Dermal Fillers

Have you ever envied the dewy and youthful skin that some older women seem blessed with, and wondered how they do it? Do you want your face to look younger and plumper instead of thin and sagging?

Dermal fillers are a popular form of cosmetic facial treatment. They can help rejuvenate thin skin, indented scars, hollows and depressions, and can provide remarkable results.

What are Dermal Fillers?

They are synthetic or naturally-derived materials that are injected under the skin. Dermal fillers are used to correct wrinkles, depressions and folds on the face, as well as other concerns related to aging or defects in appearance.

• Natural Fillers
  Natural dermal fillers show immediate results, but typically last only 3-18 months since the material breaks down over time. In some cases, they may last for 2 years before you need to get the procedure conducted again. The most common naturally-derived filler is hyaluronic acid, a substance found in our bodies that helps hydrate and plump skin.These fillers have a lower risk of causing allergic reactions, and may lump or migrate after a while. Since they are short-lived, these potential side-effects don’t last for long either.
• Synthetic Fillers
  These last longer than natural fillers, and are often considered permanent since there is no dissipation of the material. However, wrinkles and lines may return over time due to sun exposure or aging, which is why “semi-permanent” is really the correct term for them.The potential risks of synthetic fillers are similar to those of naturally-derived ones, except that they may be more difficult to treat. Since the filler material is permanent, any effects caused by it will be permanent too.

When Do You Need Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are commonly used as a non-surgical cosmetic solution for:

• Adding fullness to thin cheeks, making them look more youthful
• Adding volume to hollow areas in the temple or lower cheek, caused by the shifting of fat pads under the skin
• Correcting under-eye depressions (“hollows”)
• Reducing the visibility of indented acne and chicken pox scars by making them more even with healthy skin around them
• Enhancing thin lips and reducing the appearance of vertical lines around them
•  Smoothing out and enhancing laugh lines or nasolabial folds that connect the nose and mouth

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Dermal fillers help to plump and smooth specific areas. The filler material is injected directly into the affected area of the skin, to fill and plump it.

Dermal filler injections must be administered by a trained and experienced physician. Different kinds of dermal fillers can be used to treat different concerns, and the right material type, amount and placement may help minimize the risk of migration, lumping and shortened filler lifespan.

How Long Does It Take?

The treatment typically takes no more than 15-20 minutes. With natural fillers, the results are instantaneous and can last anywhere from 3 to 18 months (sometimes two years). Most people need to get another filler after a year.

Synthetic fillers can last 5 years or longer, since the material does not dissipate.

After the Procedure

There may be a little swelling or bruising right after the treatment, so take rest and avoid going to work the next day if possible. Ensure you have a proper regimen of skin care and sun protection, to ensure minimal damage to your skin and thus maximize the time gap between treatments.