A Guide To Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are an excellent way of adding volume to the thinning tissues of your face. They are small injections done on one’s face, mostly mouths, cheeks and lips to combat anti-ageing signs. By filling in wrinkles and reducing dark circles, your skin will look fresh, vibrant and young again. But, just like any other procedure, it’s essential that you know what it entails before making any decisions. That’s why we’ve written this guide to help you make an informed choice.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Our bodies naturally produce elastin and collagen proteins which gives us a youthful look. However, as we get old, the body produces these proteins in low amounts. As a result, wrinkles, dark circles and other signs of ageing begin to show. Dermal fillers, therefore, are injected to help smoothen deep wrinkle lines in one’s face. This procedure adds volume, which was lost due to low levels of collagen and elastin. As a result, your once youthful appearance is restored.

What Is The Procedure Like?

Treatment begins by a one on one consultation with a dermatologist. Usually, your specialist analyses different things to determine whether this procedure is suitable for you. After, one is given a series of injections depending on your individual needs. Some people may require more doses than others. But before the fillers are injected, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the area to numb it and make this process painless.

Also, note that injections into one’s skin are administered either between mild or deep levels. You can go back to your everyday activities as soon as possible, and that includes applying makeup. However, you should avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for some days after your treatment.

Are Dermal Fillers Suitable For Me?

It’s not exactly known at what age does the production of elastin and collagen decrease. However, experts argue that at 25 years, most people begin experiencing a decline in these proteins. By the time we are in our late twenties, our bodies stop producing these proteins. As such, dermal fillers are considered as a suitable treatment for someone in their late twenties or older. And this treatment is effective for people who don’t smoke and those who routinely take care of their skin.

Dermal Fillers Advantages

So how exactly will you benefit from undergoing this cosmetic treatment? Here are some perks of dermal fillers.

Natural Results

Most people fear that the results might not look natural after going through a cosmetic procedure. Nobody wants their natural face movements or expressions to be altered. However, the main advantage that all cosmetic treatments have is that they leave natural-looking results. Dermal fillers can give volume to face tissues without interfering with one’s natural look. They are targeted to a specific area of your face. Therefore, the chances of altering a patient’s facial expressions are minimal.

Not Permanent

Dermal fillers are injections which use hyaluronic acid. This, therefore, means that with time, they’ll wear out naturally even as the acid is reabsorbed. Although you may think this is a drawback, most people find this as an advantage, since you’ll not be committed for a long time as with a permanent surgery. And the results last for 18 months. A repeat procedure can always be done to maintain your youthful appearance.

Are Not Too Invasive

Compared to plastic surgery, dermal fillers are less invasive. That means that this procedure is less drastic than surgical treatments done by surgeons. Also, it means that it’ll take a short time to get done with this treatment. Generally, most dermal fillers take less than an hour, but that depends on which type you opt for. You’ll, therefore, not interfere so much with your schedules. Plus, with surgery, one will need at least 4-6 weeks of recovery time. But with dermal fillers, you can continue with your routine as soon as possible.

Reversible

For those who don’t like their appearance after their treatment, a simple solution can be applied instantly to reverse those effects. An enzyme called Vitrase is used, which can be injected immediately after your procedure. It helps reverse the results within a short time.

Fast Results

Well, some people prefer applying anti-ageing creams to reduce ageing signs. Although some creams do work, they take a lot of time for the results to be seen. It can take months to notice changes even when you apply your cream every day. Creams are, therefore, long term care. However, with dermal fillers, the results are instant in most cases. As soon after filler injection, you’ll begin seeing some changes in those areas.

Are Dermal Fillers The Same As Botox?

Many people often mistake these two treatments. While they have some similarities, they aren’t the same. Both are not so invasive, like many other skin enhancements used for correcting wrinkles. However, Botox is used primarily for rectifying facial lines which cause muscle movement. But dermal fillers are mainly used to correct loss of plumpness. Therefore, for someone with ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes or horizontal lines on their forehead, Botox will be an excellent treatment. However, those with static wrinkles that result from sagging skin won’t benefit much from Botox since the lines aren’t caused by squinting or frowning.

Additionally, Botox uses botulinum toxin, which blocks out nerve signals in the injected areas. The result is that one’s muscle will freeze and not move hence softening or reducing wrinkles in the targeted areas.

Level Of Pain & Safety

Well, dermal fillers shouldn’t be painful. That’s because your dermatologist uses an anaesthetic cream which helps numb the areas before injecting the fillers. Again as this treatment is minimally invasive, it is a safe procedure. Also, hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our bodies, which means allergic reactions are so minimal if any.

What About The Results?

You’ll see some changes immediately after your treatment. These changes will continue to be more apparent between 2-4 weeks. Usually, these results will last different times, depending on the person. However, in most cases, they’ll take 9-18 months.

Final Thoughts

Dermal fillers are an excellent treatment for those who’re affected by wrinkles. They’re minimally invasive and results last for a long time. Plus, one can resume their normal duties immediately after their treatment. And if there is redness from the injections, you can apply light makeup. After your treatment, it’s wise that you avoid extremely hot or cold weather for some time.