8 Frequently Asked Questions About Dermal Filler Treatments

• Tweet
• Pin It

Fillers have been linked to Hollywood and the rich and famous in the past. Most people still cringe at the idea of fillers or lip enhancers due to bad publicity or a lack of information.

You no longer have to be worried about over exaggerated lips or cheekbones when using fillers. Dermal filler treatment results can actually look very subtle and natural when done by a professional & experienced doctor.

If you’re looking for a smoother wrinkle-free appearance, you might want to consider dermal fillers.

Wrinkles & How They’re Formed

You already know wrinkles are the natural result of ageing; but why do you end up with deep expression lines over time?

Expressions such as frowning can be seen when the particular muscle in the area is being used. Collagen plays an important role in the skin’s elasticity. Over time collagen is broken down, making the skin less elastic thus showing “creases or lines”.

Free radicals and sun exposure can cause the skin to break down collagen fibres. Genetics also play a part in determining when the ageing process will start. Some people “age” earlier than others & might generally just have less collagen in their skin.

Fillers can help reduce the appearance of these expression or ageing lines. Here’s a list of some of the questions you might have about fillers.

1.      How Does It Work?

When the collagen underneath your skin breaks down, it causes a “line” or groove to form. Fillers are carefully injected underneath the skin’s surface where the connective tissue lost its elasticity.

The filler then attracts water to the area over a few days. The water gives a plumped-up look & fills the groove or line.

2.      Are Dermal Fillers & Muscle Relaxing Injections the Same Procedure?

No. Dermal fillers are often confused with muscle relaxer injections. Fillers don’t relax the use of the muscle in any way. It only fills the line that are formed over time.

Relaxants stop the muscle from working for a period of time to allow the muscle to “rest” which results in smoother skin.

3.      In Which Areas Can You Use Dermal Filler?

Wrinkles are easily seen in areas we use most often to express our emotions. The area between the eyebrows (frown), lines around the eyes also known as crow’s feet and lines around the mouth are some of the most popular areas for fillers.

Other areas where dermal filler can be used include:

• Lip fillers
• Nasolabial folds (lines moving down around nose and mouth area)
• Cheek fillers
• Underneath eye socket
• Forehead

4.      Will One Injection Last a Lifetime?

The longest duration fillers can last is 24 months. Depending on the area you’re injecting it might even last for only six months per injection. Longer lasting fillers are used in areas such as cheeks. The forehead is an example of an area that will need a quicker follow up than longer lasting areas.

 

5.      Will It Be Painful?

A standard needle is used to inject filler into the skin. A local anaesthetic is used in the area before the filler is injected to make the procedure more comfortable.

The area injected will also influence the sensitivity of the injection. Areas around the eyes & lips tend to be more sensitive due to the skin being thinner.

Lidocaine is a more expensive anaesthetic that can be used as an alternative to the normal anaesthetic.

6.      Is It Expensive?

The price for fillers varies from one institute or practice to the next. Many factors might have an influence on the bill at the end of your appointment:

• Who’ll be doing the fillers? Professionals with more experience might charge higher rates.
• Sensitive skin? Extra anaesthetic can make your session more expensive.
• Area: Larger areas will need more filler. You’ll pay extra for each millilitre used.
• See you soon? If you’re doing filler treatments around your mouth or forehead you might have to go for fills more often than you would have on other areas of the face.
• Depth of lines: If the area in need of filling is deep, you’ll need more filler.
• Location: Different rates will be charged in different cities.

7.      Is It Safe to Inject Fillers?

The safety of the treatment depends on the type of filler your doctor is using. A filler that can be dissolved if needed is the safest option. Always go to a qualified doctor when injecting fillers to minimise risks.

Risks when making use of fillers include:

• Infection
• Granuloma formation
• Damaging blood vessels

Less serious risks include:

• Swelling
• Blue discoloration
• Puffiness
• Slight bruising

8.      What Can Go Wrong Aesthetically?

The person injecting the fillers must have excellent knowledge about the product they’re using and a good understanding of the results you’re looking to achieve.

If done incorrectly, fillers might look too prominent or aesthetically unpleasant:

• Lumps & bumps: If the consistency of the filler is too thick for the skin in the area, you might end up with an uneven skin.
• Less is more: Start out by using less filler and gradually increase the amount if you want a fuller appearance. Using too much filler can look odd or unnatural.
• Symmetric: One side of your lips or eyes might appear fuller than the other if not done correctly.

Last Thoughts

Fillers can be a great way to enhance your features or to turn back the clock to have the smooth and plumped up skin of a 20 year old again. Select a doctor that’s experienced in fillers and do your research regarding different products and options.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and sometimes also in the hands of the filler injector…

• Tweet
• Pin It