19th June 2017

5 Things to Know About Dermal Fillers

Last Modified: September 16, 2024

Have you considered getting dermal fillers? Here's a quick glimpse into the world of dermal fillers.

Dermal fillers are a type of injectable soft tissue filler that can instantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and evidence of ageing.

Before you make a decision about a dermal filler procedure, it's important to do your research. We have put together a guide to help you understand five important aspects of dermal fillers, from surgery to recovery time.

Check out this handy guide below to learn a thing or two about dermal filler surgery!

Investing in a dermal filler treatment may be right for you, but it's important to be aware of what you are getting into with a dermal filler procedure.

5. Filler Types

The types of fillers used in a dermal filler treatment vary widely.

Fat

Analogous human fat (human fat from the patient's own body) is a popular form of dermal filler.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes fat deposits from the patient's midsection or thighs. This fat is thoroughly cleaned and then injected into specific areas of the face.

Opting for fat fillers is a wise idea for patients with chemical allergies who want to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction in the face. As the fat comes from your own body, an allergic reaction is impossible.

The downside to fat fillers is swelling. Because the body reabsorbs some of the injected fat, your surgeon might end up injecting too much filler. This results in a puffy, swollen appearance of the face for a few days.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that exists naturally in the human body, especially near the eyes and inside various types of tissue.

When hyaluronic acid is injected, it can literally "inflate" the tissue it is injected into and draw the water to the surface of the skin.

Hyaluronic acid is mainly used around the cheeks and jawline to reduce wrinkles and create a more youthful appearance.

Collagen

Collagen is found in both human skin and cow skin. As a filler, it is usually used to improve the size and shape of the lips. It can also be used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth.

If you are unsure which type of filler is suitable for you, you should consult a trusted cosmetic doctor who will give you straightforward information about dermal fillers.

4. The Consultation

A consultation for dermal fillers is not much different from a meeting with your general practitioner.

First, you will need to schedule an appointment for a consultation. A cosmetic surgeon will then look at your medical history to make sure there's no record of allergies to specific treatments or medications.

At the cosmetic clinic, the surgeon will then carry out an assessment of your skin. This is done for several reasons:

  • To test the resilience of the skin.
  • To check for inflammation or other visible problems that could interfere with the procedure or prove risky.
  • To decide where the filler should be injected.
  • To decide on the type of filler to be used.
  • To carry out an allergy test.

After the examination is completed, you will be asked to sign a consent form for the procedure and the price will be discussed with you.

Depending on the type of dermal filler used, pricing for the procedure can vary considerably. In the UK, prices for dermal injections range from £150 to £350 for a procedure. This also depends greatly on how much product is used during a session.

During the consultation, address any concerns you have about the procedure as well as any questions you may have.

3. Procedure

Treatment with dermal fillers is quite simple - and quick!

No anaesthesia is required for the procedure and it can usually be performed in a doctor's office.

When you arrive, your doctor's office will mark the areas of your face where the dermal filler is to be injected. This will of course be planned and discussed in advance.

The injector will wash and disinfect your face before the injections begin. A local anesthetic is then applied to the injection sites.

Then the injections are performed. Afterward, your surgeon will wipe away the marks made beforehand. If there is excessive swelling (which is very common), your surgeon will place a cold pack on your face to reduce it.

And that's it! Hardly an operation, is it? The whole procedure can take between thirty minutes and an hour to complete.

Dermal filler for man

2. Recovery Time

One of the best features of dermal fillers is the virtually non-existent recovery time.

As we mentioned earlier, fat transfer injections may cause swelling for a few days. With other fillers, there may be redness or swelling, but this disappears within a maximum of two days. There is no downtime immediately after the procedure.

In some cases, you will be prescribed an ointment to use after the procedure.

As with any cosmetic procedure, the risk of side effects is indeed possible, but they are very few and far between. Typical side effects of dermal fillers include:

  • Rashes
  • Excessive swelling
  • Itchiness
  • Bruising around the injection sites
  • Infection

However, you shouldn't let those scare you off. A good, licensed cosmetic doctor will ensure that any unwanted side effects are avoided during recovery.

1. Limitations

Unfortunately, dermal fillers are not the be-all and end-all for non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

Hyaluronic acid injections last for around six to twelve months.

For this reason, injections will probably need to be administered 1-2 times a year. That said, the longevity of fillers is not an exact science. You may need to get another injection in a few months or your results may last for a whole year.

There you go! A quick rundown of dermal fillers.

Post Reviewed by: Dr Baldeep Farmah
Medically Reviewed on: 19th June 2017
Dr Baldeep Farmah is the Medical Director and lead Doctor of Dr Aesthetica, a Medical Aesthetic Clinic.

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