Dermal fillers are an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for those who want to achieve smooth, youthful skin. Designed to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, these treatments effectively combat the visible signs of aging. Whether you’re dealing with crows’ feet around the eyes, laughter lines or frown lines on your forehead, fillers reduce lines around the face.
If you’re considering dermal fillers but want to know more, this comprehensive guide will help answer all your questions.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are small hyaluronic acid injections using a gel made of synthetic or natural substances, which are used to correct skin conditions by adding volume to soft tissue. Injected into the dermis layer of the skin, they can fill in wrinkles, creases, and folds anywhere on your face, including around the eyes, cheeks, mouth, and jawline. Dermal fillers can also be administered directly into the lip tissue to plump and enhance their appearance.
Types of Dermal Fillers
There are two main types of dermal fillers, each providing different benefits and best suited to specific skin types.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
A natural substance found in the eyes, joints, and skin. Capable of holding 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid fillers help to plump, maintain shape, and hydrate the skin.
Poly-Caprolactone (PCl) Fillers
Sometimes known as Ellanse or Radiesse, this popular filler can help naturally stimulate collagen when injected strategically into facial areas.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
From the age of 25 onwards, our collagen and elastin levels, which help keep skin looking young, start to decline, causing a loss of volume. Dermal fillers, made of naturally-occurring acids, are injected into the dermis with fine needles to add plumpness and restore lift. They replenish the natural collagen and elastin not produced because of the ageing process, rejuvenating the skin to make it appear firmer, younger, and fresher.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
The effects of dermal fillers usually last between six to twelve months, depending on how your body reacts and which type of filler is used. Once your desired look is achieved, it’s advisable to have a top-up treatment to maintain it. Hyaluronic acid fillers are naturally broken down by the body after about six months, so the effects usually fade away without any long-term risks.
However, individual results can vary based on factors such as metabolism, lifestyle, and the specific area treated. It’s essential to follow up with your practitioner for personalized advice and to ensure the best possible outcomes with minimal side effects.
Difference Between Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injected below wrinkles to plump and smooth skin for a youthful look. In contrast, neuromodulators freeze small muscles to prevent them from making the movements that cause wrinkles. Both treatments are effective in rejuvenating the face, but they target different aspects of aging. While dermal fillers address volume loss and fill deep lines, neuromodulators primarily work on dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions.
Combining these treatments can often provide comprehensive rejuvenation, smoothing out lines and restoring facial harmony for a natural and refreshed appearance. Consulting with a qualified practitioner can help determine the best approach tailored to your specific aesthetic goals.
Can Bad Dermal Fillers Be Resolved?
In most cases, minor adjustments can be made to provide better balance or improve the overall appearance. If you’re really unhappy with the final result, an enzyme can be injected to help dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers.
Do Dermal Fillers Hurt?
As with any needle procedure, patients may experience some slight discomfort while the filler is being injected. Anaesthetic cream is applied before treatment to create a numbing effect and alleviate as much pain as possible.
Who Are Dermal Fillers Not Suitable For?
Although dermal fillers are regarded as a safe aesthetic procedure, they are not suitable for:
- Breastfeeding mums
- Pregnant women
- People with autoimmune diseases
At Luminary Health, we believe it’s necessary to offer an in-depth consultation with a medical practitioner prior to treatment to ensure dermal fillers are suitable for you. Sometimes, we may recommend similar or alternative therapies instead. If you are planning to receive dental work or teeth whitening, it’s advisable to leave at least a week between each treatment, as the pressure and stretching of the face could potentially misplace your dermal fillers.
Do Dermal Fillers Have Side Effects?
Swelling and redness are to be expected. Itching, bruising, and tenderness may also occur at the injection location afterwards and should last a few hours but no more than a few days. Tissue infections and occlusions are extremely rare.
Will I Need Any Special Aftercare?
Anyone who undergoes dermal filler treatment should avoid:
- Wearing makeup or products for 12 hours
- Alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen for 24 hours
- UV light, sunlight, saunas, and steam rooms for 48 hours
- Dental work or teeth whitening for 7 days
- Rubbing or massaging the treated area for 14 days (causes unevenness)
- Extremely strenuous physical exercise and activities for 48 hours
As part of your treatment plan, our therapist will advise you of any suitable aftercare products. We are proud to have such an experienced, fully trained, and certified professional team that is skilled in administering dermal fillers and has been trained to use a variety of different injectables.
Types of Facial Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used in various areas of the face to achieve different objectives.
Lip Fillers
Enhance lips through 0.5ml or 1ml of filler, plumping, volumizing, and reshaping them for a natural look.
Cheek Fillers
Lift and volumize cheeks, giving them a healthy, plumped appearance with 1ml of filler.
Jawline Fillers
Sculpt and add structure to the jawline, using 1ml of filler to enhance and define the jaw, jowl, and chin areas.
Chin Fillers
Enhance chin shape and balance facial proportions with 1ml of filler.
Nasolabial Folds
Plump and restore volume around nose-to-mouth lines with 1ml of filler.
Tear Troughs
Eliminate dark under-eye hollows, folds, and wrinkles with premium filler, making the under-eye area look rejuvenated.
Marionette Lines
Fill lines between the mouth and chin to combat ageing signs, using 1 ml of filler.
The Increasing Popularity of Dermal Fillers
There is a steady increase in demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers globally. The treatment is not restricted to celebrities and has been used by everyone for several reasons:
- Advancements in research making treatments safer
- Better accessibility
- Favourable healthcare policies
- Increasing awareness of cosmetic procedures
- High incidence of skin conditions
- A rise in the ageing population looking to enhance their appearance
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers offer numerous benefits:
Smooth Forehead
Fill areas to add volume and smooth wrinkles, giving a youthful look.
Upper Eyelid Volume
Add volume to hollow eyelids, reducing facial age and aiding those affected by facial palsy or stroke paralysis.
Rejuvenate Under Eye Area
Treat discolored under-eye areas by improving sunken appearance, reducing dark circles, bags, and fine lines.
Contour Temples
Fill sunken temples for a smoother, contoured upper face.
Shape Nose
Address nasal flaws such as a crooked bridge, droopy tip, and asymmetry.
Lift Midface
Correct muscle atrophy, bone and fat loss, fine lines, and wrinkles for a non-surgical mid-face lift.
Prominent Cheekbones
Achieve pronounced, wrinkle-free cheekbones with more prominent and perfectly shaped cheekbones.
Enhance Nasolabial Folds
Plump and diminish lines around the folds, making the skin smoother.
Plump Lips
Add volume or restore lip appearance, delaying surgical lip augmentation.
Reduce Marionette Lines
Mimic the effects of collagen and elastin, eliminating wrinkles, fine lines, and sagginess around the mouth and chin.
Firmer Jawline
Enhance jawline appearance, providing a symmetrical and defined frame for the face.
Take The Next Steps With Luminary Health
Dermal fillers offer a versatile and effective solution for enhancing your natural beauty and combating the signs of ageing. Whether you’re looking to plump your lips, smooth out wrinkles, or restore lost volume in your cheeks, dermal fillers can provide remarkable, long-lasting results with minimal downtime. From the rejuvenating effects of hyaluronic acid fillers to the collagen-boosting benefits of Polycaprolactone fillers, there’s a wide range of options available to meet your unique needs.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a more youthful, vibrant appearance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Book a consultation with Luminary Health in Vancouver and discover how dermal fillers can uplift your look and boost your confidence. We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through every step of your aesthetic journey.
Contact us now to schedule your appointment.
FAQs
What are the risks associated with dermal fillers?
The risks are minimal when performed by qualified professionals, but can include arterial occlusion, swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort
How do I choose the right practitioner?
Ensure they are qualified and experienced and use top-quality products. Look for patient testimonials and reviews.
Can dermal fillers be reversed?
Yes, they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase Are dermal fillers suitable for everyone?
Are dermal fillers suitable for pregnant women?
No, they are not suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding mums, or people with autoimmune diseases.
How long does a dermal filler procedure take?
The procedure usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes.
