Dermal Fillers
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are nonsurgical injectables with a consistency similar to gel that is injected into and under the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and restore volume in the face. One of the reasons why fillers are so popular among patients is that their effects are not permanent.
Some fillers can be medically dissolved if the patient wants to reverse their procedure or simply wants to start back from scratch. It will also dissolve on its own from six months to two years of application, giving patients the appeal of not having to commit to a lifelong cosmetic alteration.
A Variety of Benefits and Options
Dermal filler injections have become the fastest-growing procedure in the aesthetic market. They are widely popular due to their versatile applications, natural appearance, and ability to be dissolved which makes them not only desirable, but relatively safe. Because of the variety of applications for which it can be used, filler has quickly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic applications in the world.
Filler can be a fantastic choice for patients who are looking to make small but effective changes to their facial appearance. With that said, getting filler is a big decision. It should be made under the guidance of an experienced provider as there are multiple kinds of fillers out there–each with its own benefits and recommended applications. To determine which option is the best fit for your lifestyle, history, and desired results, talk to a skilled provider.
How Fillers Can Be Used
- Reducing the appearance of both fine lines and deeper wrinkles in the face
- Adding volume to specific areas of the face, including the lips, cheeks, under eye, and jawline.
- Adding fullness to different parts of the face to add definition or make the overall face appear more symmetrical
- Reduce the appearance of acne scars, areas of fat atrophy, or areas of asymmetry post injury
Filler is a powerful and useful cosmetic option, especially among those who are new to injectables or who are hesitant to commit to a permanent or invasive procedure.
Types of Filler
Though “filler” is a popular umbrella term, it refers to a variety of products that differ in their uses and effects on the skin. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of filler and their applications:
Hyaluronic Acid
- Acne scars
- Burn marks
- Hyperpigmentation
- And more.
Juvederm and Restylane are two of the most easily recognizable brands of hyaluronic acid fillers and are also two of the go-to options here at Gayoso Plastic Surgery and MedSpa. These types of filler can last from six months up to 24 months.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
PLLA
Is Filler the Right Fit For You?
The fillers listed above are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the options that are available to you. If you’re interested in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, restoring volume to the face, or adding fullness to key parts of your face like your lips or cheeks, filler is a fantastic option to consider. With that said, specific filler recommendations can only be given when a detailed understanding of your specific wants and needs is reached. It is essential to talk to a provider who is well-versed in the various types of fillers and can help educate you to better understand why the filler chosen is best for you.
The Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers
It is common to get Botox and filler mixed up, or to assume that the two are generally the same–and it’s easy to see why: both substances are injected, and both are widely used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the face. With that said, Botox and dermal fillers are very different.
Botox works by:
Blocking the nerve receptors, so the muscles in the face are unable to move as they usually would
Preventing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles while the face is at rest
Fillers work by:
Filling in the “gaps” left by wrinkles and fine lines
Restoring volume in the injected area
Smoothing the face overall
The Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers carry with them an array of benefits, all of which go beyond pure aesthetic appeal. Of course, dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, add volume and elasticity to the skin, and add fullness to parts of the body that patients may be insecure about. On top of that, filler allows patients to take pride and confidence in their appearance, getting rid of potentially lifelong pain points and insecurities and feeling like the best versions of themselves.
Another notable benefit of filler is that it doesn’t have to come with a lifetime commitment. Dermal fillers will dissolve gradually within 6 to 24 months of application, and they can even be dissolved sooner than that by a medical professional if desired. They don’t affect or block your nerves, like Botox, and they are a non-invasive option for those who don’t want to deal with the high-maintenance recovery process of going under the knife.
Risks of Dermal Fillers
As is the case with any medical procedure, dermal fillers come with their own set of risks and complications, all of which are minimized if you work with a licensed medical professional and follow their aftercare instructions. At your consultation, your provider will discuss all risks in detail with you so you are educated on the risks. As always your safety comes first. We take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of complications and provide you with a safe and worry-free procedure.
What to Expect from Your Filler Procedure
Whether it’s your first time getting filler or you’re well-acquainted with the procedure, every healthcare practitioner may approach the process a bit differently. At Gayoso Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we’re passionate about making sure that your wants and needs are prioritized every step of the way. That’s why we prioritize open and transparent communication from the very beginning.
Preparing to Get Filler
First and foremost, you’ll set up a consultation with your provider to talk through your goals, your reasons for getting filler, and any other relevant information. That includes any medications you are currently taking, health conditions you have, and your history of cosmetic procedures. Together, you and your provider will decide on the type of filler that is the best fit for you.
During the Procedure
Similarly to Botox, injections can come with some discomfort, but it is usually very manageable without an anesthetic. Your provider will apply a topical anesthetic, administer the injections, gently massage the site, and observe the area to ensure that the administration was done correctly. After the injection is done, any markings will be cleaned off and you may be given a cold compress to help with soreness and swelling.
Best Practices for Aftercare
Best Practices for Aftercare
It’s very normal for your injection site to be sore or sensitive for a few hours or even days after the procedure. You may be instructed to avoid direct sunlight or strenuous exercise for a day or two after the injection, forego makeup for 24 hours, and skip any facial treatments for two weeks, so be sure to ask your physician what they recommend.
See if Dermal Fillers Are Right For You
Whether you’re fully ready to get fillers or simply interested in learning more about them, our team has got you covered. Schedule your first consultation with us to determine whether dermal fillers are the right choice for you.