Dermal Filler
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to restore volume, smooth wrinkles and enhance facial contours. Composed of substances like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or calcium hydroxyapatite, these fillers target specific areas such as the cheeks, and nasolabial folds. Customizable to individual needs, dermal fillers offer a versatile solution for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance without surgery.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before Treatment
Before your lip filler procedure, you’ll meet with your provider for a consultation. In addition to discussing your desired outcome and motivation for dermal fillers, your provider will evaluate your general health, including any preexisting health conditions or risk factors. Talk to your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, too. And tell them about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you’re taking, including herbal supplements.
What happens during dermal filler treatment
Your provider will 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 healthcare provider 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 healthcare provider may inject the fillers in several areas. The whole process can take a few minutes or up to an hour.
What happens after dermal filler treatment
After receiving dermal filler injections, your provider 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 risks 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.
Advantages of dermal fillers
Many people see results of dermal fillers right away. The injections usually take less than an hour, and 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 two years.