If you’re like many people, you’ve lost some volume in your face – and whether the volume loss is showing up as creases, shadows or a “deflated” look, there may be a solution for you: dermal fillers. Dermal fillers can be a quick fix that rejuvenate your facial appearance, but they’re not for everyone. This guide explains dermal fillers, how they work, where you can use them and what the process of getting them is like.
7 Reasons People Choose Dermal Fillers
People choose dermal fillers to improve their overall appearance. Sometimes people choose a specific area to target; some of the most common reasons people choose dermal fillers include treatment for:
- Lines or shadows around the corners of the mouth (known as marionette lines)
- Lip thinning
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Flattened cheeks
- Thinning around the temples
- Reshaping of the nose
- Filling out the chin
Related: Should you get a hydrafacial?
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that can rejuvenate your face. Fillers are gel-like substances that create fullness beneath your skin, and they can smooth out wrinkles at the same time. Dermal fillers are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. It’s important to work with a doctor who only uses FDA-approved dermal fillers to ensure you get safe – and effective – treatments.
Most dermal fillers are made from:
- Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar that’s already present in your body
- Calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral that’s a major component of your bones
- Poly-L-lactic acid, which is a biodegradable synthetic material
- Polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA, which is made from tiny beads that contain bovine collagen; this is the only type of FDA-approved dermal filler that your body cannot absorb over time
How Are Dermal Fillers Different From Cosmetic Surgery?
Dermal fillers are different from cosmetic surgery. A doctor uses a fine needle to inject fillers under your skin; unlike cosmetic surgery, there is no cutting involved. When you get fillers, you don’t need stitches, either. Dermal fillers are an excellent non-surgical solution to rejuvenate your face.
Your doctor will choose the right type of filler for the area you want to treat. Then, she’ll find just the right locations for your injections. Finally, she’ll use a tiny needle to inject the filler; those injections are designed to restore volume beneath your skin.
Related: What is facial rejuvenation?
Are Dermal Fillers Permanent?
Dermal fillers are not permanent. Your body typically absorbs the substances in dermal fillers over time; some last for six months to a year, while others can last for several years.
Where Can You Use Injectable Dermal Fillers?
You can use injectable dermal fillers just about anywhere you’ve lost volume beneath your skin. Many people choose to use them to fill in areas that have developed creases and wrinkles, as well as areas that need to be “plumped,” such as the lips, cheeks or chin. The best way to find out where fillers will work best for you is to consult with a doctor who can evaluate your facial appearance and make appropriate recommendations.
Related: How to fix dark circles under your eyes
Does it Hurt to Get Dermal Fillers?
Because a doctor is injecting your skin, you may feel some discomfort when you get fillers. However, the discomfort is very short-lived. You do need to know, though, that some parts of the face (such as the lips) may swell for a few hours after treatment, but the swelling will go away quickly.
How Quickly Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Fillers generally settle quickly. In fact, the results are almost immediate. Although every person is different, and individual results very, most people begin enjoying the results within 24 to 48 hours after injections. Even better, you have virtually no downtime when you choose dermal fillers; you can get them during a break from work and go straight back to your desk.
Related: How laser treatments can improve your skin tone and get rid of wrinkles
Ready to Talk About Dermal Fillers in Ann Arbor?
Our Ann Arbor med spa can help you get the look you want, from clear and youthful skin to fat reduction. Call or text us at 734-249-8722 or fill out the form below to get in touch.
