Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers, sometimes called soft tissue fillers, are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness.

Substances used in dermal fillers include:

Calcium hydroxyapatite, which is a mineral-like compound found in bones.

Hyaluronic acid, which is found in some fluids and tissues in the body that add plumpness to the skin.

Polylactic acid, which stimulates the skin to make more collagen.

Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA), a semi-permanent filler

Each one of these is designed to treat different signs of aging or other cosmetic issues.

The time they take to work, as well as how long they last, also vary. Some fillers last 6 months, while others last up to 2 years or longer.

What can dermal fillers correct?

Different types of dermal fillers are designed to treat varying signs of aging. Depending on the filler selected, they may:

• Plump up thinning lips
• Enhance or fill in shallow areas on the face
• Decrease or remove the shadow or wrinkle under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
• Fill in or soften the look of recessed scars
• Fill in or soften static wrinkles, especially on the lower face

Static wrinkles include those around the mouth and along the cheeks. These wrinkles are usually a result of a loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin.

Common Problems with Dermal Fillers

• Skin rash, itching, or pimple-like eruptions
• Redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling
• Undesirable appearance, such as asymmetry, lumps, or overcorrection of wrinkles
• Skin damage that causes a wound, infection, or scarring
• Ability to feel the filler substance under the skin
• Blindness or other vision problems
• Death of skin cells due to loss of blood flow to the area

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Usually Last?

Some dermal fillers can last for 6 to 12 months, while other dermal fillers can last 2 to 5 years. The most commonly used dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a natural compound that aids in the production of collagen and elastin.

What Does Dermal Filler Treat?

Dermal fillers help to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, so smile lines and crow's feet become more apparent.

What to Expect After Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers come with few but very minor side effects. These include redness, bruising and tenderness at the injection sites. Discomfort or tenderness lasts only a few days and can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen.

Are Fillers Good for Your Face?

Dermal fillers can plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles, improve the appearance of recessed scars, and decrease the shadow of lower lids. Facial lines begin to appear as we age due to our faces naturally losing subcutaneous fat.

Which is Better: Botox or Fillers?

Compared to Botox, dermal fillers are just as effective. More importantly, the results last longer. However, the duration of the effects of dermal fillers still varies mostly on the type of filler. Some may last as long as Botox, while other types of fillers can last for more than a year.

Key Differences Between Botox and Fillers

• Botox: This freezes muscles to stop creases and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. These are typically found in the upper face, such as the forehead and around the eyes.
• Dermal Fillers: These use hyaluronic acid and similar substances to “fill in” or plump areas that have lost volume and smoothness. This includes wrinkles around the mouth, thin lips, and cheeks that have lost fullness. They may also be used on forehead wrinkles, scars, and other areas that need extra volume for a smoother look.

Botox results last 3 to 4 months. Dermal filler results vary, depending on which filler is used.

Because Botox and fillers are different substances designed for different uses, they can sometimes be combined in one treatment. For instance, someone may use Botox to correct lines between the eyes and a filler to correct smile lines around the mouth.

Botox and fillers are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People who have certain health conditions or who take any medications should discuss whether Botox or fillers are safe for them.

What to Avoid After Fillers?

• Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, or any “anti-aging” products.
• Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or using hair removal cream on the area to be treated.

Do's and Don'ts After Filler

• DON'T: Exercise immediately after getting the dermal fillers. Avoid exercise 48 hours after the treatment as it increases blood flow, nudges tissues and can increase your risk of bruising.
• DO NOT: Massage the treated area for 1 week- this includes facials and facial waxing!
• DON'T: Wear makeup for 24 hours after treatment.

How Long is Recovery from Fillers?

One to two days. While the recovery time from each filler application will depend on the individual patient, the target area and the extent of correction, it generally lasts 24-48 hours. For most men, recovery takes from one to two days, with no downtime necessary. Men can have their injections, then get right back to work or school.

Do Fillers Cause Sagging?

There is a very common misconception that dermal fillers can make skin sag, however we can safely say that this is FALSE. People assume that once they have been fully absorbed by your body you will be left with loose, hanging skin leaving you looking even older than you did previously.

How Do I Take Care of My Face After Fillers?

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
• Do not use AHA, Retinols/Vitamin C therapy or oil-based make-up for 24 hours.
• Avoid facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, IPL or energy-based treatments and microdermabrasion for two weeks after treatment.

Dermal Fillers: Do's and Don’ts

• DO: Educate and Prepare Yourself Before Getting Dermal Fillers.
• DON'T: Take Over the Counter Pain Killers Before the Procedure.
• DO: Follow Instructions about Skincare and Supplements Prior to the Injections.
• DON'T: Drink Alcohol for at Least 48-72 Hours before the Procedure.

What's the Difference Between Botox and Fillers?

Botox® and fillers are two types of injectables, which are both injected with a needle. The biggest difference between Botox® and fillers is that Botox® is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying muscles, fillers on the other hand will fill in wrinkles.

Can Filler Be Removed?

Ultimately, fillers are temporary and the best “medicine” for subpar results is time. Your body will eventually metabolize the product; once this occurs you can choose to have another treatment if you wish.

The simple rule? “Lines of expression need botulinum toxin. Lines at rest need filler.” Botox is a great choice for hitting those “crease points” where muscles contract, fillers are best for deep lines that are present even when facial muscles are not contracting.

How Long Do Permanent Dermal Fillers Last?

Unlike temporary and semi-permanent dermal fillers, permanent dermal fillers aren't decomposable, which means they can't be broken down as quickly by the body. They're usually formulated to be injected into parts of the body that consist of thick skin such as the nasolabial folds and can last up to five years or more.

How Can I Make My Dermal Fillers Last Longer?

There are several techniques for increasing the lifespan of dermal fillers.

• Minimize UV Exposure: One of the most common causes of skin damage is overexposure to UV light.
• Consistent Skin Care: Maintain a regular skincare routine.
• Avoid Stress: Stress can negatively impact your skin's health.
• Regular Treatment Maintenance: Keep up with regular treatments to maintain results.

Dermal Filler Injections vs. Botox

Dermal Filler Injections are different from Botox in the area and method that they are administered.

• Botox: For cosmetic purposes is used on the upper area of the face, to smooth wrinkles around the forehead and the eyes (crow’s feet) to temporarily paralyze the muscles that result in wrinkles.
• Dermal Fillers: Work to plump and fill in areas of the lower and mid face that have increasingly lost collagen, or to provide additional needed symmetry.

When combined together, Botox and Dermal Filler Injections can provide a remarkably younger-looking appearance.