Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
Usually dermal fillers are used to:
- Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
- Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples
- Diminish vertical lip lines
- Plump & enhance the lips
- Smooth out a chin crease and improve jaw line
- Improve symmetry among facial features
- Enhance hydration of the skin – mesotherapy
- Nonsurgical rhinoplasty (liquid nose job) for smaller nasal deformities
Before procedure
During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can jeopardize your safety or results. For instance, you need to tell your cosmetic surgeon if you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners, as these increase the likelihood of bruising.
Description
Just before the actual treatment, the area will be cleaned. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anaesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment. Sometimes topical anaesthetics can be applied. Your provider will then inject a precise amount of filler with thin needle or cannula strategically beneath the skin.
Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections.
Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and should subside over the days following treatment. You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but your cosmetic surgeon may ask you to take the day off from exercise or other strenuous activity.
Postoperative instructions
- Avoid exercise for 24 hours.
- Use a soothing, antiseptic cream such as Bepanthen to treat the area.
- Sleep on your back for the first few nights to relieve pressure on the area and avoid disturbing the filler.
- Do not consume alcohol in the first 24 hours to avoid thinning the blood.
- Do not use AHAs, BHAs, Retinol, or Vitamin C for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid laser treatments, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels for 2 weeks following the procedure.
- If there’s anything you’re unsure about, consult your cosmetic injector.
Side effects
Common side effects according to the AAD, the following side effects — which tend to occur around the injection site — can be immediate, but usually clear within 7 to 14 days:
- redness
- swelling
- pain
- bruising
- itching
- rash
While much less common, you should be aware of the following rare side effects:
- infection
- leakage of the filler through the injection site
- nodules around the injection site, which may need to be surgically removed
- granulomas, a type of inflammatory reaction to the filler
- movement of the filler from one area to another
- injury to blood vessels
- blindness, which occurs when the filler gets injected into an artery, blocking blood flow to the eyes
- tissue death, again due to blocked blood.