Dermal fillers reduce wrinkles, add volume to hollow facial areas, and enhance contours without surgery.
The injectable treatments usually contain hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of dermal fillers, how they work, and their potential side effects and risks.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Injectable dermal fillers help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, add volume to hollow facial areas, and enhance natural facial contours, such as the cheeks, jaw, nose or lips.
They contain hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that hydrates and plumps the skin, as well as calcium hydroxylapatite or poly-L-lactic acid.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers plump up treated areas, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and restore volume to hollow facial areas. Additionally, they can enhance the natural contours of the face.
Results are immediate and can last for several months to a year, depending on the filler type.
After achieving the desired volume effect, injected hyaluronic acid replaces lost hyaluronic acid due to aging.
This improves skin texture post-treatment as well.
Types of Dermal Fillers
There are several types of dermal fillers with unique properties and benefits.
Common fillers include:
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Examples are Juvederm and Restylane. These fillers are naturally occurring in the body and hydrate and plump the skin.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers: Examples include Radiesse. These fillers are mineral-like compounds that stimulate collagen production in the skin.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers: Examples include Sculptra. These fillers are synthetic and stimulate collagen production in the skin over time.
Along with hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid, body fat can also be used as dermal fillers.
In the past, liquid silicone, paraffin, and industrial oils were used, but they are now prohibited.
Choosing the Right Dermal Filler
The ideal dermal filler depends on factors like the treated area, severity of concern, and patient goals and preferences.
During a consultation, an experienced provider can recommend the best filler for each patient.
At ABesthetic, led by Dr. Andres Brieva, we have extensive experience in dermal fillers and can deliver optimal results.
The Dermal Filler Procedure
Dermal filler procedures usually take less than an hour to complete.
Before the procedure, the provider will clean and prepare the treatment area and may apply a numbing cream or local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
After numbing, the provider will use a small needle or cannula to inject the filler into the targeted area.
Patients can usually return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, although some mild swelling, bruising, or redness may occur.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Dermal filler treatments may carry risks and side effects, like bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site.
In rare cases, serious complications such as infection, allergic reaction, or vascular occlusion may occur.
We can always minimize these risks by choosing a qualified and experienced doctor and following pre and post-treatment instructions carefully.
To ensure safety, patients should only receive fillers from trusted sources.
Adulterated or cheaply modified products pose risks.
Conclussion
Dermal filler treatments may carry risks and side effects, like bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site.
In rare cases, serious complications such as infection, allergic reaction, or vascular occlusion may occur.
Patients can minimize these risks by choosing a qualified provider and following pre and post-treatment instructions carefully.