What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal filler or filler injection is a type of non-surgical cosmetic procedure to improve certain areas of skin that are needed. Where this procedure is done to improve wrinkles and fine lines and restore volume to the face.
This elective treatment usually takes less than half an hour, and recovery time is quick. Best of all, results are immediate and can last for months or years depending on the type of filler and location.
Types of Dermal Fillers
There are several types of dermal fillers; here are the most common types:
-
Calcium hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is found naturally in human bones and is a mineral-like compound. However, calcium hydroxylapatite is produced biosynthetically, meaning no animals or animal products are used. This lowers the risk of allergic reactions and no skin testing is required. The use of this filler is beneficial for:
- Moderate to severe folds such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and frown lines.
- Enhances fullness of cheeks and other facial contours.
- Increased volume in areas of facial sagging as can occur in HIV-positive people taking certain medications.
-
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, where high concentrations are found in the soft connective tissue and fluid around the eyes. The use of this filler is beneficial for:
- Acne scars.
- Frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Cheek depression.
- Deep smile lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth (also known as nasolabial grooves).
- Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth.
- Redefining the lip boundaries.
- Lines or wrinkles on the forehead.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
As we age, our bodies begin to lose their proper collagen intake. It is important to note that collagen is an essential substance found throughout the body, including in the skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues.
A decrease in the amount of collagen in the skin can cause the skin to sag and lose volume. As a result, the skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity, and begins to sag.
Based on these conditions, the dermal filler procedure is useful for:
- Adds volume to skin that is starting to sag or has already sagged.
- Correcting facial features to make them look more symmetrical.
- Tightens lips and cheeks.
- Smoothens fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
Additionally, some medications prescribed to treat medical conditions such as HIV and AIDS can also cause facial thinning. As a result, some people with these conditions choose to undergo dermal filler procedures to restore volume to their faces after taking the prescribed medications.
Who Can Undergo Dermal Filler Procedures?
You may be a good candidate for a dermal filler procedure if:
- Physically healthy.
- Do not smoke.
- Have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for improving your appearance.
- Committed to maintaining good skin health.
What to Prepare Before Derma Filler Procedure?
Before undergoing a dermal filler procedure, you must first consult a doctor. Especially a dermatologist, where the doctor will examine the condition of the face and ask about the goals and what areas to fix. In addition, the doctor may also mark the face with a marker to indicate where the injection will be done. Later, the doctor will recommend a certain type of dermal filler and review the possible side effects and recovery time on the skin.
During this consultation, the doctor will also ask about your medical history. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any medication. This is because some medications are known to increase the risk of complications from dermal filler procedures. In addition, it is also important to tell your doctor if you have health problems such as:
- Allergies.
- History of bruising or bleeding following a similar procedure.
- Neurological problems.
- Certain skin conditions.
If the doctor states that it is safe, then the procedure schedule will be made based on the agreement of both parties.
Dermal Filler Procedure
You can undergo a dermal filler procedure at a dermatologist’s clinic. When the procedure begins, the doctor will first cleanse the skin and may apply an anesthetic lotion or cream. This aims to numb the area being injected so that the dermal filler procedure will be more comfortable.
Then, the doctor will inject a small amount of filler that fits with a thin needle under the skin. The doctor may inject the filler in several areas of the skin that have been marked. The entire procedure can take a few minutes or up to an hour.
What to Look Out for Post Procedure?
After receiving the filler injection , the doctor will clean the skin. In addition, the doctor may also provide an ice compress to reduce the pain and swelling that occurs. Because, after the procedure, you may experience bruising, swelling or discomfort after getting the injection. Usually, these side effects are mild and disappear within a few days.
Many people see immediate results after getting these injections. However, everyone’s results will be different. In fact, the results of this procedure (and how long they last) depend on several factors. One of them is the type of skin care that is done.
Dermal Filler Risks
The risks of a dermal filler procedure will depend on whether the procedure is performed correctly and the type of filler used. Although rare, there are some risks of a dermal filler procedure, such as:
- Risk of infection.
- A lumpy appearance under the skin, which may need to be treated with surgery or medication.
- The injected filler moves away from the treatment area, which may need to be removed through plastic surgery.
- The emergence of scar tissue after surgery.
- Blockage of blood vessels in the face, which can lead to tissue death and permanent blindness.
If after undergoing the procedure, you experience some of the above conditions, immediately check yourself to the doctor.
