency will allow the provider to use thinner needles and apply less pressure during the injection.
In any case, prior to administering the injection, the provider will numb the affected area of the face with a topical anesthetic cream. The filler gel will be injected into the mid to deep dermis, depending on the degree of correction needed. The injection treatment session will usually last for less than half an hour.
Dermal Filler Risks
- Acne-like skin eruptions
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding from the injection site
- Bruising
- Damage to the skin that results in a wound and possible scarring
- Infection at the injection site
- Lumps
- Palpability of the filler under the surface of the skin
- Skin necrosis (ulceration or loss of skin from disruption of blood flow)
- Skin rash with itching
- Skin redness
- Swelling
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
What level of pain should I expect from dermal filler injections?
Pain at the injection site may be ameliorated by use of a very cold instrument to chill the skin, anaesthetic ointment to numb the skin or injection of local anaesthesia.
While not painless, the injections are usually easily tolerated.
Recovery
The affected area may be a bit red, sore and swollen. Any swelling or bruising should settle down in a few days.
You will be advised about what to do to help reduce the risk of side effects.
This includes not wearing make-up immediately after the procedure and avoiding alcohol, coffee and the sun.
Results of Dermal Fillers
The results of soft tissue augmentation using dermal fillers will be visible immediately or might take from 10 – 14 days after the injection ,and will last from several months to several years depending on the filler used and the patient injected. Maintaining good overall health and maintaining healthy and strong skin with appropriate products and skin treatments will improve the results and longevity.
Things to keep in mind
The longevity of a filler product depends on what it is composed of. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero last an average of 6-9 months. Some specialized formulations can last up to a year. Radiesse is a different type of filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite. It adds volume as well as stimulating the body to make more collagen and results last 9 months to a year. Sculptra works entirely by stimulating collagen formation, so it may last a couple years. And there are two permanent fillers on the market: Artefill and Bellafill
