Filling in the Blanks: Everything You Should Know About Dermal Fillers
When it comes to non-invasive cosmetic procedures, dermal fillers often rank as one of the most popular options. In fact, recent data shows their popularity has increased by eight percent.
Are you interested in trying out dermal fillers? Are you unsure of what to expect or what our options are?
If you’ve been curious about fillers but a little nervous about taking the plunge, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know before investing in fillers.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Let’s start with the basics.
Dermal fillers are small gel injections that are injected into specific areas of the face. The goal of these fillers is to add volume to the soft tissues of the face and fill in wrinkles and fine lines for smoother, more youthful skin.
The most common areas of the face where people tend to get fillers are the cheeks, mouth, lips, and jawline, as well the area around the eyes.
How Do They Work?
Fillers work by compensating for the lost volume that occurs as we age. When we get older, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, both of which are necessary for plump, wrinkle-free skin. Fillers help to make up for these natural losses, and they’ve been a popular remedy for years.
What Kinds of Fillers Can I Choose?
There are several different types of fillers from which you can choose. The following are some of the most popular options:
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound that occurs naturally in human bones. It’s biosynthetically produced, so no animals or animal products are used to make it, and there’s a lower risk of an allergic reaction.
This type of filler works well for moderate-to-severe creases in the skin. It also helps to enhance cheek fullness and improves volume in areas where facial wasting has occurred.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in the body. It’s found in high concentrations in the soft tissue, as well as in the fluid around your eyes.
It is one of the most popular materials used in dermal fillers. It helps to improve the appearance of a variety of skin ailments, from acne scars and crow’s feet to worry lines and minor scars.
Polyalkylimide Fillers
Polyalkylimide is a type of biocompatible filler material. It does not react with human tissue and you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions when you choose this option. It’s also radio transparent, so it doesn’t interfere with x-rays. Many plastic surgeons use polyalkylimide to address deep wrinkles, improve facial volume, and plump up thin lips.
Polylactic Acid Fillers
Polylactic acid is a type of synthetic filler material. It stimulates the body’s production of its own natural collagen. It helps to fill in laugh lines, plump up thin lips, and remedy deep folds around the nose and mouth.
The results from polylactic acid fillers take longer to become apparent since they work by stimulating the body’s own collagen production.
Botox vs Fillers
Some people are under the impression that Botox injections and fillers are the same things.
It’s true that they both fall under the category of injectables. There are some key differences between them, though.
Botox injections use Botulinum toxin, which paralyzes the muscles in the area where the injection occurs. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles because you’re unable to move the muscles that cause them.
Fillers do not cause any type of paralysis. They literally fill in the wrinkles and fine lines to plump up the skin.
What to Expect from Fillers?
If you decide to invest in fillers, you may be worried about what to expect during your appointment. In general, though, the process is quite efficient and your level of discomfort should be fairly low.
Every filler experience is a bit different. However, you can expect it to go something like this:
Before your procedure, you’ll sit down with a medical professional and talk to them about what you hope to get out of it
They’ll help you determine where you should have fillers injected to see the best results
At this point, they’ll clean your skin and use an ultra-fine needle to inject the solution into the desired area
Most people report some discomfort during the injection, but it’s not unbearable and is over very quickly
After your injections are finished, you’ll see some results right away (unless you choose polylactic acid fillers). However, it’ll take between seven and ten days for you to see the final result. It takes a little while for all swelling to go down and for any bruising that may occur to fade away.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
At this point, you might be ready to pull the trigger and get some fillers. Before you start looking for medical spas in your area, it’s important to know whether or not they’re a good fit for you.
Certain people are better candidates for dermal fillers than others. The following people tend to be the best candidates:
Those who are in good physical health
Those who don’t smoke
Those who are committed to keeping their skin healthy
Those who have realistic expectations for their skin (remember, the results from fillers will not be as dramatic as the results from other, more invasive procedures)
Keep in mind, too, that you’ll have to pay for fillers out of pocket. They can be pricy (most will set you back several hundred or even several thousands of dollars), so you need to make sure their cost fits into your budget before moving forward with them.
Are You Interested in Dermal Fillers?
Now that you know more about dermal fillers, are you interested in giving them a try? As you can see, they can be a great option for those who want a more youthful appearance but aren’t ready to undergo a more invasive cosmetic surgery.
If you want to learn about other anti-aging options beyond fillers, we’ve got lots of helpful resources available on our site. Check out the beauty section today to get started.
