ALL ABOUT FILLERS
Have you wondered what are the visible signs when you age? What visible changes your skin has?
Well, with age, the body undergoes a lot of changes but the skin is the most affected organ. Yes, and with age, we mean the mid-20s! Now you know it!
As soon as you enter your mid-20s, the facial skin starts showing some changes like wrinkles or fine lines, and a little more aged skin starts losing natural subcutaneous fat that leads to sagging skin. As the skin also starts stretching, results in loss of facial volume.
Other common factors for extra lines or saggy skin can be genetics, sun exposure & lifestyle.
What are facial fillers?
Having the self-explanatory name, facial fillers help in lifting the skin. Fillers are also known as dermal fillers, injectable implants, soft-tissue fillers, or even wrinkle fillers. The injectable, gel-based substance approved by FDA is injected into the fine lines or folds (beneath the skin) to restore the facial volume, create fullness, and even smoothen skin & wrinkles.
Since these fillers are absorbable, the result may last a few years and patients need to revisit to maintain the desired effect. Results may vary based on the person’s skin condition, area of application, and even on the type of filler used.
Dermal fillers are quite helpful when you are having early aging signs and also act as a facial rejuvenation process.
What fillers do?
Dermal fillers are helpful for those early aging signs and uplight your facial skin, but it does much more than that. Here are some common applications of Fillers.
– Plump thin lips
– Erase smile lines
– Improves shallow contours
– Soften facial creases and wrinkles
– Improve the appearance of sinking skin
– Reduces dark circles or under-eye hollowness.
Results of fillers are temporary, semi-permanent (2-5 years), & permanent (5 years or more)
Wrinkle fillers are also treated as volumizers. Only FDA-approved fillers by certified & trained doctors or dermatologists are safe.
What fillers can’t do?
Some applications of Fillers are not approved by the FDA. Fillers or injectables are not recommended for any kind of body enhancement or contouring like –
– plumpness of feet
– increase the size of breast or buttocks
– implantation in bone, ligaments, or muscles
Types of fillers
Why is it necessary to know about types of fillers?
There are a lot of injectables present in the market. Even some elite salons or cosmetic surgeons may also use filler.
For precautions, it is recommended to use only FDA-approved fillers and to check the brand name and ingredients involved.
Some fillers show immediate results, while some may take days to weeks with regular visits.
There are different types of facial fillers available and some common are:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
It is a naturally occurring soft gel-based substance already found in the body. It helps skin to retain moisture hence hydrating & moisturizing it. It plumps the skin and softens the wrinkles especially areas around the eyes, lips & forehead.
The results may last for 6-12 months as the body gradually absorbs Hyaluronic acid.
Brands like Juvéderm and Restylane are popular for Hyaluronic Acid.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
It is naturally found in human bones. The filler uses minute particles of calcium which is then converted into a thick gel substance (thicker than HA). CaHa also has a tendency to stimulate collagen production naturally, which helps best in smoothening deeper wrinkles & lines.
Popular brands for CaHa are like Radiesse and its results may last for over a year.
Poly-Lactic Acid
These are non-toxic biodegradable substances, also known as stimulators as they regulate natural collagen production. It works best for the lower face as it fills the smile lines, plump lips and also firms the skin and smoothens wrinkles. The results are not immediate, take about 3 months and last for around 2 years making it semi-permanent.
The approved brand for Polylactic acid fillers is Sculptra Aesthetic.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
PMMA is a biocompatible substance and considered to plump the skin as it contains microspheres (tiny balls) and collagen to provide support & maintain the firmness of the skin respectively.
It is considered semi-permanent and approved fillers include Bellafill.
Autologous Fat Injections (fat grafting)
This method requires surgery. In this, fats from your own body are removed through the process called liposuction. After the purification of fats, it is implanted in the facial areas where there’s a loss of fat to restore the volume.
Though it is a surgical process, the results are effective and last for a longer time.
These are some of the approved & popular types of fillers being used widely. Non-surgical treatments are still medical treatments that require precision and safety. The side-effects caused due to incorrect technique or non-suitable filler could be a lifetime.
Side Effects Of Fillers
Some common effects like redness, swelling, rashes, bruises, itching, or pain. that may last for 7-10 days.
There are permanent side effects of fillers also. Though these effects are quite rare, few of them are –
– Movement of fillers from the targeted area
– Leakage of fillers
– Some infections
– nodules may grow which can be removed surgically
– Blindness due to blockage of blood flow to the eyes
– Tissues may die again due to insufficient flow of blood
– Blood vessel injury
When it comes to fillers, you should always keep the safety precautions on the top-priority list.
A few points to keep in mind when you think about dermal fillers.
∙ Always consult a board-certified doctor or dermatologist for the procedure. Make sure they have special certification of training, as these add up to their expertise and experience.
∙ Do not undertake the treatment randomly at home or mall kiosks but in a medical setting.
∙ Be aware of the type & ingredients of the filler. And it should be FDA-approved.
∙ Fillers are always sealed & labeled syringe.
∙ Do not buy it online or any store.
∙ Be conscious of the prevalent side-effects caused due to particular filler and if you are allergic to any.