Dermal Fillers: What Exactly Are They And What To Expect?

Dermal Fillers: What Exactly Are They And What To Expect?

Our bodies undoubtedly change as we age. These changes can include having lines on our faces or lower cheekbones than before. While we’ve come a long way in creating technology that can slow down these effects (SofWave, the anti-ageing device, for example), dermal fillers can also go a long way for those looking to hold on to their youth a little longer.

Ageing is a natural process, but it can lead to losing some of the subcutaneous fat supporting our skin. Our cheeks droop slightly due to the subcutaneous fat pads shifting downwards over time. Dermal fillers can not only assist with lifting and providing support, but can also aid in smoothing out creases.1

Dermal fillers come in various categories and are typically applied similarly. It’s crucial to comprehend the steps involved and any potential risks before undergoing surgical, medical, or cosmetic treatment.

What are fillers?

Dermal filler injections are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment. They fill in creases, soften lines, and replenish facial volume. These substances are injected just beneath your skin by your chosen healthcare practitioner.

Dermal fillers are employed by people to accentuate their facial characteristics or to look younger. Very little recovery time is required after this elective procedure, which typically lasts under 30 minutes. Depending on the sort of filler used and the area it’s used on, results can be seen immediately and will last for months or even years.2

Dermal fillers come in wide varieties – your dermatologist will talk to you about your choices. There are risks associated with this procedure, as with any cosmetic treatment, such as infection, bleeding, and bruising. Elective cosmetic procedures, like filler injections, are typically not covered by health insurance policies.2

Types of fillers

Synthetic gels are the most frequently used among the different types of dermal fillers. Numerous brands make them, but they are all categorised according to the natural body substance they resemble. This contains hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar protein that draws water, and calcium hydroxyapatite. Some are stiffer than others and cause the epidermis to swell more. Autologous fat injections, in contrast to other fillers, require surgery because they use fat from another area of your body.3

RecoveryWhat to expect?

The amount of time required for recovery differs depending on the patient and the filler used. Most activities can be resumed immediately, but it is typically advised to avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce oedema and bruising. Before scheduling your injections, be sure to go over your particular recovery plan with your doctor.

Upon receiving the treatment, you may notice the following initial physical effects:

  • Treated areas appear to look “overfilled”
  • Mild to severe bruising or swelling
  • Skin temporarily feeling numb and looking red
  • Lumps and hard areas you can feel at the injection site
  • Hives and swelling from a hypersensitivity response that can resemble an allergic reaction

The majority of conditions can be treated with topical cooling and massage, and they usually get better within a few hours or days. Some responses might necessitate more aggressive medication or injection therapy. Although very rare, disturbances with your vision can happen from vascular occlusion. In such cases, it is crucial that you get in touch with your surgeon right away if you experience discomfort or weakness on one side of your body. Also, note that when your fat is used as the injected filler, the recovery time may be several weeks. As such, you should find out more about fat implants before proceeding.4

Conclusion

Whether you want to retain a youthful look or to have some cosmetic adjustments done without surgery, dermal fillers can be just what you need. Because of its temporal nature, you don’t have to worry too much about permanently altering your face, and recovery is relatively quick and simple. The good news is also that Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase should you not like the effect or results from the filler. As such this is a safe and reversible procedure. Filler injections can be made even simpler by visiting Angeline Yong Dermatology, a dermatology clinic that is reliable and staffed by a team of qualified professionals. Contact us today to learn more.

References

Annie Tomlin, A., & Matthews, M. (2020, December 25). 10 things to know about getting rid of wrinkles with dermal fillers. SELF. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.self.com/story/dermal-fillers

Dermal fillers: What they are, types, benefits & side effects. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 6). Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22667-dermal-fillers

Jaliman, D. (2022, January 13). What happens when you get facial fillers? WebMD. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-facial-fillers

Brumby, D., Clark, K., & Kobienia, B. (2023). Dermal fillers recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/recovery