What are Dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels made from various biocompatible materials, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid, that are used to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles and lines, and enhance facial contours. They are typically administered using a fine needle or cannula by a trained healthcare professional in targeted areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, and under the eyes. Dermal fillers provide immediate results with minimal downtime, and the effects can last from several months to a couple of years, depending on the type of filler used.
What is facial volumization?
Facial volumetry is a cosmetic procedure that involves the use of dermal fillers to add volume and contour to the face. The treatment is typically used to restore lost volume due to ageing or to enhance and define facial features. There are several types of dermal fillers that can be used for facial volumetry, including hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, and poly-L-lactic acid fillers. The choice of filler will depend on the individual’s specific needs and goals, as well as the injector’s experience and expertise.
Benefits
- Restores Lost Volume: Dermal fillers are designed to replenish lost volume in areas of the face that may have sagged or hollowed due to ageing, providing a natural-looking and youthful result.
- Smoothes Wrinkles and Lines: Dermal fillers can effectively smooth out wrinkles, lines, and folds on the face, including nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and fine lines around the lips, giving a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
- Enhances Facial Contours: Dermal fillers can be used to contour and shape the face, creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance. They can enhance features such as the cheeks, jawline, and chin, creating a more defined and attractive facial contour.
- Non-Surgical: Dermal fillers are non-surgical procedures that do not require incisions or general anaesthesia, making them a safe and convenient option for facial rejuvenation without the risks associated with surgery.
- Quick and Convenient: Dermal filler treatments are typically quick, with most sessions lasting 30 minutes to an hour, and require minimal downtime. Patients can usually resume their regular activities immediately after the treatment.
- Customizable: Dermal fillers offer a high degree of customization, with various types of fillers available that can be tailored to suit each patient’s unique needs and desired outcomes. The amount, type, and placement of filler can be adjusted to achieve natural-looking results that meet the patient’s specific goals.
- Long-Lasting Results: While the duration of results may vary depending on the type of filler used, dermal fillers can provide long-lasting results, with effects lasting from several months to a couple of years, making them a cost-effective option for facial rejuvenation.
- Minimal Side Effects: Dermal fillers are generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site, which typically resolve on their own within a few days.
- Boosts Confidence: One of the significant benefits of dermal fillers is the boost in self-confidence that comes with looking and feeling more youthful and refreshed. Improved facial appearance can help patients feel more confident and satisfied with their overall appearance.
Frequently asked questions about Dermal fillers
Discomfort during dermal filler treatments varies from person to person. Numbing cream or local anaesthesia can be used to minimize pain. Some patients may still experience mild discomfort during injections, which can feel like pinching or stinging. Swelling and tenderness are common after the treatment but resolve within days to a week.
Results may be immediate, but initial swelling and bruising can take several days to subside. The full effects of the treatment are typically visible within 1-2 weeks after the initial treatment, depending on the individual and filler used.
There is no specific age limit for dermal fillers. Suitability depends on overall health, skin condition, and treatment goals. Younger individuals may have different needs and goals compared to older individuals. It’s generally recommended for individuals considering dermal fillers to be at least 18 years old.
Some dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, can be partially or fully reversed using hyaluronidase enzyme. Not all fillers are reversible, and the reversibility options should be discussed with a healthcare provider before treatment.
PRODUCTS USED:
Commonly used dermal filler brands include Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Sculptra®, Radiesse®, and Belotero®. These brands offer various options for addressing volume loss, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
RESULTS DURATION:
Dermal fillers are not permanent and gradually break down over time. The duration of results varies depending on the filler type, treatment area, and individual metabolism. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers last from 6 months to 18 months, while other fillers may provide longer-lasting effects. Regular maintenance treatments are needed to sustain results.