Dermal Fillers – Most Common Uses & What You Should Know
Dermal fillers injections are a popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the United States. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic reports that every year, more than three million people seek out this procedure.
If you are thinking about getting dermal fillers, read here about their most common uses … and what you need to know.
A Quick Introduction to Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can create a more youthful appearance or enhance some features—usually on the face. Results can last for approximately eight months to over a year and a half, and depend on the area treated, the filler used, and other factors.
See if dermal fillers or Botox® are right for you.
As we age, our bodies lose collagen and elastin, causing the skin to lose volume, loosen, thin, and sag.
A dermal filler treatment can:
- Fill in and plump up wrinkles and creases
- Plump lips
- Restore volume to hollow cheeks
- Smooth lines
- Make facial features symmetrical
Most FDA-cleared dermal fillers only have temporary results because the filler eventually breaks down while it is underneath the skin. It’s then absorbed by the body. This means subsequent procedures will need to be repeated later to maintain your new look.
There are many fillers available, all of which offer different results.
The outpatient procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and has minimal recovery time. People often see results right away—which makes the procedure even more popular.
Who Can’t Have Dermal Fillers?
Most dermal fillers were intended to correct age-related changes on the face. But this doesn’t mean that dermal fillers are for everyone.
If you have any of the following health conditions, they may not be right for you:
- Bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning medications
- Suppressed immune system or autoimmune conditions
- Specific allergies
Dermal Fillers Can Enhance Areas of the Face
Underneath the Eyes
As time passes, the hollows under your eyes become more pronounced because of loss of collagen and elastin.
Dermal fillers restore this lost volume, reducing areas of hollowness under the eyes, resulting in a younger, less tired appearance. At the same time, fillers correct:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dark circles
- Bags under the eyes
Laugh Lines
While laugh lines (nasolabial folds) are usually a sign that you enjoy laughing a lot, people rarely like when they permanently appear on their face.
Dermal fillers add volume to the laugh lines and make them much less obvious.
The Lips
Lips thin as you age. Or some people simply want to plump up thinner lips. Treatment to the lips can have an impressive effect on your overall facial appearance.
Many times, lip fillers are applied over the course of a few treatments. This way the patient gets used to their new look and avoids over-plumped lips.
Hyaluronic acid is particularly popular for this treatment since it helps the skin hold onto water, resulting in a more natural look.
Acne Scars
Acne is a common cause of facial scarring that can be difficult to correct—even with chemical peels or laser.
Dermal fillers can give the skin a smoother appearance since it lifts up areas beneath acne scars. The treatment can also cause the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, leading to longer-lasting results.
The Jaw and Jowls
If you have a weak jawline, have one that is sagging with age, or have a small chin that doesn’t seem to go with your face, you may want to get dermal fillers to enhance these areas and add volume to the face.
Juvederm
Juvéderm® is the top selling collection of hyaluronic acid fillers in the US. Each product in the Juvéderm® collection of fillers adds volume to different areas of the face to lift cheeks, smooth parentheses lines, or plump lips. The results are subtle and long-lasting.
At Vibrance Medspa, Dr. DiStefano has treated our patients with these dermal fillers for years with great success.
The Filler Procedure and After
Dr. DiStefano will first talk to you about your medical history and any potential treatment risks.
Then the skin is cleansed and prepped with a cream that numbs the area that’s being treated.
They use a thin needle to precisely inject small amounts of filler under your skin. Patients report sometimes feeling a pinch or stinging sensation. However, the procedure is not known to create much pain.
Directly after the injections, they clean your skin and may apply an ice pack to ease discomfort or swelling.
Recovery time is usually minimal. But some people feel mild discomfort, or experience swelling or bruising, for up to seven days. Once the swelling is down, you may want to get a touch-up for perfect results.
Results often appear right away. However, this can vary depending on the type of treatment you received and the area that was treated.
At Vibrance MedSpa, we are skilled and experienced in providing dermal fillers and other treatments that will have you looking and feeling your best. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
