Fillers – Everything you need to know

Contents

What are fillers?
Types of fillers
How dermal fillers work
Benefits of fillers
What are dermal fillers used for?
What to expect when getting fillers
Dos and don’ts of fillers
Risks and side effects of dermal fillers
Finishing up on fillers

What are fillers? This minimally invasive dermal procedure is gaining plenty of traction among beauty enthusiasts. Dermal fillers have a reputation for helping restore your skin’s youthful smoothness.

Are you concerned about wrinkles and fine lines? We highlight the benefits and potential side effects of fillers. Dive in and discover how this simple cosmetic procedure could reduce the signs of aging.

What are fillers?

Face fillers are cosmetic injections with a gel-like texture. They’re made from FDA-approved natural or synthetic substances. Most are hyaluronic acid-based.

The substance gets injected into the dermis layer of the skin. It aims to correct specific conditions. Fillers may reduce wrinkles and help plump up soft tissue by adding volume to it.

They act like collagen, a naturally occurring protein in the body responsible for keeping your skin supple. Fillers have a similar role in hydrating the skin and making it appear youthful. In some cases, people use these injectables to rebuild the structure of healthy skin.

Types of fillers

Different dermal fillers are suited to specific purposes. Your practitioner will provide you with advice depending on the area you want to treat.

Doing your research before the procedure can give you more peace of mind. Technically, fat grafting also falls into the category of fillers. However, we’ll concentrate on the options that are readily available off the shelf.

Fillers with hyaluronic acid

What are face fillers made of? The most popular option is hyaluronic acid. This substance naturally occurs in your body. It keeps the skin looking volumized and has hydrating properties.

Over time, the body’s production of hyaluronic acid decreases. Natural injectables usually last 6–12 months. In some cases, these fillers can last as long as two years.

Fillers with calcium hydroxylapatite

Like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) occurs naturally in the body. The purpose of this filler differs slightly from the former. It lasts roughly 12–18 months in most cases.

Cosmetic professionals typically administer CaHA injectables for deeper wrinkles. They also work well for smoothing skin on the chest and rejuvenating the appearance of the neck.

Fillers with poly-L-lactic acid

Dermal fillers containing poly-L-lactic acid could help with collagen production. This compound is essential for creating connective tissue.

When injected, it may smooth fine lines, and in some cases, reduce deep wrinkles. The results are relatively long-lasting. Your skin could appear youthful for up to two years.

Fillers with polymethyl methacrylate

One of the longest-lasting dermal fillers is polymethyl methacrylate. It’s made of collagen and minute balls that plump up the skin from within.

It could reduce the visibility of even severe wrinkles. This filler option is mainly popular due to how long it lasts. In some cases, the results are visible for up to five years.

How dermal fillers work

How do face fillers work? A professional administers a gel-like substance into the skin. They use either a needle or cannula for the procedure.

The substance inside is the filler, and it adds volume to the skin from within the dermal layer. It replaces the proteins or fats that are deficient in the area due to age.

A major difference between fillers and Botox is the area on which they’re applied. Fillers are administered on static lines, which show signs of aging even when expressionless or neutral.

Static lines include:

• Tear troughs
• Marionette lines
• Nasolabial lines

Botox, on the other hand, focuses on dynamic lines caused by expressions like frowning.

Different types of fillers have varying properties that result in plump, youthful skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers, for example, assist with keeping the area moisturized. Other products contribute to improved collagen production within the body.

Each type of dermal filler has its advantages. The most common result is rejuvenated, supple skin.

Benefits of fillers

Some people think this procedure could cause facelifts to become a thing of the past. Here are some more reported benefits of fillers:

• They add volume to skin that shows visible signs of aging.
• They’re not as invasive as other anti-aging options.
• They’re relatively painless and only require the use of a small needle.
• They’re quick to administer.
• They typically offer results after 20 minutes.
• They’re versatile and effective for multiple areas.
• They offer long-lasting results.
• They’re suitable for most healthy adults.

What are dermal fillers used for?

What are fillers used for? This procedure is said to be effective for a range of skin concerns. Some of its functions include:

• Softening acne scars.
• Reducing the appearance of frown lines.
• Smoothing crow’s feet.
• Reducing pronounced smile lines.
• Decreasing the appearance of dark circles below the eyes.
• Reducing the visibility of bags under the eyes.
• Aligning uneven facial features.
• Smoothing the skin on hands and reducing signs of aging or lost volume.
• Erasing and smoothing lines of the nasolabial folds.
• Plumping up sunken cheeks.
• Adding volume to hollow areas of the face and neck.
• Plumping up thin lips.

Some people also turn to this aesthetic procedure for the skin on their neck and chest. It helps minimize the visibility of wrinkles in the area.

What to expect when getting fillers

You might be curious about how things proceed once you arrive to get these injectables. It’s a quick process and done with minimal fuss. Advocates of fillers even call it “the lunch hour lift.”

Start preparing for your procedure approximately seven days beforehand. You’ll receive a detailed list of products to avoid when you make your appointment.

Stop consuming alcohol, blood thinners, and products like fish oils, vitamin E, ibuprofen, aspirin, and turmeric. It’s also essential that you don’t get any dental work done or take vaccines two weeks prior to your appointment.

The procedure starts with the application of a topical cream. Your practitioner administers it to numb the site of the injection. In other instances, the filler already contains a local anesthetic combined. These cases don’t require a numbing agent before the procedure.

The next step is to sterilize the injection site. Thereafter, the filler is administered. You can resume your usual activities shortly after you receive the filler. There’s typically no down-time required after getting the procedure.

Many practitioners advise patients to avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours. Taking it easy for a short period facilitates healing.

There may be some redness, tenderness, or bruising. These side effects usually ease within a few days. Aftercare is essential. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

At LIVV Natural, we use the popular hyaluronic acid filler. It’s a natural option that shows results almost immediately post treatment. The final effects are visible roughly 2–3 weeks post treatment.

Dos and don’ts of fillers

Giving your skin a boost with fillers is exciting. However, there are certain factors to keep in mind when getting the procedure.

Dos

Some of the actions you should take are:

• Research the various types of fillers before deciding on a specific option. Each one has benefits and drawbacks.
• Follow the aftercare instructions carefully. These usually include ointments to apply for reduced bruising.
• Stay hydrated. It assists with rapid healing.
• Ask your practitioner to clarify any aspects of the procedure that you’re unsure of.
• Check the ingredient list to be sure that you’re not allergic to anything in the product.

Don’ts

There are also several constraints to keep in mind when getting dermal fillers:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t get fillers.
• Avoid taking over-the-counter pain medication before the procedure. Some of these thin your blood. The result is a higher chance of bruising and complications from the procedure.
• Once you’ve booked your session, don’t do any hair removal in the area. Leave the hairs untouched for at least two days before the procedure.
• Discontinue supplements for a week before getting fillers.
• Avoid alcohol for three days before your appointment.
• Avoid direct sunlight for one to two days after the procedure.
• Don’t wear makeup for at least a day after getting fillers
• Don’t touch or rub the injected site or surrounding skin for 24 hours.

Risks and side effects of dermal fillers

This cosmetic procedure sounds like a dream come true for skin care, but are there any negatives? Fortunately, dermal fillers don’t have a long list of risks and side effects.

There are some potential discomforts. But they aren’t as serious as those from more invasive skin care therapies.

Common side effects are redness, bruising, and tenderness. Some patients also report itching sensations. There may be a moderate amount of pain that lasts a few days at most.

In rare cases, sores and tissue infections may occur. However, professionals can assist with proper aftercare if problems occur. In the event of an extreme reaction, antibiotics can be administered.

Finishing up on fillers

Dermal fillers offer a quick, straightforward path to skin restoration. There are different types of fillers, and they’re suitable for most facial regions.

These injectables add volume to the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The side effects and risks are minimal. Most healthy adults are suitable candidates for the procedure.

Now that you know more about fillers, why not give your skin a boost? Book your procedure at LIVV Natural today.

Author: Dr. Jason Phan NMD – Founder of LIVV Natural – Anti-aging – regenerative medicine – peptide therapy