What Are Dermal Fillers, Exactly?
As we get older, our skin changes, including new lines and less fullness in areas like the cheeks. For patients interested in addressing these signs of aging, dermal fillers are one option to discuss with a physician.
Dermal fillers are grouped into several categories, but they’re generally used the same way, injected beneath the skin with a needle. It’s worth understanding the process and any possible complications before choosing any cosmetic or medical procedure.
Botox, an injectable medication approved by the FDA to smooth lines and wrinkles, is often confused with dermal fillers, but the two work differently. Botox temporarily relaxes muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while dermal fillers are FDA-approved injectable implants used to add volume and smooth the skin.
How Do I Choose the Right Dermal Filler for Me?
A qualified physician can help clarify your treatment options during a consultation. Keep in mind that the most natural-looking results can sometimes call for more than one filler type. Within each filler category, there are several different product brands, and they vary in how they’re used, for example to add volume to the cheeks, and in the concentration of their active ingredient.
Should I Take Any Precautions Before Getting Fillers?
As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, it’s worth taking a few precautions. One way to help confirm a physician’s experience is to look for a board-certified dermatologist or a board-certified plastic surgeon, credentials that require additional training in their field.
Most dermal fillers are administered at medical spas, and only licensed, qualified physicians should perform injectable procedures. If injections aren’t performed correctly, there’s a chance of infection, discoloration, or lumps. Asking friends or past patients about their experience with a provider is one way to help find the right fit for you.
What Are the Risks Associated With Fillers?
Non-surgical procedures carry some risk. According to the FDA, the most common side effects are bruising, redness, discomfort, or swelling, which typically resolve within two weeks. Less often, people can develop raised bumps under the skin that need to be addressed with injections, medication, or surgical removal.
In rare cases, filler can be misplaced into a blood vessel, which can cause blurred vision or, rarely, permanent vision loss. If your skin turns blue or you experience significant pain, seek medical attention right away, as these can be signs that filler has entered the bloodstream. This is one reason it’s important to choose an experienced physician for any injectable treatment.
What Is the Expected Duration of Results?
Most dermal fillers aren’t permanent, so you’ll likely need follow-up visits to maintain your results. Hyaluronic acid fillers are typically broken down by the body over about six months, and touch-ups are generally needed once or twice a year to maintain your look. Individual results vary. For patients who want to try fillers without a long-term commitment, this is good news, since results fade naturally without posing additional long-term risk.
