We all know our skin changes as we age. The most common change culprits are fine lines, wrinkles, and even hyperpigmentation. Collagen production and hyaluronic acid production slows down, and skin gets thinner and may lose its glowing luster. Whether you want to plump your cheeks or smooth your jawline, dermal fillers are an excellent option to meet your skincare needs. There are many different types of dermal fillers out there, so choosing the right one for you may seem like a daunting process.
Dermal fillers are long-lasting but non-permanent. They are typically comprised of a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid that mimics the naturally occurring by adding volume to the skin. Some dermal fillers may contain collagen or other smoothing components. When fillers are injected under the skin’s surface, the gel adds volume and increases skin hydration. The results? Smoothing fine lines, evening out of skin depressions, and a youthful, radiant appearance.
Results following dermal fillers are immediate. However, some swelling is to be expected. Most results are visible when the swelling subsides, usually 2-5 days following treatment. Depending on the area being treated and the type of filler used (more on that later), results will last anywhere from 8 to 24 months. Your practitioner will give you a more specific time range following an in-depth facial assessment.
One of the most desirable ways dermal fillers are being used today is to rejuvenate and restore our overall look, helping patients to look less tired, less angry, less saggy, and less sad, giving them more confidence in their appearance. Dermal fillers for under eyes can reduce dark circles. Another desirable treatment for dermal fillers is lip-fillers. The remarkable results can bring thin-lipped patients to be full-lipped in only 30 minutes while taking up to a couple of weeks for the full effects to show. Dermal fillers are often used throughout the face, although it all depends on addressing the client’s desires or needs according to their facial or body locality.
Types of Dermal Fillers
Let’s take a look at the different types of dermal fillers available:
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
Considered highly safe, hyaluronic acid fillers smooth your skin’s appearance and add volume. You may want a hyaluronic acid dermal filler if you want to treat areas of your face, such as the “parentheses” or marionette lines around the nose and mouth. This type of dermal filler is not only made with a substance close to the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in your body, but it can also boost collagen development throughout the treatment area. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are commonly used to plump lips and fill in fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid contains antioxidants that can protect the skin from free radicals. The fillers are soft and last from six to 12 months. Most fillers contain a numbing agent to help reduce discomfort during and after injection. If you are unhappy with how your hyaluronic acid dermal fillers look, a dissolving solution can be applied to the treatment area to break down the filler and return the skin to its pre-treatment state.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Dermal Fillers
Calcium hydroxylapatite dermal fillers are created biosynthetically, meaning no animals or animal products are used in this filler. Like hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, these dermal fillers also mimic compounds your body produces naturally. This makes them safer and reduces the risk of infection or allergic reaction. Calcium hydroxylapatite dermal fillers promote new collagen growth. These dermal fillers stay firmly in the treatment area and can last up to 12 months. Typically used for moderate to severe fine lines, deep wrinkles, and cheek enhancement, calcium hydroxylapatite dermal fillers are thicker than other fillers but remain soft and gel-like upon application. Unlike hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, these dermal fillers are irreversible.
Polylactic Acid Dermal Fillers
These dermal fillers also promote the growth and development of fresh collagen in the skin. The compound used is biodegradable, so touch-ups are needed for lasting results. These dermal fillers are best suited for the lower half of the face to treat your jawline, lower cheeks, and chin. It can also be used to treat the temple area. Polylactic acid dermal fillers should not be used on delicate areas of skin, including the lips, or as dermal fillers for under eyes. With proper touch-ups, results are gradual, irreversible, and can last up to two years.
Dermal fillers come under a variety of marketable names, such as Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Teoxane®, and Sculptra®. Depending on the type used, you can use dermal fillers to rejuvenate the hands, fill acne scars, smooth vertical lip lines, smooth chin wrinkles, and more.
What to Expect with Dermal Filler Treatment
Treatment will take approximately 30 minutes. If you are concerned with discomfort, you can discuss pain management options with your practitioner. However, most patients find the treatment quite comfortable. After conducting a skin assessment, your practitioner will cleanse your skin. Then, they will administer the dermal fillers by injecting them into the target treatment areas of the skin. You may feel a slight pinch with each injection, but treatment should not be painful.
Swelling, redness, and slight bruising at the injection site are common side effects that go away on their own. You can resume your daily activities after receiving dermal fillers. Since most dermal fillers mimic naturally occurring substances in the body, adverse reactions are rare.
Safety Tips for Dermal Fillers
As with any injectable, it is essential to consider safety as a top priority to avoid infection or severely botched results. Here are a few tips you can follow:
Ask to see your practitioner’s credentials before treatment. Let your practitioner know you have safety concerns, and you would feel better if you could view their credentials. A compassionate practitioner will not hesitate to answer any questions you may have or provide anything you need to feel more comfortable with your decision to undergo treatment.
Ask to see before and after photos of previous patients. To see how other patients have fared before and after treatment, request to see these photos. Most reputable practitioners will even have these readily available on their websites.
Look at patient reviews. When searching for a practitioner, read patient reviews online. This will give you a feel for the practitioner’s bedside manner, results, and patient satisfaction, guiding your decision-making process.
Beware of discounts and “too good to be true” offers. If it looks like a steal, it probably is. Dermal fillers should never be offered as a bargain basement discount. There may be clinic sales or special offers, but nothing that seems “too good to be true.” If you see an offer that matches those criteria, there is a chance the clinic or practitioner is not reputable, or the products they use are not of the highest quality.
Ask what they use and where they got it – make sure it’s Health Canada and FDA-approved. Speaking of materials, ask your practitioner where they obtain their Botox® injections and dermal fillers and if these materials are Health Canada and FDA-approved. A red flag would be if the fillers were purchased wholesale online. Or even from another country, which other countries don’t have the same regulatory systems (like Health Canada), can be extremely dangerous.
Getting Started
Still not sure which type of dermal filler is right for you? Consider booking a consultation with First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic today. Our team of trusted practitioners are experts in the field of dermal fillers and can help you determine which treatment option is best for you based on your skincare goals. Our clinics are sterile, safe, regulated, and comfortable for all patients.
Dermal fillers are an excellent option to restore youthful characteristics to your beautiful face, giving you another reason to smile brightly.
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