Things to Know Before Trying Dermal Fillers

As skin ages, it is only natural that you should see change in its composition. You might notice that your lips begin to thin, that there are shadows and circles under your eyes, that static wrinkles are beginning to form, particularly around the lower part of your face, and that you are beginning to look “deflated.” These can be caused by any number of factors–your body’s natural depletion of collagen and loss of elasticity in the skin, making it more prone to the pull of gravity, sun exposure, air pollution–to name a few. While these processes are completely natural, and most everyone can expect to experience them to one degree or another, advances in cosmetic technology have made it much easier to minimize and stave off these signs of aging. 

Cosmetic surgery has been considered the gold standard for facial rejuvenation for many years; however, not everyone is ready to take the plunge and “go under the knife,” so to speak. Luckily for those who are apprehensive, there are now several less drastic alternatives to surgery, perfect for dipping your toes into the world of cosmetic procedures. One of the most popular and accessible of these options are dermal fillers. In the 21st century, filler injections have quickly become a ubiquitous method for tissue re-inflation. Fillers can be temporary, semi-permanent or permanent and are composed of a variety of active ingredients including collagen, hyaluronic gels, calcium microspheres, and even your own fat. Curious to know more? Continue reading to find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dermal fillers.

What are dermal fillers and what conditions do they address?

Dermal fillers are injectable soft tissue that is injected at different depths to plump up, fill and smooth out skin. These facial injections are used to correct a number of common signs of aging. They can be used to fill out thinning lips, to plump up the under-eye area and eliminate circles and hollows, to fill in lines, static wrinkles and folds, to address sagging skin, and to reduce the appearance of pitted acne scars; they can even be used to perform non-surgical nose jobs. The result of dermal injections is smoother, plumper, younger-looking skin.

What are the different kinds of dermal fillers? 

At Amadi Aesthetics, we offer a range of dermal fillers intended to address different conditions. All of our fillers are FDA approved and are comprised of either natural or synthetic substances.

 

Hyaluronic Acid: The most common base for dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a sugar that is found naturally in the skin, eyes and joints. HA plays a huge part in keeping these areas lubricated and helps to keep skin moisturized. It is also largely responsible for skin maintenance including wound healing. Topical HA is commonly recommended for wounds to assist in healing and skin regeneration. Injectable HA is often preferential over other forms of filler due to its natural presence in the body; there is very low risk of adverse side-effects or allergic reaction and it is more easily absorbed than some synthetic substances.

RADIESSE®: Radiesse contains calcium-based microspheres that create immediate volumization and act as a scaffold for your natural collagen. Not only does it provide instant results, it stimulates natural collagen growth around the injection site, resulting in a fuller, more lifted appearance. Radiesse is ideal for correcting nasolabial folds, marionette lines, corners of the mouth, pre-jowls, and contouring the jawline. Results from Radiesse usually last up to one year.

Sculptra®: Sculptra® Aesthetic is made from poly-L-lactic acid, which helps stimulate the production of your own collagen. Results from Sculptra are gradual, taking weeks or even months to develop, but are more long-lasting than other injectables. Several sessions over many months may be required to achieve your desired results with Sculptra but results will last up to 2 and in some cases even 3 years

Bellafill: Bellafill is an injectable collagen gel that provides immediate volume and lift using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. Bellafill is used to reduce the appearance of atrophic acne scars and to stimulate collagen production, filling in fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike HA fillers, Bellafill does not get reabsorbed into the skin and therefore is longer lasting. Bellafill contains bovine collagen and so requires a skin test to determine presence of an allergy. Two sessions are usually required to achieve desired results which last up to 5 years.

Fat Injections: The most natural injectable is something that you already have on your body: your own fat. To perform this procedure, fat is literally taken from one part of your body via liposuction and transferred to the area requiring attention. The fat injected will increase volume and enhance contouring. Results from a fat injection are permanent. 

What can I expect during and after treatment?

Your first step to getting dermal fillers is to book a consultation with your practitioner. During this initial appointment, you will discuss with your doctor what you like and don’t like about your skin, what your goals are and together you will set realistic expectations. Once you’ve had a thorough discussion with your doctor and they have determined which product is appropriate for you, you can book your treatment.
Dermal filler injections are minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures that can be done in your doctor’s office under general anesthetic. After the anesthetic has been applied, your chosen product will be injected into the desired area, which will then be massaged by your doctor, to ensure even distribution. Dermal filler treatments usually take between 15-20 minutes.

Recovery:

Because this is a non-invasive procedure, there is minimal downtime after a filler treatment. You may experience some minimal swelling and slight bruising at the injection site, but this should subside within a week and can usually be covered with makeup. Most people return to normal activities the same day. You should avoid sun exposure, exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours post-treatment. Your doctor will advise on this and any other steps required for a swift and smooth recovery.

When will I see results and how long will they last?

Speed and longevity of results relies on the product administered. Your results may be immediate, but usually take a couple of weeks to be fully visible and can last anywhere from one to several years. Your doctor will cover this in your consultation, when you discuss your desired outcome and decide on which product is appropriate for your specific condition(s).

Risks and side effects:

The most common side effects from injectables are redness, bruising and swelling at the injection site which will subside over the days following the treatment and should be gone within a week. As long as dermal fillers are injected correctly by a licensed and experienced practitioner, risks and side effects are minimal. If they are not administered properly, infections, asymmetry, bumps and hard lumps called granulomas may occur, but these are rare. This is why you should always make sure to see a doctor with the proper training and experience such as at Amadi Aesthetics.

Allergic reactions can happen which is why you should make sure to tell your injector about any allergies you are aware of, especially to collagen. HA fillers should not cause an allergic reaction as this is a substance that is naturally occurring and already present in the body. An allergy test will be performed prior to administering fillers such as Bellafill in case of an unknown allergy to bovine collagen.

Before and After Photos:

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Curious to know if dermal fillers are right for you?

Book a consultation today and we can discuss your options and guide you in making a decision that will help you reach your beauty goals.

Testimonials:

“I had an amazing experience!”

– Patient Seattle, WA –

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