Dermal fillers continue to grow in popularity as a go-to facial rejuvenation treatment for youthful, smooth and plump skin. But how safe are they? What should anyone considering dermal fillers know before taking the plunge? This quick article gives you the answers to some questions you may have about this cosmetic procedure.
If you’ve ever wondered what dermal fillers are, how they work to eliminate wrinkles and other signs of ageing, this article is for you.
What are dermal fillers and how do they work?
Dermal fillers are a gel substance applied into the skin using thin injections. The most common type of filler contains the compound hyaluronic acid (HA), which occurs naturally in the body. On injection, dermal fillers smoothes lines and plumps up the skin adding volume. You can have dermal fillers in many places on your face, including around the eyes, cheeks, jawline, forehead and mouth. Lip fillers are applied into the tissue of your lips to give you the trendy “Instagram lips”.
How do dermal fillers work?
Collagen and elastin are proteins responsible for the skin’s youthful look. As you age, the amount of both proteins diminishes as the body stops making them. The loss of collagen begins as early as 25 for most people then accelerates such that by early 30s, the body stops making it. The result? Your skin loses its elasticity, support and volume leading to lines forming and your face losing its plumpness.
Fillers work by taking over the role of these vital proteins, restoring volume to areas of your face while smoothing lines.
How do fillers last?
Because Hyaluronic acid is a natural product found in the body, it breaks down over time. For this reason, dermal fillers are not permanent. People react differently to the dermal fillers and so the rate of breakdown is different. Typically, dermal fillers will last for between 6 and 18 months.
What can I expect after my treatment with dermal fillers?
It is important to state the difference between side effects and reactions because this is a grey area for many people.You will experience temporary side effects from having injections in your face. These are completely normal and include:
Some swelling
Redness around the injection area
Tenderness of the skin
You will feel some discomfort immediately following your procedure, including some bruising, this is expected. This is your skin’s response to the injection and may include some itching, swelling, minor pain and tenderness at the location of the injections.
Mild reactions will disappear shortly after and everything should return to normal within a couple of days after the injection.
Does it hurt to have dermal fillers?
Practitioners make sure you feel as little pain as possible by applying an anesthetic cream before injecting the filler. You will feel a slight discomfort but individuals have different pain thresholds. Some dermal fillers also contain a local anaesthetic which helps to dull the pain even further.
What different types of dermal fillers are there?
Injectable dermal fillers are named after the substances they contain. Here is a list of the most common types of dermal fillers:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) – occurs naturally in the skin and is a gel-like soft substance whose effects are temporary and will last up to 18 months
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) – another naturally occurring substance found mostly in the bones. It has thicker consistency than HA and stimulates collagen production. It’s used for deeper lines and lasts longer than HA.
Poly-L-lactic Acid – a biodegradable and biocompatible man made substance that can be used in the body and acts as a collagen stimulator. Main use is to smooth out deeper wrinkles and has long lasting effects of up to 2 years.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) – is another synthetic biocompatible which is shaped like a tiny ball. It contains collagen and when injected will give support, structure and firmness to the face.
As you can see there are many different types of dermal fillers and your doctor should explain these to you and help you make an informed decision on the best choice. Some cosmetic clinics will only use one type, say hyaluronic acid, which is the most common choice (there are different brand names available).
Are dermal fillers and Botox the same?
No. There is a big difference between fillers and Botox. Botox is a substance that paralyses the small muscles in the various areas of the face and stops them moving. It is these movements that causes wrinkles to appear. Dermal fillers work from under the skin to add volume, smoothening the skin and making the face plump.
How much does dermal fillers cost?
Are dermal fillers expensive? You would like to know that before deciding on treatment wouldn’t you? Rightly so. It depends on the exact procedure you want to get, the filler you choose and where you go for the procedure. For these reasons, you can expect to pay at least a couple of hundred pounds as a starting point.
Where should I go to have dermal filler treatment?
Let’s get this out of the way first before going further. Don’t ever consider a spa or beauty salon for dermal filler treatment. Never!. This may seem like a generalisation but it will all become clear in a minute.
Your face has sensitive structures such as nerves, blood vessels and the eyes. Treating wrinkles involves all of these and any doctor or practitioner must have an understanding of these structures. Would a salon owner or spa attended have the knowledge of anatomy to safely inject dermal fillers? The simple answer is No.
Instead, you should see a qualified doctor or certified practitioner by consulting the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Dermatologists. Do not just take the trendy address of a clinic at face value but also research your doctor’s background by checking their qualifications on the medical practitioners register.
Final Words about dermal fillers
Although the UK does not currently regulate the application of dermal fillers, you should go to a reputable cosmetic clinic for any cosmetic procedure. Here you can have the peace of mind that whoever is treating you has a background in the medical profession and has undergone years of specialised training.
We hope this article answers your questions on dermal fillers. Want to know more about the different procedures and what fillers can do for you? Feel free to contact us at Vinci Aesthetics using the contact us form
