Are you looking for an effective way to revitalize your face, reduce wrinkles, or regain that youthful volume you miss so much? You should know that dermal fillers have become one of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments worldwide, offering remarkable results with minimal downtime.
However, the world of dermal fillers can raise questions such as: what are they exactly?, how do they work?, what are their benefits?, how long do their effects last? Therefore, in this comprehensive guide, we will unveil all the secrets of this revolutionary procedure, so you can choose your treatment with as much information and confidence as possible.
What are dermal fillers and how do they work?
Dermal fillers, also known as “fillers” or facial fillers, are biocompatible substances that are injected into the skin to restore lost volume, smooth out expression lines and static wrinkles (those visible even at rest), and also enhance facial contours at the injection site.
Unlike surgical treatments, dermal fillers offer a non-invasive alternative with immediate results and a short recovery period. However, the mechanism of action of dermal fillers varies depending on the type of substance used. Some of the types of dermal fillers and their most well-known materials include:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA):
This is by far the most popular type of dermal filler. Its main function is to retain water from connective tissue, providing hydration, volume, and elasticity to the skin.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA):
In addition to providing immediate volume, it stimulates the production of the skin’s natural collagen in the long term, contributing to a continuous improvement in its firmness and texture.
Polycaprolactone (PCL):
Its effects tend to be more long-lasting since the degradation of the material is slower. It is mainly used to treat deep wrinkles and restore facial volume.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA):
This bio-stimulatory filler works by inducing collagen production. The results develop gradually, providing a natural and lasting improvement in skin firmness and volume.
What are the benefits of using dermal fillers for facial aesthetics?
When injected into specific areas of the face, injectable dermal fillers fill in empty spaces, providing structural support and smoothing irregularities. Therefore, the choice of filler type will depend on the individual needs of the patient, the area to be treated, and the desired aesthetic goals.
The popularity of dermal fillers lies in the wide range of benefits they offer to significantly improve facial aesthetics and combat signs of aging. To give you a clear idea and help you decide on one of them, here are some of their most important benefits:
- Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines: They are highly effective in smoothing out static wrinkles and fine lines around the lips and eyes.
- Restoration of lost volume: Dermal fillers can restore volume lost with aging.
- Improvement of facial contour: They can be used to define and enhance facial contours, such as the jawline and chin.
- Lip enhancement and definition: Hyaluronic acid fillers are an excellent option for this purpose.
- Correction of scars and asymmetries: They can improve the appearance of scars such as acne scars by filling in depressions.
- Immediate and natural-looking results: Results are usually visible immediately after treatment.
- Minimal downtime: They generally require little to no downtime.
How long do the results of dermal fillers tipically last?
The duration of the results from dermal fillers is one of the most frequently asked questions, and it is important to understand that there is no single or absolute answer. At this point, it is also crucial to have realistic expectations and to understand that dermal fillers are not permanent.
Therefore, to maintain the desired results from the dermal filler procedure, periodic touch-up treatments are generally recommended. Additionally, the frequency of these touch-ups will depend on the factors mentioned earlier and the individual preferences of the patient.
Some of the factors that influence how long the effects will last include:
- Type of filler used: Hyaluronic acid, for example, usually lasts between 6 and 18 months.
- Area treated: Areas with greater muscle movement, such as the lips, tend to metabolize fillers more quickly.
- Individual metabolism: Each person’s metabolism can influence how quickly the body breaks down the filler.
- Amount of filler injected: Generally, a larger amount of filler may last a bit longer.
- Lifestyle: Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and chronic stress can affect the duration of results.
What to do and what to avoid after getting dermal fillers?
Proper aftercare is essential to optimize results, minimize potential side effects, and ensure a complication-free recovery after the application of dermal fillers. Obviously, recovery time varies for each person.
Most people can resume their favorite activities immediately after receiving dermal filler injections. However, your healthcare professional may advise against intense physical activity for a few days, depending on the procedure.
Nonetheless, understanding aftercare is crucial to avoid jeopardizing our health:
What to do?
- Apply cold compresses: Apply cold compresses to the treated area for intervals of 10 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours.
- Stay calm: Avoid strenuous activities during the first 48 hours to minimize swelling and the risk of bruising.
- Sleep on your back: Try to sleep on your back during the first night to avoid pressure on the treated areas.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps keep the skin hydrated, especially with hyaluronic acid fillers.
- Follow professional instructions: It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by the doctor or aesthetic surgeon who performed the treatment.
What to avoid?
- Intense exercise: Avoid vigorous exercise for at least 48 hours, as it can increase blood flow and swelling.
- Sun exposure and extreme heat: Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, saunas, steam baths, and tanning beds.
- Excessive pressure or manipulation: Avoid touching, massaging, or pressing the treated areas for the first 48 hours.
- Alcohol consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption for the first 24 hours.
- Facial treatments: Avoid other facial treatments, such as facial massages, exfoliations, or laser treatments, during the first week.
How to choose the right professional for your treatment?
Dermal fillers have revolutionized the way we approach facial rejuvenation, offering a safe alternative to enhance natural beauty. However, choosing a qualified and experienced professional is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
By making a responsible choice, you will be able to enjoy the transformative benefits of dermal fillers with confidence and achieve a fresher, more youthful, and radiant appearance for much longer. For that reason, here are four practical tips for choosing the right professional:
- Check credentials: Ensure that the doctor is certified and has proper training in administering dermal fillers.
- Review the portfolio of results: Ask to see before-and-after photographs of other patients treated by the professional.
- Have an initial consultation: A personal consultation is essential to discuss your aesthetic goals and assess your face.
- Ensure they use safe and approved products: Ask what type of fillers they use, and make sure they are original products.
Dermal Fillers at Miami Lakes Medical Center: Highlight Your Natural Beauty.
At Miami Lakes Medical Center, we believe that every face is unique. Consequently, our dermal filler treatments are designed to enhance your natural beauty, restore lost volume, and improve facial harmony. We use high-quality products and advanced techniques to deliver safe, long-lasting, and completely personalized results.
Additionally, we offer a wide range of customized dermal filler treatments for specific areas of the face. Whether you are looking for fuller lips or sculpted jawline contours, our team of experts will create a treatment plan tailored to your facial structure and aesthetic goals.
At Miami Lakes Medical Center, each filler has a specific function: to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results without the need for surgery and with minimal recovery time. Among them are:
- Lip filler.
- Cheek filler.
- Jawline and chin filler.
- Nasolabial fold filler.
- Marionette line filler.
Don’t hesitate: you deserve to feel confident in your skin, and dermal fillers can offer you beautiful and natural-looking results. Schedule your appointment with one of our trusted professionals at Miami Lakes Medical Center, and take the first step toward a renewed you!
