Dermal Filler
Fillers are a type of minimally invasive aesthetic medicine used to add volume, alter the contours of the face, and fill in wrinkles. Common areas to inject fillers are in the face, neck, and hands, resulting in a fuller, smoother and more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are among the most popular aesthetic procedures because they carry immediate results, very few risks and little recovery time.
Considerations
Pros
– Filler injections are quick and only require a topical anesthetic at most
– Results are immediate and there is little to no downtime
– Fillers provide a subtle look that can be adjusted to meet your aesthetic needs
Cons
– Fillers are temporary and require repeat injections to maintain your goal
– Some people may be sensitive and experience bruising and swelling
Am I a good candidate for fillers?
– If you have deep lines or wrinkles around the eyes, brow or mouth
– If you would like to change the contours of your jaw or lips
– If you would like to enhance the volume in areas such as the cheeks, jaw line or lips.
– If you have scars and depressions in the skin resulting from acne, injury or congenital imperfections.
About Your Procedure
How is a fillers procedure performed?
Fillers are administered with a syringe to various areas on the face and head, including around the eyes, along the jaw, around the lips and in the forehead. The number, location and depth of the injections depend largely on the type of dermal fillers used and the desired results.
Some fillers contain a local anesthetic like lidocaine to enhance comfort during injection. Numbing cream may also be used.
Preparing For Your Procedure
You’ll be asked to refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and any other medications that could cause bruising. Be sure to inform your physician of any medicines you are taking. Your doctor may ask you to stop smoking before the procedure. Regardless of the type of procedure to be performed, hydration is very important before and after treatment for safe recovery.
Aftercare And Recovery
Immediately after injection
You will likely see the results of your injections immediately following the procedure, though it’s not uncommon for patients to experience swelling or minimal bruising in the area of the injection site. Your physician may give you an ice pack or cold compress to help stem swelling. The period of swelling will depend largely on the type of soft tissue filler you received, though most swelling, bruising, and redness should dissipate within one week to ten days.
Recovery time frame
One of the most enticing features of soft tissue fillers is their minimal recovery time. In the approximate week it takes for swelling and bruising to disappear, your doctor may advise you to avoid wearing hats or other headgear and only use small amounts of makeup.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Results are typically visible after five or more years.
Limitations And Risks
– Swelling, bruising, or redness does not dissipate after one week
– You experience acute pain near the injection site coupled with asymmetry, lasting more than seven to ten days after the procedure
– You develop any nodules or bumps in or around injected areas or any uneven areas around the skin