What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid. They are injected into the face to fill in wrinkles and help replace volume loss. Volume loss occurs due to the slowing of collagen production which begins in our mid-twenties. Fillers can be injected in different parts of the face. Some common areas are the eyes, cheeks, mouth and the lips.
How do they work?
As stated above, fillers are going to restore volume loss. Hyaluronic acid is going to help smooth and plump the face. How many syringes you will need will depend on how much correction is needed. A plastic surgeon once told me to figure on a syringe a decade. In your thirties you need three, forties you need four, fifties you need five and so on. You do not need to start off with this many syringes (sounds scary I know!) One syringe of filler is only about a fifth of a teaspoon…a very small amount. So, if you are wanting multiple areas corrected, you may need multiple syringes. It is very important to have a consultation so you can discuss this with the injector.
Are fillers different from Botox/Dysport?
YES!! Botox and Dysport work by relaxing small muscles in the face. When the muscles are relaxed, the wrinkles will look smooth and softened. Dermal fillers work by plumping from below the wrinkles to make them smooth. This helps to promote a youthful look.
How long do they last?
This depends on how your body reacts to the type of filler that is used. There are A LOT of different types of filler on the market. There are ones for the mid face, lower face and lips. Again, having a consultation is crucial in order to help determine which filler is right for you. Most fillers are going to last in a range from nine to eighteen months.
Do fillers hurt?
There is usually a slight discomfort getting the filler injected in the face. Most of the time a topical anesthetic cream can be applied about fifteen to twenty minutes prior to the injection. To provide further relief, most fillers on the market today have lidocaine mixed in the syringe.
