Dermal filler treatment, also known as a facial filler, can work all sorts of magic. Dermal fillers are commonly used to plump thinning lips, lift eyebrows, enhance cheekbones, erase under-eye circles, smooth smile lines, most importantly, leave you looking more rested and rejuvenated and even a few years younger.
Our bodies naturally change with age and these can include wrinkles, sagging and folds on our faces. Dermal fillers can help minimise these signs of ageing if you are unhappy with them.
Dermal fillers are products or gel like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, to smooth lines and soften creases or to enhance facial contours.
Dermal fillers can be injected in less than an hour and require little to no downtime (recovery period). It is not uncommon to have mild bruising, swelling or redness where the filler was injected, which are all temporary side effects.
Dermal fillers treatment can be loosely categorised into 3 big groups.
1. Temporary filler
Temporary filler is made of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, and it plays a major role in keeping skin hydrated and volumised. HA fillers, typically can last from six months to much longer before being gradually absorbed by the body. In past years advances in the development of dermal fillers, few HA fillers can typically last 12 months or longer.
One of the main benefits of HA fillers, aside from their natural appearance when injected, is that they can be dissolved by a special solution in case of an adverse event, or if the person dislikes the appearance.
2. Semi permanent filler
Semi permanent fillers are more viscous than temporary fillers, which is why it takes longer for the body to break down and absorb them. Depending on the product type, the composition varies. Examples of semi permanent filler component, poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). Semi-permanent dermal fillers typically last for 12 to 18 months.
3. Permanent filler
Most have claimed polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filler to be permanent, though American Society of Plastic Surgeon only refers this as semi permanent filler. The PMMA is not biodegradable, so the filler remains in place.
Fat transfer is an entirely different type of permanent filler. In this procedure, the doctor uses liposuction to harvest live fat cells from your body, then injects them into the target areas. This is a much more intense process than simple filler injections. It brings greater risks, to say not the least, many transferred fat cells do not survive, making achievable results less predictable.
What is filler used for?
1. Fillers are approved for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and skin folds, such as lines extending from the sides of the nose and lines around the mouth region.
2. Augmentation of lips, cheeks, chin, temples, forehead and back of the hand.
3. Improvement for acne scars.
4. The restoration and correction of signs of facial fat loss.
5. Correction of contour deficiencies.
Semi permanent and permanent fillers may require multiple treatments, and it can take a few months to see final results. The thicker filler material is not as versatile because it is not as malleable. It is difficult to control with precision and finesse, so it’s not appropriate for treating finer lines and wrinkles.
A single treatment with temporary fillers will produce immediate results. You can even change your mind with a temporary filler. Don’t like the new look? Want a little more or a little less next time? The choice is always yours. Once you choose permanent filler, it’s yours whether you like the result or not.
Appearance trends change, just like fashion trends. Few extreme contoured facial features were popular many years ago, now most people want a more natural look. Youthful, for sure, but not overdone. Temporary fillers allow you to make adjustments in your appearance as the times or your personal preferences change.
Be sure to have a proper consultation and treatment plan with a Doctor in person prior to your treatment. Contact us to make an appointment.