Non-invasive and minimally invasive skin rejuvenating treatments, like dermal fillers, continue to hold their weight in gold as popular treatments that restore volume to the face while diminishing the signs of aging, but knowing every last detail about them is a lot to take in. Deciphering how they work, what they treat, and the most appropriate dermal fillers are vital to achieving good results. So consider this the ultimate guide to everything you need about dermal fillers—no stone left unturned.
How do dermal fillers work?
The main goal of injectable dermal fillers is to restore volume to certain facial features, such as the cheeks or lips, by attracting water to the area for a plumping effect. Changes in facial fat and decreased collagen and elastin levels are the leading causes of age-related lines and wrinkles.
Dermal fillers work well for all skin types and tones and improve a variety of age-related concerns because of their versatility. But not all injectable dermal fillers are the same. These are the most popular and different types of dermal fillers:
- Collagen-stimulating dermal fillers consist of either calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse). This filler smoothes out more severe facial folds and creases like those around the mouth. It also adds fullness to the face and enhances the appearance of the jawline by stimulating collagen production. In addition, the results are longer-lasting, and there’s no need to worry about migration, which can occur with hyaluronic acid fillers.
- Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers (Juvederm and Restylane) are the most popular. Hyaluronic acid contains a synthetic gel version of the same hyaluronic acid naturally found in the body. This filler improves lines, wrinkles, and folds, adding volume to the temples, cheeks, and lips and enhancing the nose and jawline.
- Polylactic acid (Sculptra) creates collagen over time. It helps fill lines, wrinkles, deep folds, creases, and hollow areas. While it may provide initial volume, the results appear gradually over a few months at the injection site. Also, a few sessions are often needed to achieve full results.
- Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (Bellafill), known as PMMA, are semi-permanent and treat more severe facial folds, creases, lines, and wrinkles. It also works well for correcting and smoothing out pitted scars. However, PMMA fillers also take time to see the results (usually upwards of three months) since it takes time for the product to create the volume.
What is the experience like when getting dermal fillers?
While it may sound scary to have something injected into your face, receiving dermal fillers is nothing to worry about. The procedure is performed daily at medical spas nationwide and worldwide, making it a safe treatment.
After a consultation to assess which type of filler will best benefit the areas that need volume replacement, your injector will apply topical numbing cream. However, it’s rare, but some injectors also inject a local anesthetic to make the entire procedure more comfortable. Then, a small amount of dermal filler is injected into the space below the skin with either a needle or a cannula, depending on your injector’s injection technique and style, the product used, and the treatment area. Most dermal filler injections are quick and can be completed in under 30 minutes with minimal downtime (mild bruising and swelling may be seen immediately following the injections, which is normal and subsides within a few days).
With hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, the results are seen instantly, and full results are seen in the days following the procedures. Collagen-stimulating dermal fillers take longer to produce a result but often show an immediate boost in volume which is soon replaced with collagen as it is made.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Each dermal filler has different longevity based on where it is injected. Areas with more movement than others, like the lips, for example, don’t last as long as other parts of the face with minimal movement. Of course, the injectable used also determines how long dermal fillers last.
In general, the results of dermal fillers last a few months, about six to 12 months, to a few years. Your metabolism also influences how long dermal fillers last.
Where the dermal filler is injected into the face, how much is placed, the type of filler used, and how fast your body naturally metabolizes the filler all influence how long your results will last.
Can the results be reversed if they don’t look right?
Some fillers are reversible; others are not. Your injector can undo the results of hyaluronic acid fillers, but all other fillers must wear away on their own.
To reverse the results of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, a particular injectable enzyme known as hyaluronidase is used to dissolve them.
Can you go in the sun after dermal fillers?
It’s best to avoid unnecessary sun exposure at all costs (it’s known that sun exposure isn’t good for skin health and instigates premature aging). Still, if you go in the sun after skin treatments, you can drastically compromise the results of the filler. Scientific research and studies show the UV radiation emitted by the sun can break down hyaluronic acid in these fillers. So if you spend time in the sun, it’s important to always protect the skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and wear topical antioxidants daily to help fight free radical damage.
What’s the best place to get dermal fillers in Atlanta?
If you are interested in injectable dermal fillers in Atlanta, the best choice is Charette Cosmetics.
Charette Cosmetics medical spas feature the most scientifically advanced beauty, anti-aging, and skin treatments to address every concern while enhancing your self-confidence and commitment to self-care. We strongly believe in the benefits of customizing aesthetic treatments since each client’s skin care needs differ. By tailoring treatments and timelines for each patient instead of rushing or administering pre-packaged solutions, our approach gives patients the excellent outcomes they deserve.
Charette Cosmetics also has other locations in addition to the Atlanta one. To find a provider near you, schedule a consultation today.
