What Does A Dermal Filler Do?

Dermal filler treatments are relatively popular with those struggling in the battle of aging skin. As we age, our skin starts to sag, lines and wrinkles form, lips becoming thinner and we lose our V-shape face. While we cannot stop aging, there is hope for individuals who seek long-lasting youthful looks as fillers are able to re-define jawlines, plump up lips, smoothen skin and fill hollowed cheeks.

How do dermal fillers work?

A filler is like clay, which a qualified medical aesthetic doctor works to mold it into desired shapes and sizes. During a filler treatment, the “clay” is placed into areas of the face that is affected by aging via injection. After proper placement has been done, the “clay” will stay in the treatment areas and the patient should refrain from touching those areas until the recovery period is over. Depending on the fillers used, the anti-aging effects can last between 6 months to 2 years or more.

Types of injectable dermal fillers and their impact on skin

There are various types of fillers available, and the current two (2) major classes are HA (Hyaluronic Acid) and non-HA.
Non-Hyaluronic Acid are the bio-stimulators such as Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA), Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and PolyCaproLactone (PCL).
To date, hyaluronic acid is the most commonly known filler.

Different fillers yield different results so a patient should seek professional medical advice before deciding on getting fillers done.
Be sure to research and select a doctor who is well-versed in using that certain dermal filler, as then he/she would possess the ability to bring out the best results with it.

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) are found naturally in human bones and it is bio-synthetically produced (without the use of animal and animal product). For individuals with allergies, this substance could lower the potential risks of allergic reactions as it is known to produce natural results with rare side effects. CaHA fillers improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds.  For patients associated with facial fat loss due to HIV, CaHA fillers can volumized the face to be fuller, lively and youthful-looking.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injection is the usual to-go-to substance for dermal filler treatments. Its key roles are to maintain the plumpness and moisture that help keep the skin surface smooth and lifted. Besides that, it stimulates collagen production, which is responsible to give elasticity to the skin. As we grow older, collagen production in our body reduces, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Acne scars, cheek depressions, crow’s feet and frown eyebrows issues can also be solved using hyaluronic acid.

Polylactic acid (PLLA)

Polylactic acid is a synthetic filler that acts as a catalyst for the production of collagen in your body. It helps to generate collagen in the body and fills in laugh lines, plumps thinning lips and treats deep nasolobial folds. This treatment offers much lasting effect compared to other fillers, but it requires a longer time for the substance to reach its fullest potential, and thus results can only be seen after a period of time.

Is the result from dermal fillers permanent?

The longevity of dermal fillers are dependent on the type of filler being used. On average, hyaluronic acid fillers last for six to twelve months. On the other hand, other fillers are capable to last up to five years. As each filler is designed to serve different purposes, it is reasonable that their longevity periods are varied.

Factors to consider before going for dermal filling

Safety of dermal fillers is one of the first questions that patients tend to worry about. Age, skin area and level of treatment are several factors that needs to be taken into consideration before choosing a filler treatment. Choosing the right filler is crucial to avoid potential serious complications that may occur besides ensuring the best results for your money and skin.

Age

Everyone ages differently. Some could show sign of aging faster than others. Even so, the general suitable age for this treatment is for those 35 years and above. However it not surprising for younger people to start filler treatments as a preventive measure against aging.

Skin area

For those who suffers from active skin infection, inflammatory conditions of the skin, allergy/hypersensitivity and conditions affecting skin pigmentation, it is imperative to seek professional consultation prior to any filler treatments.

Level of treatment required

Step 1 – Facial assessment & mapping

At this stage, the plastic surgeon or his/her specially-trained nurse will evaluate the facial appearance and skin to ascertain the most appropriate area to inject the fillers.

Step 2 – Cleansing & anesthetizing

The injection sites will be cleansed with antibacterial agent. An  anaesthetic ointment or local anesthesia will be used to numb the skin area.

Step 3 – The injection

The injection only takes a few moment to complete. The process of injecting, massaging and evaluating the result are made at this stage to determine the amount of filler needed. The whole process can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on the number of areas to be treated and the skill of the medical aesthetician.

Step 4 – Clean up & recovery

This is the last stage of the dermal filler’s procedure. Once the result is deemed as satisfactory, all markings will be cleansed off. The medical aesthetician may offer ice pack to ease the swelling and the discomfort on the injected area. Those areas might be a bit tender for a day or two but should not be painful. No medication are needed.

Is it required to keep visiting after the treatment?

Patients should notify their doctors immediately if they face any discomfort. While redness and slight swelling are common, conditions such as fever and/or chills, or if the redness becomes worse and if there is severe pain, discolored blotches in the non-injected area or on injected area, patient should make a return visit as soon as possible.

Conclusion/ Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the benefits of dermal fillers can be life changing.
Dermal fillers can quickly decrease common signs of aging and restore your youth. In the hands of a trusted doctor and with suitable fillers, fillers are a safe option for individual who craves for ever-lasting beauty.