Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injections that plump up wrinkles and smooth lines on your face. There are several types of dermal fillers. Dermatologists usually inject dermal fillers in the areas around your eyes, mouth and nose. This common cosmetic procedure typically produces results right away, and can last months or years.
 
What are dermal fillers?
 
Dermal filler injections are a type of nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. Dermal fillers plump up wrinkles, smooth lines and restore volume in your face. Your dermatologist injects these substances just under your skin.
People choose to get dermal fillers to enhance their facial features or gain a more youthful appearance. This elective treatment usually takes less than half an hour, and recovery time is minimal. Results are seen right away and last months to years depending on the type of filler and the location.
There are several kinds of dermal fillers. Your dermatologist will discuss your options with you. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding and bruising. Health insurance plans generally don’t cover elective cosmetic procedures such as filler injections.

You may choose to get dermal fillers to:
●     Add volume to sagging skin.
●     Make your facial features more symmetrical.
●     Plump up lips and cheeks.
●     Smooth wrinkles and creases in your face.
●     Some medications prescribed to treat medical conditions such as HIV and AIDS can cause thinness in your face. Some people choose to get dermal fillers to restore volume to their face after taking these medications.

Why are dermal fillers used?

As you age, your body starts to lose collagen. Collagen is an important substance that exists all over your body, including in your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Decreased amounts of collagen in your skin causes skin laxity (loose) and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity and starts to sag.

What are the types of dermal fillers?

There are many types of dermal fillers. In addition to “off-the-shelf” fillers that use synthetic (manmade materials) and substances that naturally occur in your body, dermatologist can use fat from your own body. Dermatologists call this procedure “autologous fat grafting,” where they remove fat from one part of your body and inject it into your face.

The types of off-the-shelf fillers include:

1. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring acid in your skin. It gives your skin volume and keeps it hydrated. With age, your body stops making hyaluronic acid. Results from HA injections usually last six months to a year.

2. Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a type of filler that consists of a substance you have in your bones. Results from these fillers typically last around a year. Dermatologists usually use CaHA fillers for deeper wrinkles. Examples of CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.

3. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a substance that helps your body create its own collagen. Dermatologists usually use poly-L-lactic acid to smooth deep wrinkles on your face. The results can last 2 years or more. Types of PLLA fillers include Sculptra®.

4. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers consist of collagen and very small balls that stay under your skin after your dermatologist injects them. The balls give your skin volume and keep it firm. Bellafill® is one type of PMMA filler.

Your dermatologist will review the types of dermal fillers and discuss the right option for you. Talk to them about setting realistic goals and the results you can expect after getting injections.

What happens before a dermal filler procedure?

Before you get dermal fillers, you’ll have a consultation with your dermatologist. They’ll examine your face and ask about your goals and what areas you’d like to enhance.
They may mark your face with a pen or marker to show where the injections will be. They may also take pictures of your face. Your dermatologist will recommend a specific type of filler or fillers and review possible side effects and recovery time.
During this consultation, your dermatologist will also ask about your medical history. It’s important to tell them if you’re taking any medications, as some drugs can increase the risk of complications after getting fillers. Tell your dermatologist if you have:
● Allergies
● History of bruising or bleeding after similar procedures
● Neurological problems
● Skin conditions

What happens during a dermal filler procedure?

You can get dermal fillers in your dermatologist’s office. Your dermatologist cleans your skin and may apply a lotion or cream with an anesthetic. The anesthetic numbs the area so the treatment will be more comfortable.
Using a thin needle, your dermatologist injects small amounts of fillers under your skin. The needle will pinch or sting, but most people don’t experience much pain during these injections. Your dermatologist may inject the fillers in several areas. The whole process can take a few minutes or up to 1 hour.

What happens after a dermal filler procedure?

After receiving dermal filler injections, your dermatologist will cleanse your skin. They may give you an ice pack to ease pain and swelling.
You may have bruises, swelling or discomfort after getting the injections. Usually, these side effects are mild and go away in a few days.
Many people see results right away after getting these injections. But everyone’s results are different. How long it takes to see results (and how long they last) depends on several factors, including the type of treatment you received.

What are the advantages of dermal filler procedures?

Many people see results of dermal fillers right away. The injections usually take less than 1 hour, and you can get them right in your dermatologist’s office. Because it’s a nonsurgical treatment, recovery time is minimal.
Depending on the type of filler, results can last months or even years. Some fillers work for more than 2 years. Dermal fillers are also typically less expensive than elective surgical procedures.

What are the risks or complications of dermal fillers?

Serious complications are rare, and some of these side effects are only temporary. But as with any cosmetic surgery procedure, there are risks. They include:

● Asymmetrical appearance
● Bleeding, bruising, redness, pain and swelling
● Damage to your skin, which can cause scars
● Infection, which can lead to necrosis (death of the infected skin) in severe cases
● Lumps or bumps under your skin
● Numbness
● Pimples that look like acne
● Rash and itching
● Rarely, people have vision problems following dermal filler injections. If you have problems with your eyesight, along with weakness, discomfort or pain on one side of your body, get immediate medical help.

What is the recovery time after getting dermal fillers?

Everyone’s recovery time is different. Your recovery time depends on:

● How many areas your dermatologist treated.
● The type of filler you got.
● Your overall health.
Most people can get back to the activities they enjoy right after getting dermal filler injections. Your dermatologist may recommend taking a break from rigorous exercise or physical activity for a day or two, though.

When should I see my dermatologist about dermal fillers?

After getting dermal fillers, call your dermatologist right away if you have:

● Bleeding or pain
● Signs of infection, including fever or redness and swelling at the injection site
● Symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea)

How long do filler injections last?

Some dermal fillers can last for 6-12 months, while other dermal fillers can last 2-5 years.

Are fillers Better than Botox?

Neither dermal filler nor Botox is overall superior to the other. Botox treats the dynamic wrinkles in your upper face, while filler adds volume to skin and scars to smooth them. Dermal fillers usually last longer, but you can use both of them together to treat wrinkles and blemishes.

What age should you get fillers?

If you're looking for a dermal filler to combat signs of aging, your mid-20s is often a good time to start. Your body starts to lose bone and collagen around age 26, so it's a good time to begin maintenance injections. By starting early, you'll require less product than if you wait until your mid-50s.

Do fillers slow down aging?

This means honestly answering the question: Can starting fillers and Botox young prevent aging from occurring? The answer is, of course, no. They are not a fountain of youth, and while they can help delay the formation of lines and wrinkles and restore lost volume, cellular aging still occurs.

Do fillers ever look natural?

Yes, lip fillers can give you a natural-looking result. Depending on what type of dermal filler you choose and the results you want, lip fillers can give you anywhere from a natural appearance to a celebrity-like pout.

How should I sleep after fillers?

Sleeping on your back is the safest position after any cosmetic procedure. The first night after your treatment, sleep with your head elevated (propped up with an extra pillow) to help avoid/reduce swelling and to ensure that the newly-injected filler stays in place.

Can I wash my face after fillers?

Avoid excessive touching or massaging the treated areas for about 6 hours after the injections. The treated areas can be washed with a gentle cleanser.

Can filler move if you touch it?

It is not likely that the filler products would move if you wait at least a few days before pressing really hard on the areas and having extractions. The hyaluronic acid fillers settle nicely into the skin, and once any swelling goes down, it would be pretty unusual for anyone to be able to displace them.

Can I wear makeup after filler?

You can put makeup on again as soon as 1 day after you've had the dermal filler procedure, but you should make sure your makeup brushes have been recently cleaned. You should clean your makeup brushes as regularly as possible because they can easily transfer bacteria to your face.