Dermal fillers are safe, quick, and effective in improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These minimally invasive procedures that do not involve surgery and have little to no recovery time are an appealing form of treatment for those wishing to obtain a more youthful appearance.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers, also known as soft-tissue fillers or soft-tissue augmentation, are substances designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness back into the targeted area, common areas include cheeks, lips, and the area around the mouth.
Dermal fillers work to treat various signs of aging. As we age, our faces naturally lose fat and facial muscles begin to work closer to the surface of our skin, making lines become more apparent. Other factors include sun exposure, heredity, and lifestyle. Dermal fillers help to diminish fine lines and restore fullness back into your appearance.
There are many types of dermal fillers out there to help patients achieve their desired results. Your physician will use his or her expertise to determine the right filler for your needs. They can be done as a stand-alone treatment or in addition to other treatments such as cosmetic surgery.
What can dermal fillers correct?
Not all dermal fillers are the same. They can be made with different formulas and solutions to target various areas and issues.
Dermal fillers can correct:
- Thinning lips
- Fill in shallow areas
- Decrease shadows or wrinkles under eyes
- Soften the appearance of scars
- Diminish wrinkles and fine lines
- And more!
It is important to note that dermal fillers are a temporary form of treatment for signs of aging and multiple treatments may be needed to achieve long-term results.
What is the procedure like?
After a consultation and approval from your doctor, tests may be done to ensure you will not experience an allergic reaction to the treatment.
Most filler treatments will be completed within an hour in an office visit. Depending on the type of injection used, ice or numbing cream may be applied before injection. The filler will then be injected into the desired area. A slight stinging or burning sensation may be felt during the injection.
Results and recovery
Depending on the type of filler used, results may last anywhere from 2 months to 2 years. Patients often report seeing results immediately after a single treatment, though more may be required to achieve desired results.
Dermal fillers require minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to work directly following treatments. However, patients are told to avoid strenuous activities and excessive sun or heat exposure within the first 24 hours following treatment.
Are there any risks?
The most common side effects associated with dermal fillers include allergic reaction to the filler, bruising at the injection site, numbness, and temporary redness, swelling, or discoloration.
We do not recommend over-filling areas to produce a more natural appearance in patients.
If you are looking for a non-surgical facelift or you just want to smooth out a few fine lines or wrinkles, dermal fillers may be right for you. Dermal fillers help millions of people every year to achieve a more relaxed and full appearance without a large sacrifice in time and recovery. Contact Washington Dermatology Consultants today for more information about how we can help you.
