Dermal fillers have become increasingly popular over the last few years due to their ability to provide natural-looking results with minimal downtime. But what exactly are they? How do they work? And what are the benefits and downsides? We’re here to answer all those questions so you can make an informed decision about whether dermal fillers are right for you.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers (temporary fillers) replace lost volume and add shape, fullness, and structure to the skin. They are injected under the skin in areas where we want to create an improved appearance. Fillers are made of various substances, such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, or calcium hydroxylapatite. The type of filler used will depend on the area being treated.
The most common compound used in fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to give it volume and hydration. Results are seen immediately and can last six months to a year, depending on the individual.
Poly-L-lactic acid helps to stimulate collagen production. The results are seen gradually as the body naturally produces more collagen, and volumization occurs over several months.
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a synthetic version of a mineral found in our bones. It has been shown to provide longer-lasting results than hyaluronic acid due to its higher degree of biocompatibility and resistance to degradation.
How Do They Work?
Dermal fillers are injected into the skin using a very fine needle. The filler is then gradually absorbed by the body over time, allowing it to smooth out wrinkles and lines, add volume to the face, plump lips, and even enhance facial features like cheekbones or the chin. Fillers can also treat scars from acne, correct age-related volume loss, and improve the skin’s overall texture. Results are seen immediately but can take up to a few weeks to fully set in.
Traditional Uses of Dermal Fillers
Facial contouring: Dermal fillers can create more definition in the facial structure by augmenting specific areas. It can add volume and definition to the cheeks, chin, jawline, or lips.
Perioral lines: Lines around the mouth can be softened and diminished with the addition of dermal fillers.
Marionette Lines: Marionette lines are wrinkles that extend from the corner of the mouth down toward the chin. Fillers can soften these lines by adding volume to the area, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Lips: Dermal fillers can add volume to the lips, correct lip asymmetry, and improve definition and shape.
Cheeks: Dermal fillers can add volume to the cheeks and improve facial symmetry.
Chin and jawline: Dermal fillers are used to enhance the contours of the chin and jawline, creating a more defined and balanced look. Filler in this area is popular among men who want to create a more masculine look.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced wrinkles and lines on the face
- Enhanced facial contours such as lips, cheeks, or chin to give a more defined look
- Fill in hollowed areas like under the eyes or temples
- Create volume and fullness for natural-looking results
- Improve facial symmetry by lifting sagging skin in specific areas
Downsides of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a safe, non-invasive procedure; however, you may experience mild side effects such as swelling, bruising, tenderness, redness, infection, and pain or itching at the injection site. If you have an allergic reaction to the filler or are not happy with the placement of the filler, it is possible to dissolve the filler with a reversal agent called Hyaluronidase.
Fillers break down in the body over time and are not a permanent solution. Results may vary from patient to patient, and it may take multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.
What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dermal Filler?
Botox and dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to improve facial features. However, the two treatments have different purposes. Botox is typically used to relax facial wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles that cause them. Dermal fillers are used to add volume and fullness to areas of the face, such as the cheeks or lips. For a more detailed explanation of the difference between the two, read the blog Botox & Filler: What’s the Difference?
To Fill or Not To Fill?
Ultimately, deciding whether to get dermal fillers is a personal choice that should be made after careful consideration of both the benefits and limitations. If you’re considering using dermal fillers, speak to your doctor and carefully research the procedure so you can make an informed decision.
At Madison Wellness & Aesthetics, we specialize in providing our clients with safe and effective dermal fillers. Our certified professionals are experienced in administering dermal filler injections and can tailor the treatments to meet your individual needs. Everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful, and we strive to provide personalized care for each client.
If you are searching for dermal fillers Huntsville, AL, or dermal fillers near me, contact Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Centre. To schedule an appointment, call (256) 722-0555 or complete the online booking form.Check out our Beauty Bank Reward Program to learn how you can save money on injectable treatments like Juvederm (filler) and Botox!
