What Are Dermal Fillers?
As we age, our skin loses volume and sags while also giving us those visible facial lines and wrinkles. We can help restore that volume, add a lift and smooth those facial wrinkles and folds. With the multitude of products out there, we will tailor the right product to achieve your desired outcome.
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin. Dermal fillers are meant to create a smoother or fuller appearance, or both. The FDA regulates dermal fillers as medical devices. As reported in clinical trials, the effects of most FDA-approved dermal fillers are temporary because they are made from materials that the body eventually breaks down and absorbs. The injection procedure may have to be repeated to maintain the desired effect.
Types of dermal fillers:
- Hyaluronic acid – Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a naturally occurring substance that’s found in both humans and animals. This substance binds to water and gives skin its plumpness.
- Calcium hydroxyapatite – This is a mineral-like substance that’s naturally found in your bones. As a filler, calcium particles are practically microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. CaHA fillers are thicker than HA fillers and are used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles. These types of fillers also typically last longer as well.
- Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA) – PLLA is a synthetic biodegradable substance that’s also biocompatible (it’s completely safe to use in your body). This substance has actually been used in medical devices for years, such as dissolvable stitches. PLLA fillers are considered to be collagen stimulators, meaning they help your body to rebuild its own natural collagen.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) – PMMA is another synthetic biodegradable substance. In fillers, PMMA takes the form of tiny spheres that remain underneath your skin to provide support. These fillers also contain collagen to add structure and a firmer appearance.
Why are dermal fillers used?
As you age, your body starts to lose collagen. Collagen is an important substance that exists all over your body, including in your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Decreased amounts of collagen in your skin causes skin laxity (loose) and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity and starts to sag.
You may choose to get dermal fillers to:
- Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
- Enhance & restore volume to face (ex: sunken cheeks or temples)
- Make your facial features more symmetrical.
- Plump up lips and cheeks.
- Smooth wrinkles and creases in your face.
- Diminish vertical lip lines
- Smooth out a chin crease
Pre Treatment Instructions:
- Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising).
- Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
- Schedule your Dermal Filler and Botox appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the Dermal Filler injections will take approximately 14 days to settle. Also bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period. Sculptra does take longer to see results so plan accordingly with your provider.
- Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment.
- Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.
If you have a history of cold sores please let your provider know, they may put you on an anti-viral medication prior to treatment. - Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.
- You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post Treatment Instructions:
- Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area. Unless instructed by the provider.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours.
- Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excess swelling.
- If you have swelling you may apply a cool compress for 15 minutes each hour.
- Use Tylenol for discomfort.
- Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.
- Take Arnica to help the bruising and swelling, start at least 2 days prior to injections.
Dermal filler risks and considerations:
Dermal fillers are considered to be safe but side effects can occur. A licensed healthcare professional should perform all dermal filler procedures using only FDA-approved fillers injected with a syringe.
The most common problems include:
- Skin rash, itching, or pimple-like eruptions
- Redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling
- Undesirable appearance, such as asymmetry, lumps, or overcorrection of wrinkles
- Skin damage that causes a wound, infection, or scarring
- Ability to feel the filler substance under the skin
- Blindness or other vision problems
- Death of skin cells due to loss of blood flow to the area
Contraindications:
Fillers aren’t for everyone, and some patients—especially those who have significantly sagging skin—may find that they get better results from eyelid surgery or another form of facial plastic surgery. Injectable treatments may also be considered unsuitable for patients who have active skin lesions or infections in the treatment area or a sensitivity to lidocaine, a pain numbing agent often included in hyaluronic acid fillers.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease, you should not use these injectables.