In 2020, 3.4 million people got dermal fillers in the United States. This is second only to the number of botox injections.
It is no secret that slight tweaks to your face to smooth out the aging process are no longer taboo. And with so many people adopting dermal filler treatments, it is clear that we have perfected the art of getting a bit of work done and still looking natural.
You might still be wondering what is dermal filler? Meanwhile, some of your friends suddenly look several years younger.
Gone are the days when anyone who ventured into anti-aging cosmetic procedures was immediately recognizable from their swollen cheeks and frozen foreheads.
Just look at our celebrities! After a period of overtly obvious facial work, several famous people have admitted they needed to go back and try again, opting for a more natural look.
Read on to learn more about dermal filler and how to exit your appointment looking as natural as possible.
What Is Dermal Filler?
As we get older, our bodies put the brakes on our production of collagen. Collagen is an important protein that is crucial for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and plumpness.
You can find it all over the body, in muscles, bones, and tissues.
Collagen is made by a kind of cell known as fibroblasts, which produce less collagen over time. While this happens naturally, the process is sped up when we smoke, drink, and spend too much time in the sun.
So what does that mean for our youthful skin?
Well, it begins to sag. Wrinkles form, your eyes start to droop, and the skin on your neck gets noticeable looser. Loss of fat volume is another reason our skin changes as we get older. Our eyes look more hooded and hollow, and our lips get thinner.
Dermal filler treatment is when a substance is injected into various parts of the face to replace this loss of volume and mimic youthfulness. Some types of dermal filler merely plump out wrinkles and lines, while others can stimulate collagen production.
Most procedures take less than an hour, and results can last from 6 months to two years.
What Can Fillers Be Used For?
If you are new to the world of anti-aging injectables, you might only have heard of filler when you see a celebrity with exaggerated puffy lips.
But don’t be afraid, for the dermal filler benefits are many. Filler can be carefully applied to several parts of the face with a much more natural outcome. A dermal filler procedure can:
- Fill in and smooth marionette lines around the mouth and smile lines
- Improve symmetry in your facial features
- Restore cheek or temple volume
- Enhance lips and fill in lip lines
- Improve appearance of a weak chin
- Treat acne scars
- Improve eye bags and hollowness
- Freshen up aging hands
Different Types of Dermal Fillers
There are several different types of dermal filler that you might encounter. Some are better at treating certain problems than others.
1) Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural gel-like substance that occurs in your body, including the skin, eyes, and joint fluids. In recent years it has been a buzzword in the beauty industry and has become an essential ingredient in topical creams, serums, and dermal fillers.
Some of the well-known brand names include Juvederm and Restylane, which have a variety of products targeting different areas of the face.
2) Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral that is found in human bones. It is a thicker substance than hyaluronic acid. It is used for deeper creases such as nasolabial folds and frown lines. It lasts for about a year and is also suitable for contouring the face.
This dermal filler is known for producing a more natural result, and side effects are rare.
3) Poly-L-lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid is a filler gel that itself only lasts for a few days but stimulates the production of natural collagen. This dermal filler treatment can last for up to two years. It is often used for deeper facial wrinkles.
How to Get a Natural Look
The point of dermal filler procedures is to look a little bit younger, not to look like someone who just got facial filler.
The first step to getting a natural look is to start small. If you get over-excited and ask your injector to put more filler in, you might end up looking fake. Follow the advice of the professional who is carrying out the treatment.
Choose your professional very carefully. Whenever you are undergoing any medical procedure that involves injecting anything into your face, choose someone who has a medical license. Ideally, you want someone who has studied facial anatomy and has extensive experience in dermal filler procedures.
Speak to the person who will be doing the injecting, and you will get a sense of how much they prioritize a natural look. A good idea is to ask for before and after photos of other clients.
Ask questions about the type of dermal filler that will be used, and do your research on whether this is the most appropriate for your specific concern.
Freshen up Your Face Now
None of us can beat the aging process altogether, but there are ways to slow its ravages. Whether you are just starting to spot the first signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, or want to smooth out deep wrinkles, there are options for you.
Now that you have got the answer to what is dermal filler, contact us now for a free consultation and see what procedure will work best for you.
