The world of beauty is constantly shifting and there's no clearer picture of that than the rising popularity of dermal fillers. You're probably wondering how friends on social media seem to be aging backward or looking brand new when you meet up with them. They could be eating more veggies but it also could be dermal fillers.
If you're interested in dipping your toes in the world of injectable fillers, it can be overwhelming. After all, there's a lot of scary information that might keep you from trying any treatments out. This guide is here to help.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of dermal fillers and if they're right for you.
What Exactly Are Dermal Fillers?
The first thing you should know is that dermal fillers aren't botox. Both are approved FDA and Health Canada Approved but are used for different treatments.
Botox "freezes" muscles to help reduce wrinkles and dermal fillers are injectable implants that smooth wrinkles and skin.
As we get older, our faces begin to age and lose subcutaneous fat. This results in facial muscles working closer to the skin surface which results in crow's feet and smile lines.
Dermal fillers help:
Enhance shallow contours
Soften wrinkles and facial creases
Improve the appearance of recessed scars
Plump thin lips
Decrease the shadow of lower lids
If you have aging skin concerns, dermal fillers are a great way to tackle those worries in a minimally invasive manner.
Common Types of Dermal Fillers
There isn't one type of dermal filler, there are four different categories. Each is named after the material that they are made out of.
The first is hyaluronic acid which is naturally produced by your body and found in skin and cartilage. Then there's calcium hydroxyapatite which is a mineral found in your bones.
The next is Poly-L-lactic acid which is a synthetic biodegradable material that is also used to make medical items like dissolvable stitches. Finally, there are polymethylmethacrylate beads which are the only fillers that aren't absorbed by the body. This means they're permanent.
The most popular type of dermal filler is hyaluronic acid. This is because it helps skin retain moisture and keep your face looking hydrated and plump. Your favorite skincare products likely have hyaluronic acid as an ingredient but it's not as potent as injectables.
Restylane and Juvéderm are the two most popular name-brand hyaluronic fillers.
How Do I Know Which to Try?
Since every person is different, there is no way to accurately inform you on which is the perfect dermal filler for you. That's why the right doctor will be the one to explain the ideal treatment plan for you. Natural-looking results may require more than one filler.
There are a variety of brands when it comes to fillers within each of the categories and the products vary in how they're meant to be used. Restylane, for example, has larger particle sizes and that helps 'rebuild' thinned cheekbones better than treatment with smaller particle sizes.
Talk to a professional about what options are best for your skin rejuvenation journey. You're always able to do more research on your own and see what past customers have said.
If you're thinking of lip fillers but looking for a less invasive option, consider getting a lip flip. This is an increasingly popular option in which the physician injects botox to your top lip. The results are natural-looking and a great option if you're not ready for fillers yet.
What Precautions Should I Take?
Safety should be your top priority. Although injectable fillers are a minimally invasive treatment, they're still a medical procedure. That's why you'll want to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to ensure that your physician is experienced.
The certification proves that they completed additional training in their specialty. That's why you want to take your time when going through the different clinic options. You should see only licensed and trained physicians to avoid discoloration, lumps, or infection.
What About Side Effects?
Even if dermal fillers aren't a surgical procedure, it still comes with risks. The most common are pain, swelling, bruising, and redness. Fortunately, these all go away within two weeks.
Although it's rare, some people get raised bumps under their skin that need to get treated with medication or additional injections. Even more rare is filler accidentally being injected into your bloodstream which can cause blurred vision.
If your skin turns blue and you're in a lot of pain after filler, you'll need to call your doctor or go to the emergency room. These are two signs that the filler may have entered your bloodstream. This may seem concerning but if you visit a professional, you have nothing to worry about.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Fixing age-related skin issues can be costly and it's fair to want long-lasting results. Otherwise, fillers can quickly become an extravagant and short-lived option.
The majority of fillers aren't permanent so you'll need to continue to return to your doctor's office if you enjoy the results. After six months of filler, your body begins to break down the components of the injectables.
Some fillers last over a year and others two years, it depends on how your body breaks things down.
The good news is that if you want to try fillers and don't want a permanent result, you won't have to worry about reversing the treatment.
A Guide to Dermal Fillers
It's no secret that touching up your appearance can lead to a confidence boost. This improves your overall quality of life. There is such a thing as taking it too far, however, and you'll want to be careful to not let it get out of hand.
The first step to getting dermal fillers that you'll be happy with is to do the right research. There's a safe way to go about it and having the patience to not jump directly into it will give you the peace of mind necessary. Get ready to look and feel better than ever.
Interested in getting lip or dermal filler in Ajax? Look no further because BYC has all of your beauty needs. Be sure to look at our services and contact us today to book an appointment!