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Dermal fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic dermatological procedures that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They have become favorable over other procedures because of their reliability and non-invasive nature.
However, before you rush into making any kind of decision, it is crucial to understand what dermal fillers are and what you should consider before treatment. In this blog, we have covered 8 things you should know before getting dermal fillers and help you decide whether it is the right choice.
Table of Contents
There are different types of dermal fillers.
Various types of dermal fillers are suitable for achieving different results. Depending on your specific goals, the best type of dermal filler will likely vary. Some of the most commonly used types of dermal fillers are given below:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Most dermal fillers primarily consist of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. Hyaluronic acid binds to water and gives the skin its plumpness.
- Calcium Hydroxyapatite: Calcium hydroxyapatite is a mineral-like substance that is naturally found in your bones. As a filler, calcium particles are practically microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. Calcium hydroxyapatite-based fillers are thicker than hyaluronic acid-based fillers and are used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles. These types of fillers also typically last longer as well.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid: Often referred to as PLLA, this synthetic biodegradable substance is completely safe to use in your body. PLLA has been widely used in the medical field for years (such as dissolvable stitches). PLLA-based fillers are collagen stimulators, meaning they help your body rebuild its own natural collagen.
- Polymethylmethacrylate: Similar to PLLA, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic biodegradable substance. PMMA works by forming tiny spheres underneath your skin to provide support. These fillers also contain collagen to add structure and a firmer appearance.
Different fillers are used for different reasons.
As previously mentioned, different types of dermal fillers are suitable for achieving different types of results. The same type of filler injected into your cheeks cannot be injected into your lip or under your eyes.
For example, the filler injected into your chin generally has high viscosity to mimic bone structure. On the other hand, fillers used for lip enhancements have a comparatively lower viscosity to achieve a more firm appearance. Before treatment, it is important to understand your goals completely. This will help your doctor plan ahead and determine which type of filler best suits you.
Dermal fillers can last for a variable amount of time.
Different dermal fillers can last for different amounts of time. The period your filler treatment results last highly depends on factors such as your metabolism, where the filler is injected, what product is injected, and how much of it is injected. While you may only get about 3-4 months out of your lip filler, results after a cheek filler procedure may also last for 9-12 months.
Prior to treatment, consult with your doctor about what you can expect in terms of longevity. But it is important to remember that depending on your metabolism and lifestyle habits, the duration of your dermal filler results will likely vary.
Have a good understanding of what you want to achieve
Dermal fillers are designed to treat static wrinkles or wrinkles that appear when you start to lose elasticity due to aging. Dermal fillers may be a suitable treatment for you if you are looking to:
- Plump up thinning lips
- Enhance or fill in shallow areas on your face
- Decrease or remove wrinkles under the eye caused by the lower eyelid
- Soften looks of recessed scars
- Soften static wrinkles, especially in the lower face
However, dermal fillers are not for everyone. If you struggle with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or allergies, a dermal filler treatment may not be safe for you. Before treatment, your dermatologist will likely perform some simple tests to assess and evaluate your overall health to determine if a dermal filler procedure is safe for you.
Dermal fillers are not permanent.
Most types of dermal fillers are not permanent and can be dissolved. If you are unsatisfied with your results, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can be reversed using hyaluronidase injections. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that is capable of dissolving dermal fillers almost immediately. Once the filler has dissolved, you can consider revision procedures.
Dermal fillers can have side effects.
Side effects after a dermal filler treatment are generally minimal and should subside on their own in a few hours after treatment. Some patients report mild swelling, redness, bruising, and minor bleeding around the treated area. In rare cases, some patients experience allergic reactions such as longer-lasting swelling, redness, itching, and bumps. In some extreme cases, blindness can occur if the filler injection is incorrectly placed. Therefore, choosing a medically qualified and experienced dermatologist for your dermal filler procedure is crucial.
If any of the above-mentioned side effects persist or worsen over time, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Dermal fillers take time to settle.
Results after a dermal filler treatment are generally instant, and you will likely see visible results immediately after the procedure. However, these initial results are not the same as the final results. In most cases, it takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks for the filler to settle and integrate into the tissue fully. Some fillers are more cohesive than others and may take slightly longer to settle as well.
During this time, it is important to stay calm and be patient. Make sure to follow the recovery guidelines prescribed by your doctor. Make sure to attend all post-procedural follow-ups, and if you notice any odd signs during recovery, it is imperative to inform your doctor.
Ensure that your dermal filler practitioner is medically qualified
The misconception that anyone can perform a dermal filler procedure without any prior training or qualification is dangerous and can lead to serious post-procedural complications. A dermal filler procedure should only be performed by an experienced and qualified dermatologist with in-depth knowledge of a dermal filler procedure.
It is important that you do your research and choose a dermatologist with at least 4-5 years of MBBS degree followed by a 3 years master’s degree in dermatology.
A qualified dermatologist thoroughly understands facial anatomy, injection techniques, and how to achieve safe and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Choosing a qualified and experienced dermatologist is crucial not only to minimize the risks of any complications but also to avoid unsatisfactory results.
Conclusion
Dermal filler procedure is a completely safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment that can help you significantly reduce signs of aging and enhance your natural beauty. When performed by a qualified dermatologist, dermal fillers can provide promising, long-lasting results. This is where our team at Pristyn Care comes in.
