What is Dermal Filler? What Does It Do?

In Modern days, both injectables and fillers are a very common treatments for reducing facial wrinkles. However, unlike injectables such as Dysport, which temporarily paralyze active muscles, fillers are used to plump up problem areas to lift and soften the appearance of wrinkles. (Dr. Tito L. Vasquez of Connecticut Plastic Surgery Group in Southport, Connecticut, reviews the basics of injectable fillers).

Injectable fillers can be used to plump lips, enhance sunken areas of the face, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of resolved scars. Dermal Fillers are a great choice for those who have these aesthetic concerns but does not want to undergo harsh invasive procedures.

The Ideal candidates for fillers should be for those people who are in good general health, are non-smokers, and are realistic about the results of the procedure. It is important that patients understand what these fillers can and cannot do for them so that they are fully aware of the results. For example, fillers cannot achieve the same results as a facelift or forehead lift. There are many different fillers on the market today. At my practice, we offer a number of options, including Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Belotero, Bellafill and Radiesse.

Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Voluma and Belotero are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, a substance that occurs naturally in the body.Radiesse is not an HA filler, but is designed to allow the body to create volume by using the body’s own inflammatory processes.Bellafill is a permanent filler. Because injectable fillers are minimally invasive, there is no scarring during treatment.

Our clinic also offers fat grafting injections as an option. For this technique, one’s own fat can be harvested from another location on the patient’s body and used as a natural filler. If the patient has a significant amount of fat in another remote location on the body, it can be obtained through liposuction. Of course, this will create a secondary surgical site that may have additional complications or scarring. It is best to determine if this option is right for you at the time of your consultation.

When a patient wishes to have a filler injection treatment, I will first assess the patient’s facial structure and skin tone to better understand where the filler should be placed. I will then inject the filler into the designated areas. Most patients tolerate the injections well, although some request a topical numbing cream prior to injection. The entire injection procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas to be treated.

After treatment, I recommend that patients use an ice pack to reduce any swelling that may occur. There is usually no downtime required after treatment with injectable fillers. In most treatments, the results are immediate, however, how long it lasts depends on the type of filler used.

For more information, Please contact us at ma360.com.au