What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers can restore volume and fullness, smooth wrinkles, and provide a natural lift in the face. Ask your Forefront provider if dermal fillers are right for your rejuvenation goals.
How do dermal fillers work?
As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat. The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin surface, so smile lines and crow’s feet become more apparent, and skin starts to sag. Dermal fillers are typically composed of a smooth gel that is injected under the skin to restore lost volume. This results in a fuller face, tighter skin, and fewer wrinkles.
Dermal fillers vary in chemical make-up, from hyaluronic acid, to calcium hydroxylapatite, and other biocompatible materials. The different types of fillers have varying degrees of longevity and softness, which helps providers determine the best type of filler needed for particular areas. Softer fillers are used in the lips, for example, while sturdier fillers can enhance cheekbones.
What can dermal fillers treat?
Dermal fillers are commonly used to plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of recessed scars. The most requested areas for dermal filler treatment include nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and lips.
What can I expect after dermal filler treatment?
There is no downtime with dermal fillers. You can resume most activities right away. Your initial appearance after treatment with any dermal filler may include:
- An “over-filled” appearance to treated areas
- Mild swelling or bruising
- Temporary numbness or redness
- These conditions can be alleviated with topical icing and will improve within a matter of hours or just a few days.
In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single procedure. Most fillers dissipate over time. To maintain your correction, you will need to consider repeating the injection process at intervals.
What happens during dermal filler treatment?
After discussing your aesthetic goals, your Forefront provider will evaluate your facial appearance and skin tone and examine the areas of your face to be augmented. He or she will mark strategic points where injections will be made, and may also take “before” photographs of the areas to be treated. The treatment area will then be cleaned and a numbing agent will be applied.
Finally, a needle with dermal filler will be injected into the target area, which usually takes only a few moments per site. The process can take from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how large the size of the area.
Are dermal fillers for everyone?
Non-surgical rejuvenation treatments such as soft tissue fillers cannot achieve the same results as surgery. For some patients, the best approach to achieve aesthetic goals may be a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid lift. However, dermal fillers may be a good temporary solution until surgery fits within a patient’s lifestyle and budget.
Are dermal fillers safe?
Complications from dermal fillers are uncommon. Potential risks vary depending on the specific filler used and the relative permanence of the filler substance and may include:
Acne-like skin eruptions
Asymmetry
Bruising, bleeding from the injection site, swelling
Damage to the skin that results in a wound and possible scarring
Infection at the injection site
Lumps
Palpability of the filler under the surface of the skin
Skin rash with itching
Skin redness
Under- or over-correction of wrinkles
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