Dermal Fillers: What Do I Need to Know?

Dermal fillers are a simple cosmetic treatment which involves injecting the skin to help relieve the effects of old age. Many people long to keep their youthful looks and reverse the process of ageing, evident with the onset of wrinkles and lines on the face. For some, going through plastic surgery is either disconcerting or too expensive so they look to dermal fillers as a safe and quick alternative.

If interested in rejuvenating your skin, here is some useful information which can help you go through with a dermal filling.

How do they work?

Dermal fillers are injections that revitalize the skin against the usual progression of ageing and everything that comes with it, i.e. wrinkles and contours on the face. Parts of the skin will naturally sink in as we get older; dermal fillers do exactly what they suggest by ‘filling’ in the depressed areas.

What areas are they used for?

Most commonly, people become concerned about the lines which emerge on their forehead, around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) or surrounding the mouth. Dermal fillers can be used in these places but also for filling out the cheeks and the lips.

What are they made out of?

There are different types of dermal fillers and because of this, the substances inside are different also. They can be made of natural or synthetic materials, or a mixture of both. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient found in all leading dermal fillers as it is highly biocompatible and gives increased volume to the skin.

What does the process involve?

Dermal fillers only require an injection or course of injections in the desired areas. It is a simple procedure, commonly lasting under an hour, and generally painless. If you are concerned about the sharp pricking sensation of needles however, it is possible to have anaesthetic cream applied to numb the skin.

Are there side-effects?

The chances of any detrimental side-effects of dermal fillers, such as infection or allergic reactions, are minimal. Bruising on the injected area is common but this is often very mild and will pass in a few days. As there are different kinds of filler, some may work better on certain individuals. Go through the process with your doctor to see which type is best for your skin.

How long do they last?

After around 3-4 weeks, a notable and evident improvement will be made to the lines on your face. These effects can last for around 6-12 months depending on factors such as your age and how your skin reacts. Repeat treatments are needed to maintain this improved appearance.

Because the treatment of dermal fillers is not permanent, this could be a good or bad thing depending on which way you look at it. On one side, if the injections work well and your skin becomes revitalised, this means you will probably keep going back for more and more treatments. On the other, if you don’t like the results then, unlike plastic surgery, your face will return to its natural shape.

Sources:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZV7pDn7wqM

• http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/skin-treatments/dermal-fillers.htm

• http://www.absamc.com/non-surgical/fillers