What are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?

Many obvious indications of aging are mostly due to volume loss in the four main structural elements of the face (skin, fat, bone, and muscle). For instance, the jawline may retract, the nose may descend, and high cheekbones may eventually disappear due to age-related bone loss in the face.  Also, the volume and flexibility of the facial muscles gradually deteriorate, and the deflation and movement of facial fat emphasize the aging process even more. Besides, our skin stretches and loses elasticity as we age. When combined with the loss of the support that fat, muscle, and bone once supplied, this results in wrinkles, drooping skin, and other well-known indications of aging. One medically proven solution that effectively mitigates the effects of aging is dermal fillers. So, what are dermal fillers? How does it work? Are there different types? Do read on as we examine dermal fillers in detail.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers fall under the category of nonsurgical cosmetic surgery and are typically injected just beneath the skin. They provide volume to the face, smooth out lines, and fill in wrinkles. Dermal fillers are frequently chosen by people who want to accentuate their facial characteristics or look younger. This optional procedure typically lasts under 30 minutes, with little downtime afterwards. Results can be evident quickly and persist for months or even years, depending on the filler type and the area. Additionally, dermal fillers come in many varieties, and it is best to consult a professional physician or healthcare provider regarding your options. Also note that, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are dangers associated with this injection for beauty, such as bleeding and bruising. 

How Do They Work?

So, what do dermal fillers do? Our bodies produce less elastin and collagen, two proteins that give us a young appearance as we age. Dermal fillers work by smoothening the deep facial creases that manifest as wrinkles. They also help restore the lost volume in these areas due to decreased elastin and collagen production.  At the initial appointment with a physician, patients often have their suitability for the procedure determined. Depending on the patient’s needs, the dermal filler treatment process may require several injections. The injection site is often the mid or deep level of the skin. The targeted face area undergoes numbing using a topical anesthetic lotion before the injection. After receiving filler injections, patients can go back to their regular routines, which include using cosmetics. For a few days following treatment, it is advisable not to massage the injected areas of the face.

What are the Types of Dermal Fillers?

Aside from the conventional dermal filler products from the market, there is also autologous fat grafting. This describes a process where healthcare professionals can employ fat from one’s body. “off-the-shelf” dermal fillers come in various varieties. Below are common dermal filler types;

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

This is an acid that naturally exists in the skin. The skin gets volume from it, and it stays moisturized. However, the body stops producing hyaluronic acid as we become older. Hyaluronic acid Injections help boost the body’s natural production of this acid, and its results often last six months to a year. Some approved, effective, and popular products containing HA include HyalDew Fine no Lido, Neuramis Volume Lido, Revolax Fine, and Dermalax Deep Plus. 

Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA)

PLLA is a chemical that aids in the body’s production of collagen. Medical professionals typically use poly-L-lactic acid to treat deep facial creases. The effects may persist for up to two years. Many Poly -lactic acid products are out there, but a few that work effectively include Etrebelle and AestheFill. 

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

This is a filler made of a material found within the bones. The effects of these fillers often persist for a year or so. For deeper wrinkles, healthcare professionals typically employ CaHA fillers. 

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

PMMA contains collagen and tiny balls that remain under your skin after being injected by the doctor. This product does not dissolve easily, thus keeping the skin firm for longer.  To get the right dermal filler for your skin needs, your healthcare professional will go over the different types of dermal fillers and talk to you about which one is best for you. You must discuss with them how to create reasonable goals and what to anticipate from injections.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers

What advantages of dermal fillers make them such a popular cosmetic injection procedure? Below are the benefits of dermal fillers;

Works Faster than Creams

Some people use anti-aging creams to combat the decline in elastin and collagen production that comes with age. Although these kinds of cosmetic items are effective, it may take months for those results to show. On the other hand, fillers in cosmetics often provide virtually instantaneous benefits, whereas these types of creams can be considered a long-term skincare alternative.

Least intrusive

Compared to plastic surgery, Dermal face fillers are minimally invasive. This not only means that the actual operation is less invasive than many surgical procedures performed by cosmetic surgeons. But it also means the treatment will be completed quicker than many more time-consuming methods.  A dermal filler for wrinkles and other facial issues will often last under an hour, depending on the type, so the patient’s regular activities won’t be interfered with. The recovery period is minimal compared to the four to six weeks of recovery time required by surgery.

Non-Permanent Yet Long lasting

Dermal fillers are a minimally invasive procedure, and since they commonly employ hyaluronic acid, which the body naturally generates, the effects gradually fade as the acid is reabsorbed over time. Many view this as a benefit as it does not necessitate a commitment to permanent surgery.  Regular top-ups of dermal fillers allow us to maintain a young appearance over time without surgery. Additionally, it should be emphasized that the results frequently last up to 18 months, negating the need for repeated dermal filler treatments.

Natural-Looking Result

Most individuals seeking cosmetic procedures share the desire for results that appear natural. Nobody wants to have visible evidence of cosmetic surgery on their body. This desired, organic appearance can be achieved with dermal filler injections, allowing for natural facial movements and expressions. In contrast, plastic surgery may cause the recipient’s facial expression to change permanently. That’s partly due to dermal fillers’ more progressive approach of gradually enhancing specific facial areas.

Easily Reversible

If a patient is unhappy with the outcome of their dermal filler treatment, there is a straightforward fix: they can undo the effects immediately. A Vitrase enzyme is employed in these circumstances. It can reverse the symptoms quickly and be injected immediately after the treatment.

Dermal Filler and Botox: What’s the difference?

You might not know the distinction between dermal fillers and Botox if you are unfamiliar with the variety of cosmetic facial treatment alternatives. The truth is that while these two approaches are comparable in some ways, they diverge dramatically in others. Both Botox and dermal fillers are minimally invasive skin treatments that target wrinkles, but one of the main distinctions between them is that Botox can only effectively cure facial lines that result from muscle movement. In other words, it does not treat facial lines caused by volume loss. This means that Botox can work great to treat horizontal lines on the forehead and ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes caused by frowning or squinting effectively.  Please note that Botox is ineffective for treating “static wrinkles,” which are facial features brought on by lower-face drooping and include “smile lines” (nasolabial folds). Additionally, Botox functions entirely differently from dermal fillers. When administered to specific regions, the botulinum toxin used in Botox blocks nerve signals in the muscles. The muscle is effectively “frozen” as a result, and the lack of movement in the desired area may greatly lessen or soften wrinkles.   However, there are many knock-off products in the market currently, and you might end up harming your face. This is why you should get your dermal fillers from certified distributors like Derma Solution, a leading cosmetic distribution brand that gets its products directly from manufacturers.