What To Know Before Trying Dermal Filler
Our bodies naturally change with age, and those differences might include new wrinkles on our faces or cheekbones that aren’t as high as they once were. Dermal fillers can help minimize these signs of aging if you’re unhappy with them.
However, these changes are completely normal and occur when we lose some of the subcutaneous fat that supports our skin. Over time, the skin on the middle of our faces shifts down too, causing our cheeks to sag a bit. Filler can be used to help lift and add support, It can also help soften wrinkles.
There are several categories of dermal fillers, and they’re all generally administered in the same way (more on that in a bit). Before electing to have any type of cosmetic or medical procedure, it’s important to understand what the process entails and any potential risks.
Below, you’ll find information I think you should know about dermal fillers.
What exactly are dermal fillers?
First things first: Dermal fillers are not to be confused with Botox, injectable drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to smooth lines and wrinkles. Botox "freezes" muscles to reduce wrinkles, while dermal fillers are injectable gels approved by the FDA to help smooth skin and wrinkles. As the name implies, they are injected beneath your skin using a needle.
There are many categories of fillers. Each is named for the type of material they’re made with:
Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by your body and already found in your skin and cartilage. Generally, fillers made with hyaluronic acid last between 6-12 months.
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral that is found in our bones. Fillers made with this material last up to 18 months.
Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic material that’s also used to make medical products like dissolvable stitches. These fillers may last up to two years.
Hyaluronic acid, which you may recognize as a common ingredient in some skincare products, is one of the most popular types of fillers. Because it helps skin retain moisture, hyaluronic acid can make your face look more plump and hydrated. It's also used in lotions as a moisturizer, but no cream can restore lost volume—only injectable hyaluronic acid can do that.
How do I know which dermal filler to try?
Nurse Marco will explain the ideal treatment plan for you, but know that the most natural-looking results may require more than one type of filler. There are many different brands of fillers within each category, and the products vary in how they should be used—like filling out cheeks—and concentration of the active ingredient. For example, Restylane, one brand of hyaluronic filler, has five different lines—and each is used for different reasons. "Restylane Lyft has larger particle sizes—think of them like the bricks of a foundation. Those larger particles have the heft to "rebuild" thinned cheekbones, while a smaller particle size, as in Restylane Silk, works better for addressing fine lines and plumping lips.
Why do people get dermal fillers?
Most clients come to Nurse Marco saying “they just want to look a little better,” without turning to cosmetic surgery. Dermal fillers is used to add in volume and smooth out wrinkles, which clients are normally happy with.
Dermal fillers are particularly popular because clients see differences in their appearances before leaving the office, people notice the desired changes from other non-surgical procedures, like Botox, after a few days.
One thing to note: Dermal fillers are not FDA-approved for body contouring procedures. In other words, they shouldn’t be used to increase the size of your breasts or butt.
What precautions should I take before getting fillers?
It probably goes without saying, but safety should be your top priority when considering any medical procedure. Visiting a certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon or other health care professional like a Cosmetic Nurse Injector is one way to ensure that your health care provider is experienced. This extra certification step shows that the health care professionals completed additional training in their particular specialty. Even though dermal fillers are available at medical spas, you should see only licensed and trained injectors for any injectable treatment. There are risks for issues like infection, discoloration, and lumps if injections are done incorrectly.
Given that this is a cosmetic procedure, you understandably want to be satisfied with the results. One way to find an injector whose work you like is by asking friends who have had this done for their recommendations.
What should I ask my injector during the consultation?
I think as a patient you should always ask for a consultation first and then really talk about what your goal is and how they [the injector] can help you. You may think you just want dermal fillers, but an expert could recommend another treatment—or a combination of treatments—based on your specific skin type and goals. Every practitioner has different philosophies, techniques, and levels of experience. And don't be afraid to ask about your injectors training and certification during the initial consultation.
Lastly, you and your injector should communicate about realistic results and your expectations—it's your face, after all.
What are the possible side effects of fillers?
Even non-surgical procedures have their risks. The most common side effects include bruising, redness, pain, or swelling, all of which should go away within two weeks. Less frequently, people might get raised bumps under their skin that need to be treated with injections, medications, or even surgically removed.
Although this is rare, filler can accidentally be injected into a blood vessel and lead to necrosis (skin death), blurred vision or permanent blindness. You should call your injector or the emergency room if your skin turns blue and you’re in a lot of pain—these are two possible signs that filler is in your bloodstream. Again, this is why you want to see an experienced injector who is skilled in performing the procedure.
Who should avoid dermal fillers?
According to the FDA, there’s no research showing that dermal fillers are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people, so you may want to hold off if you're expecting a baby or recently had a child. And here's one more thing to consider: Avoid getting filler right before a teeth cleaning or other dental treatment. These procedures require pressure and stretching of the face that could potentially misplace fillers. You can ask your injector for their opinion regarding when it’s safe to get any future dental work during your consultation.
Are dermal fillers permanent?
If you're unhappy with the way filler looks, don't panic—in most cases, you can have it adjusted. A n injector might inject additional filler for balance, or they can dissolve it altogether, depending on the type. The wonderful thing about hyaluronic acid fillers is that there's an enzyme that can be injected into the area to dissolve the product, It just goes away.
But when expertly injected, filler should look natural. The changes we can make are so subtle that nobody would notice.
How long will the results last?
Since the majority of fillers aren’t permanent, you'll have to keep going back to the injectors office if you love the results following your procedure. After about six months, your body naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers. So, you have to get touch-ups once or twice a year to maintain the look. However, this is good news if you just want to try fillers once or twice, since the effects will fade away without any long-term risks.