If you want to rejuvenate your face but don’t like the idea of “going under the knife,” facial fillers fill the bill. Also known as dermal fillers, these products help diminish lines and wrinkles and restore volume lost in the aging process. The end result is a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
What are Facial Fillers?
Facial fillers can disguise various signs of aging, or add plumpness and volume where desired. They can also hide acne and other scars. As we age, fat pads under our facial skin declines. Dermal fillers can restore volume, erasing that “gaunt” look. Even though they’re called facial fillers, they can also restore tired-looking hands.
Face fillers come in two basic forms: natural and synthetic. Natural dermal fillers are less likely to cause allergic reactions, but synthetic fillers usually last longer. Natural fillers include:
- Calcium hydroxylapatite – this mineral makes up part of your bones and teeth. For face filling purposes, the mineral is mixed with a gel for injection.
- Collagen – much of your skin and body tissues is made up of collagen. As people age, collagen levels in the face decline. The collagen used in dermal fillers comes from either human or bovine sources.
- Hyaluronic acid – found naturally in the body, HA as a facial filler works in two ways. Not only does it add volume to get rid of wrinkles, but it draws water to the skin surface, keeping the complexion hydrated.
- Fat – your own fat may be used as a facial filler. Of course, you must undergo a procedure to extract the fat, and that makes it a much more complicated process.
Synthetic fillers include:
- Polylactic acid – this polymer lasts a long time, but requires a series of injections spread over a few months.
- Polymethylmethacrylate beads – this polymer, also found in bone cement, is approved by the FDA only for soft tissue use
The best choice of filler depends on the work you wish to have done. If you want to eliminate wrinkles around the eyes and lessen the appearance of the deep nasolabial fold lines between the mouth and nose, for example, two different fillers are necessary for best results.
The Procedure
The injection of dermal fillers is a minimally invasive procedure. Lidocaine, an anesthetic, is included in some fillers to ease injection discomfort, or you’ll receive topical anesthetic. The face filler is injected exactly where it is needed to plump up lines or fill in contours.
Some people require just one session to achieve the desires effect, while others will need additional visits. Much depends on overall skin health and the type of facial filler used.
Aftercare
Dermal fillers don’t require any downtime, so go about your normal activities after a session. Some people experience mild redness, swelling, bruising or temporary numbness. These symptoms should dissipate within a day or so. If your face appears too full in treatment area, don’t panic. This also subsides within 24 hours or so.
One caveat: If your own fat was used as filler, healing actually takes longer than with other substances. You may experience some of these mild side effects for several weeks.
The results from facial fillers tend to last longer than Botox – which works in an entirely different manner – but they aren’t permanent. Your body eventually absorbs the dermal filler material. Expect to return for additional sessions within six to 18 months if natural fillers were used. Synthetic fillers tend to last longer, often for several years.
Contact Us
To learn more about facial fillers or any of our other services, or to make an appointment, call us today at 201-569-0920 or email us.
