Dermal fillers are a non-surgical method of facial rejuvenation and skin revitalization that helps correct skin imperfections such as lines and wrinkles, skin dehydration, and volume restoration to help patients look healthier and more radiant. Treatment with dermal fillers is quick, involve minimal pain, provide instant results and require little to no downtime after injections. Dermal fillers, which may also be called soft tissue fillers, wrinkle fillers, or injectable implants, are made from a number of different materials, such as hyaluronic acid.
When are dermal fillers used?
Soft tissue fillers are formulated for the purpose of injecting intra-dermally, and are thus able to treat a range of skin imperfections. While each and every product contains unique specifications in terms of what it can be used to treat and precisely which dermal areas the implant can be injected in, a good number of dermal fillers are made to treat face, neck, decolletage, and skin on the back of the hands. To be completely certain each implant is being utilized in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation, the best practice is to consult the manual that comes provided with the product. Patients looking to receive treatment with dermal fillers can use them for the following:
- Augmentation and shaping of the lips;
- Enhancement and sculpting of the facial contour;
- Smoothing of facial creases;
- Correction of fine lines, wrinkles, and folds;
- Diminish-ment of the appearance of scars, particularly acne scars;
- Volum-ization of facial hollows;
- Augmentation of the cheeks.
Why should I use dermal fillers over other treatments?
There are many reasons why patients choose dermal fillers as a facial rejuvenation treatment, which is sometimes referred to as a liquid facelift.
- Quick treatment Depending on the issues being treated and the amount of correction required, one treatment session will typically only last about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Instant results Most dermal fillers provide an immediate improvement after injection, with the filler instantly plumping the skin and increasing hydration to the skin.
- No down-time Patients are able to return to their daily activities right after treatment, with little after care instructions. It is recommended that patients avoid makeup for 12 hours after injections, and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Painless Injections involve little to no pain, as the needles used during the procedure are very small. Most patients simply experience a tiny pinprick, and many dermal filler products contain an anesthetic to increase comfort.
- Versatile Dermal fillers can be used in multiple areas of the face and body, including the lips, under eyes, cheeks, temples, neck, decolletage, and the back of the hands. Most fillers can also be used in combination with other products, allowing doctors many options for providing patients with their desired results.
- Long lasting Depending on the patient, the product being used, the injection technique used by the doctor, and the area being treated, results from dermal filler treatment can last anywhere between 6 months and 2 years.
Are they actually safe?
Most dermal fillers have been through many clinical studies to determine their safety effectiveness before becoming available to the public. Additionally, hyaluronic acid fillers are natural and highly biocompatible, not even requiring an allergy test prior to injection in most cases. Soft tissue injections are a medical procedure and therefore require a licensed medical professional to administer the treatment. The best way to ensure safe and effective treatment is to receive dermal filler injections from an experienced and reputable medical professional.
While dermal filler injections may be the best treatment options for many patients seeking facial rejuvenation, it is not suitable for everyone. Patients who have a known history of allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the dermal filler should avoid treatment, and any individuals with a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection should avoid filler injections in the area of infection. The safety of dermal filler treatments has also not been assessed in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding and patients in such conditions should refrain from treatment.
There are also some risks and side effects associated with receiving dermal filler injections, including:
- Bruising, bleeding, redness, or swelling at the area of injection;
- Infection;
- Lumps;
- Rash and itchiness;
- Under or overcorrection if performed by an inexperienced doctor;
- Scarring;
- Skin necrosis.
The best way to decrease the chance of side effects and adverse risks is to ensure that you are being treated by a licensed medical professional who has experience with dermal filler injections, and to make sure the product is genuine. As well, discuss your medical history with your doctor prior to treatment.
