Dermal fillers. Everyone seems to be raving about them these days. So let's talk about them a little.
While we can't promise to tell you exactly which filler treatment is right for you (you'll need a consultation with a board-certified aesthetic doctor for that), you'll know all the options available to you. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. Clearly distinguishing between the different facial fillers available on the market will help you make a decision you're confident about.
And isn't that what we all want?
Why Injectable Fillers for the Face?
Skin ageing begins in the mid-20s, although most people don't notice it until they're 30. It's not noticed until the age of 30. As the signs of ageing set in, the hydration and elasticity of the skin that are the hallmarks of youth start to diminish. Fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin take their place.
By our 40s and 50s, the signs of ageing are much more pronounced. Topical creams, serums and gels are no longer as effective. You'll probably get better results by incorporating fillers into your skin care regimen.
Dermal fillers offer cosmetic improvement without surgery and are associated with lower costs, shorter recovery times and generally predictable results.
They aren't to be confused with Botox, which relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles. Fillers add volume to the skin, plumping it and stimulating collagen so that fine lines and wrinkles disappear.
With that out of the way, let's get straight to the different types of dermal fillers for the face.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid fillers are some of the most popular injectables. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin.
There are many Hyaluronic acid filler brand including, but not limited to:
- Restylane Brand (Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Silk, Restylane-L and Restylane Lift)
- Juverderm Brand (Juvederm Voluma XC, Juvederm XC, Juvederm Ultra XC, Juvederm Volbella XC)
- Intraline Brand (Intraline Biphasic, Intraline M Series)
- HylaForm
- Prevelle Silk
- Belotero Balance +
These fillers correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles. The injections penetrate the mid-to-deep dermis. Each filler targets a specific area. For instance, some fillers are for adding volume to the lips. A Dr Aesthetica Favourite is the Intraline M Series as it allows for treatments that are highly customised to every patient while posing minimal risks.
Other fillers work best for the backs of the hands. Fillers such as Intraline M3 Plus are used for softening the nasolabial fold. These folds are also known as "smile lines." The folds run from the nose down to the corners of the mouth.
Juvederm Volbella XC adds volume to the lips. It's also used on periorbital rhytids.
Discuss which concerns you have with your doctor. He'll recommend the correct injectable filler for your problem area.
Collagen Fillers for Wrinkles
Collagen also occurs naturally in the skin. The early collagen fillers were made from cow collagen. The results were short, lasting only about a month. Also with these early collagen fillers derived from cows, allergic reactions were very common.
While some collagen fillers still come from cow collagen, most of the processing has changed. Newer synthetic collagen fillers cause fewer allergic reactions and more long-lasting results
Some of the collagen injectables include:
- Cosmoderm
- Evolence
- Fibrel
- Zyderm
- Zyplast
Some people prefer collagen fillers because they are semi-permanent with results lasting up to 5 years. The downside is unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, treatment done with collagen fillers is not reversible in the rare cases something goes wrong or the patient has an allergic reaction.
Synthetic Fillers
There aren't as many synthetic fillers as hyaluronic acid fillers. They're called synthetic because they're made wholly in a laboratory. None of these injectable fillers has ingredients that occur naturally in the skin.
The advantage of synthetic fillers is that they last longer than other injectable fillers for the face.
Synthetic fillers include:
- Bellafill
- Radiesse
- Sculptra
- Silicone
Radiesse is approved for adding volume to the back of the hand while Sculptra works for signs of volume loss in the facial fat padding.
Autologous
With autologous wrinkle fillers, a little blood is first taken from your body. The blood is spun down in a special centrifuge to separate its components
This means that you will need two procedures. The first procedure is to draw the blood. The second procedure is to inject the fat back into your face. The results of autologous fat treatment are often semi-permanent.
Along with the benefit of using your own tissue, therefore, eliminating allergies there is the added intrigue of mobilizing your own stem cells for your benefit. Autologous Dermal Fillers with Plasma have been shown to have overall rejuvenating effects and add volume improving skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Side Effects and Risks
Wrinkle fillers are quite safe. But as with all medical treatments, there are sometimes side effects. An allergic reaction is a possible side effect of any type of cosmetic substance injected into the skin.
The most common side effects of fillers are bruising, swelling and redness. These occur at the site of the injection.
Sometimes small bumps form under the skin, which usually go away on their own. In rare cases, the bumps have to be removed surgically.
Synthetic fillers pose the greatest risk in terms of disfigurement. Minimise your risks by seeking treatment from a licenced practitioner.
A spa may sound good, but limit your spa treatments to facials and massages. Some people host house parties where injections are offered at a discounted price. Never get an injection at home!
Always get your injectable from a licensed injector's office. Don't be afraid to ask the injector where they sourced their fillers. To be on the safe side, only use fillers purchased directly from the manufacturer
Length of Results
Results and length of results vary for each person. Results also vary depending upon the treatment and product.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can last as long as a year or even two. Some evidence shows that less filler is needed for the same results the longer the products are used. Synthetic fillers last longer 2-5 years depending on the brand used.
Autologous procedures are often called permanent or semi-permanent. But they still often require several procedures.
Look Better, Feel Better
Injectable fillers for the face are a great way to look and feel better. Increased facial volume and glowing skin are some of the results. When you look your best, you feel your best.
Always use a certified medical doctor when undergoing any procedure. Make sure you know where the product was purchased. Don't make the mistake of using a spa because they're offering a good deal.
Saving a few pounds isn't worth the risk to your health and the potential negative side effects!
Discuss your specific concerns with your doctor. He'll know the product that best addresses your issues. Are you ready for injectable fillers for your face?
Transformative Dermal Fillers in Birmingham
Looking to enhance your natural beauty, restore lost volume, or smooth out wrinkles? Dr. Aesthetica in Birmingham offers expert dermal filler treatments to help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Dermal fillers provide a wide range of benefits:
- Restore volume to cheeks, lips, and under-eye areas
- Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth, nose, and forehead
- Enhance facial contours for a more defined and balanced look
- Achieve natural-looking results with precise and personalized treatment
- Instant results with minimal downtime, making it easy to fit into your schedule
At Dr. Aesthetica, our skilled team customizes each filler treatment to your unique facial structure, ensuring results that enhance your natural features and leave you feeling confident.
Learn more about dermal fillers at Dr. Aesthetica today, or schedule your consultation in Birmingham!
