What Are Dermal Fillers: Injectable Fillers Guide

The Metropolitan Skin Clinic is proud to offer dermal filler injections to restore volume to different areas of the body, namely the face. Both men and women may opt for dermal fillers to augment their lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, under eyes, nose, earlobes, or even hands.

If you’re wondering what fillers are and whether or not you’re a candidate, here’s everything you should know.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

So, what is dermal filler treatment, and how does it work? Fillers are made from hyaluronic gel substances that are carefully injected underneath the skin. The result is volume restoration, smoothing lines, softening creases, and enhancing the overall facial contours. Fillers are a cost-effective method of preserving youth without opting for surgery.

Dermal Fillers Uses

Dermal fillers often referred to as cosmetic fillers, can be used in a variety of areas depending on the desires of the patient. Although fillers are often associated with smoothing wrinkles, they have many more uses.

Popular issues that dermal fillers enhance include:

• Plump and enhance the appearance of the lips
• Restore facial volume to sunken temples or cheeks
• Smooth the lines around the mouth and the nose (referred to as smile lines or marionette lines)
• Reduce creases in the chin
• Help even the symmetry of facial features

Am I a Candidate for Fillers?

If it sounds like dermal fillers could be a solution to improve your confidence, you should first determine if you’re a good candidate.

Both men and women who are healthy and over the age of 21 are generally good candidates. If patients have a history of severe allergies and/or autoimmune disease, they are not considered to be the ideal candidate. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not receive fillers and should consult with their doctor to determine when they can proceed with treatment.

Choosing a Provider for Filler Treatments

Dermal filler treatment should only be executed by an experienced medical professional. Cutting corners or choosing a cheap, quick treatment option will only have negative ramifications in the future. There is a significant amount of training, knowledge, and artistry that ensure an overall safe, enjoyable experience. Make sure to choose a provider that is well-versed in facial symmetry and is incredibly precise.

Look for a proven background in cosmetic medicine and experience with filler injections. Registered nurses or a physician’s assistant can also perform injections, but make sure they have worked closely with a qualified physician to gain valuable experience.

What to Expect During Treatment

Knowing what to expect during your filler appointment can help calm your nerves. Here’s what’s involved in the process.

Pre-Treatment Consultation and Preparation

If you know you’ll be getting filler, make sure to stop taking blood-thinning products such as Advil and vitamin E supplements several days before your appointment. Then, you’ll meet with your medical professional to talk about your desired results. Together, you will develop a plan on what type of filler is best for you.

Injectable Filler Procedure

Once you’ve had your consultation, next comes the treatment itself. Depending on the area that is being injected, the process only takes anywhere from 10-25 minutes. Most injectors start with some sort of numbing cream to make the procedure more tolerable. Keep in mind that many dermal fillers on today’s market also have lidocaine to help reduce pain.

Recovery

You’ll notice redness, swelling, bruising or even lumps at or near the site of injection. This is entirely normal and should subside with time. Make sure to follow your post-dermal filler instructions, such as regularly icing, using Arnica Montana, and avoiding strenuous exercise.

You should also aim to sleep with your head elevated for 2-3 days post-treatment to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. If you’re wondering how long it takes for fillers to settle, know that it can take as long as 2-6 weeks to see the full results.

How Long Do Fillers Last?

How long dermal fillers last depends on the type of filler used, in addition to how your body processes it. As a general rule of thumb for dermal fillers, the denser the product and the deeper the injection, the longer it will last.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the safest and most natural-looking and usually the most temporary filler choice. Results last anywhere from 6-18 months. Synthetic fillers will usually last longer as the body doesn’t absorb them. Patients opting for synthetic fillers should be ready to commit to years of results.

Risks and Side Effects

Although uncommon, it’s possible to experience dermal filler complications post-procedure. If you’re noticing abnormal healing signs or unmentioned side effects, make sure to get in touch with your medical professional as soon as possible.

Here are some signs you should reach out to your doctor:

• Redness, bruising, or swelling that lasts more than one week
• Acute pain development on or near the injection site
• Asymmetry in your results that last 7-10 days following the procedure
• Bumps or nodules that develop around the injection site

You’re in Great Hands at the Metropolitan Skin Clinic

We know that finding the right filler injector can be difficult, but our team at the Metropolitan Skin Clinic is experienced and ready to help boost your confidence! If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation, please contact us today.