What are dermal fillers?
Used to plump out smile lines, lips, depressed scars, and moderate-to-deep skin creases and depressions, these gel-based products restore fullness to areas where collagen has been depleted due to the aging process or trauma. They can also be injected under the eyes to fill hollows and into cheeks to create volume associated with a youthful appearance.
How do fillers work?
When injected, fillers plump up the face from underneath the skin, actually filling in the hollows and folds. For wrinkles, filler injections produce natural volume under the crease, lifting and smoothing it out. For facial contours, fillers correct deep folds and lift up the skin from cheeks and chin. This provides a fuller shape for the chin or a
rounder, more youthful line along the cheeks. When using fillers for lip augmentation, the gel is injected into the inside of the upper or lower lip. It is also injected along the lip line. Not only does this produce a fuller, more youthful look, it can also help prevent lipstick from bleeding into the small lines around the lips.
What can I expect during treatment?
Dermal fillers are injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle. The procedure is simple and convenient, and results are practically instantaneous. The doctor may recommend a dental block (for lip augmentation) to maximize your comfort.
How long does it take?
Treatments usually take around 30 minutes.
What can I expect after treatment?
It is common to experience some swelling in the treatment area, although this subsides within hours to a few days, depending upon the chosen filler, the area treated, and the individual. These factors will also influence the degree to which people experience bruising, injection-site redness or skin irritation. Bruising may be improved with application of topical Arnica cream (available at most health food stores).
Is there any downtime?
You may return to normal activities after your treatment, although it is recommended that you refrain from exercise for eight hours following treatment. Bruising and injection-site redness may be immediately covered with mineral
Make up such as gloMinerals which is specifically formulated for safe, soothing post-procedural coverage.
How long do the results last?
Depending on the filler used, results can last four to twelve months but this varies based on each individual’s unique physiology. The filler is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body, so the lines, wrinkles or lips will ultimately
return to their previous appearance without follow-up treatments.
How can dermal fillers rejuvenate my face?
Dermal fillers are most effective for the following enhancements:
- Reducing lines between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) and on the upper lips
- Diminishing acne scars
- Renewing fullness in the lips
- Reducing “marionette lines” that run from the outer corners of the mouth to the chin
- Restoring the natural contours of the cheeks
- Adding height and definition to cheek bones
- Adding volume to the chin, which has “dented” or depressed as we lose underlying bone as part of the natural aging process
- Smoothing jowl depressions or nose bumps
- Adding volume to the “tear trough” to minimize the hollow appearance beneath the eyes
Can I combine Dermal Fillers with anti-wrinkle injections?
Absolutely. Though they perform different functions, they are commonly used together. Anti-wrinkle injections have been shown to prolong the effects of the filler.
How much does it cost?
A consultation with the doctor is necessary to determine the cost as it depends on the product used and the areas to be treated.