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What Are Dermal Fillers? Types, Benefits & Side Effects

November 3, 2024

Dermal fillers have become one of the most popular and effective treatments with the hope of restoring volume, ironing out wrinkles, and enhancing facial features without going under the knife. 

These minimally invasive treatments are one of the fastest ways to take care of any aging concerns, thus providing a fresh and youthful appearance. 

Whether you are looking to plump your lips, define your cheekbones, or minimize the look of under-eye hollows, the option for dermal fillers will notice the change according to your personal needs. 

At Vancouver Laser, we offer natural yet durable results with the utmost innovative techniques in dermal fillers to help our clients feel confident and beautiful.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are one of the non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The fillers are injected just beneath the skin by a healthcare provider. People get dermal fillers to enhance facial features or look younger. 

The procedure generally takes less than 30 minutes and the recovery is quick. You may see results right away, but how long they last exactly varies depending on the type of filler used and where it is applied.

There are several types of dermal fillers available, and your healthcare provider will discuss your choices with you. As with all cosmetic procedures, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, and bruising. Most health insurance plans do not pay for cosmetic procedures, including injections of fillers.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

As we age, our bodies make less elastin and collagen, which help us look youthful. Dermal fillers smooth out deep lines and wrinkles on the face. These injections add volume to areas that have lost fullness due to decreased elastin and collagen. This treatment can improve the face’s appearance and provide a lift.

Patients usually start with a consultation at Vancouver Laser to see if they are suitable for the treatment. The procedure involves a series of injections based on individual needs. Before the injections, a numbing cream is applied to the targeted area. The injections go into the skin at a mid or deep level.

After receiving dermal fillers, patients can go back to their daily activities, including wearing makeup. However, it is advised to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for a few days.

What Dermal Fillers Can Do?

Collagen is a significant substance existing in your skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues throughout your body. Its reduction in skin leads to laxity or looseness and loss of volume. Skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity, and starts to sag. You may choose to get dermal fillers to:

  • Plump thin lips and cheeks
  • Improve the look of recessed scars
  • Smooth facial lines and wrinkles
  • Add definition to shallow contours
  • Reconstruct contour deformities in the face
  • Reduce or eliminate shadows under the eyes

What Are the Types of Dermal Fillers?

There are many types of dermal fillers. Some fillers are made from synthetic materials, while others use substances found in your body. Healthcare providers can also use fat from their own body in a process called autologous fat grafting. This involves removing fat from one area and injecting it into your face.

What Are the Types of Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

One common type of filler is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally found in your skin. It adds volume and keeps your skin hydrated. As you age, your body produces less HA. The effects of HA injections usually last six months to a year. Juvederm is a popular HA filler.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is another filler made from a substance found in your bones. It is often used for deeper wrinkles and typically lasts about a year. Radiesse is an example of a CaHA filler.

Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) helps your body produce collagen. It is used to smooth out deep wrinkles and can last two years or more. Sculptra is a type of PLLA filler.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers contain collagen and tiny beads that remain under your skin after injection. These beads provide volume and firmness. Bellafill is one example of a PMMA filler.

The Benefits of Dermal Fillers

In addition to the aesthetic advantages, dermal fillers offer practical benefits, such as minimal recovery time and the option for reversibility, making them a convenient choice for those with busy lifestyles.

The Benefits of Dermal Fillers

Minimally Invasive

Dermal fillers are less invasive than plastic surgery. That means the procedure is simpler and quicker, generally taking less than an hour. 

This allows patients to seamlessly incorporate it into their daily routines without significant disruption. Recovery time is minimal, especially compared to the four to six weeks needed for surgery.

Natural Look

Most people want their cosmetic treatments to be natural-looking. They don’t want obvious signs of work done on their face. Dermal fillers provide a natural look, with allowance for normal facial movements and expressions. 

Unlike procedures in which the facial expressions are changed permanently, fillers do so gradually and enhance specific areas over time.

Non-permanent

Dermal fillers include hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring by-product produced by the body. The presence of this acid means its effect will wear off over time since it is absorbed by the body. 

This becomes an added advantage for those people who do not want to commit to a permanent surgical procedure. In such instances, one gets the fillers refreshed now and then to maintain appearances. Fillers can be refreshed periodically to maintain a youthful look, and they typically last up to 18 months.

Quick Compared to Creams

Most people use anti-aging creams, which sometimes take several months to show their effect. However, fillers promise almost instant results by just injecting it into the right places of the face.

Reversible

Due to its temporary nature, the effects of such fillers are relatively easy to reverse in case the patient is not satisfied with them. An enzyme called Vitrase is administered shortly after the procedure and quickly reverses the effects.

What Are Some Possible Side Effects of Dermal Fillers

What Are Some Possible Side Effects of Dermal Fillers?

It is always recommended to consult an experienced medical professional before any cosmetic injectable procedure. All patients should be properly informed about both risks and possible complications from cosmetic injectables before treatment.

Common adverse effects of dermal fillers range according to the type of filler being used, as well as the filler’s durability. Mild adverse effects include but are not limited to:

  • Bruising
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Headaches
  • Itching
  • Bleeding at the injection site
  • Small lumps or nodules
  • Skin rash
  • Tingling or numbness

Serious complications are very rare, but some of the possibilities include:

  • Scarring
  • Abscesses (sores)
  • Infection at the site of injection
  • Skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation
  • Over-under-correction of the wrinkles
  • Allergic reactions
  • Improper placement of the filler
  • Asymmetry
  • Blindness

Most side effects are temporary and clear up within one week after treatment. Other reactions may persist for many months, some of which will need additional therapy. 

Why Choose Vancouver Laser for Dermal Fillers?

With over 27 years of experience, Vancouver Laser is a trusted leader in medical aesthetics. As clinical trainers in the industry, we offer the latest, advanced treatments using advanced techniques and technology. 

Our focus on personalized care ensures each client receives tailored treatment for natural, safe, and beautiful results. At Vancouver Laser, we prioritize your safety and comfort and it makes us the premier choice for dermal fillers.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers are a safe and effective method of enhancing one’s natural beauty by the restoration of volume, smoothing of wrinkles, and rejuvenation of features. Whether looking for subtle enhancements or more noticeable changes, choosing a provider with experience and expertise is key to achieving the best results. 

At Vancouver Laser, our 27+ years of industry leadership, advanced treatments, and commitment to personalized care make us the ideal choice for anyone considering dermal fillers. Book your consultation today to take the first step toward feeling more confident in your skin.

FAQs

How long do dermal fillers last?

The length of time dermal fillers last depends on the type of filler and the area treated. Most fillers last between 6 to 18 months. For instance, hyaluronic acid fillers for lips and facial enhancements usually last up to 6 months. Fillers for cheeks or jaw lines can last 12 to 18 months. Some fillers can last up to 2 years. However, factors like metabolism, lifestyle, and the specific filler can influence how long they last. You may need regular touch-ups to keep the results you want.

What is better Botox or dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers work best for treating static wrinkles that don’t involve muscle movement. They can also enhance skin texture, fill in depressions, and smooth out deep wrinkles. Additionally, fillers can address problems that Botox cannot, such as being injected into the lips.

Is filler cheaper than Botox?

Fillers usually cost between a few hundred and several thousand dollars per session. BOTOX generally costs less than fillers.

What Are Dermal Fillers? Types, Benefits & Side Effects

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