Dermal filler treatment attracts over 3 million people in the United States yearly. This makes it one of today’s most popular cosmetic procedures. FDA-approved fillers rank among the safest esthetic treatments available if qualified professionals administer them.
Selecting the right cosmetic treatment can feel overwhelming. The impressive results speak clearly – clinical studies reveal that 95% of patients saw improved skin glow two years after treatment. The results can last 6 months to 2 years based on the filler type and treatment area. This makes it a reliable solution to achieve natural-looking facial improvements.
This piece covers everything about dermal fillers. You’ll learn about popular brands, treatment areas, aftercare steps and expected results.
What Exactly Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances that restore facial volume and boost features under the skin. These specialized gel-like substances work to reduce facial lines, smooth creases, and improve scar appearance.
The science of dermal fillers lies in their unique compositions. Hyaluronic acid, a compound that occurs naturally in our connective tissues, creates fullness by keeping moisture levels stable and delivering nutrients to the skin. On top of that, calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones, serves as another effective option.
People looking for longer-lasting results can choose poly-L-lactic acid fillers that trigger the body’s natural collagen production. These treatments can work effectively for up to two years. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers combine collagen with tiny balls that stay under the skin to provide lasting firmness and volume.
Dermal fillers do more than just treat wrinkles. These substances can:
- Improve shallow contours
- Soften facial creases
- Add volume to thin lips
- Improve recessed scars
- Restore facial volume lost to aging
Each type of filler is different in its chemical makeup and longevity. Some treatments need touch-ups after 6-12 months, while others can last several years. The choice of filler depends on your needs, treatment areas, and desired results.
Popular Filler Brands Carried By Elegance Esthetics Med Spa
Our Elegance Esthetics Med Spa proudly features four top FDA-approved dermal filler collections. Each collection brings its own special qualities and uses.
Juvederm Fillers Juvederm leads the US market as the most chosen dermal filler collection with six unique formulations. These hyaluronic acid-based fillers give natural-looking results that last. The numbers show that esthetic providers pick Juvederm more than twice as often as other dermal filler brands. Each product tackles specific needs – Voluma XC shapes cheeks and chin, Volbella XC smooths undereye and lip lines, Ultra XC adds fullness to lips, and Volux XC defines the jawline.
Restylane Fillers Restylane pioneered esthetic hyaluronic acid fillers and now has the widest range available. The collection shines especially when you have specific areas to enhance. Restylane Lyft and Contour create defined cheeks, while Eyelight brightens undereye areas – with 87% of patients saying they look more refreshed. You’ll also find specialized formulas to enhance lips and smooth facial wrinkles.
Radiesse Fillers We used calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) as the main ingredient in Radiesse, which works differently from hyaluronic acid fillers. This filler supports and triggers fibroblasts to make collagen for up to a year and elastin for up to nine months after a single injection. This means you get both immediate and lasting rejuvenation benefits.
Sculptra Sculptra stands out from other fillers by using poly-L-lactic acid to boost natural collagen production. Research shows that 95% of patients saw better skin glow two years after treatment. You’ll typically need three sessions over several months, but the results look natural and develop gradually.
Popular Injection Areas For Dermal Fillers
Different areas of the face and hands react differently to dermal filler treatment and provide unique esthetic improvements. Here’s a look at the most popular injection sites and their benefits.
Lips Lip fillers remain one of the most requested treatments, with over 2.1 million procedures completed in 2018. These injections last 12 to 18 months and add volume while smoothing wrinkles around the mouth area.
Chin Chin enhancement through fillers delivers immediate improvements in facial profile and symmetry. Research shows substantial improvements in chin shape and contour that last up to 12 months. About 87.1% of patients notice mild swelling that goes away quickly.
Cheeks Cheek fillers bring back lost volume and create lifting effects lasting between 6-18 months. The treatment helps with age-related volume loss and firms the skin throughout the lower face.
Jawline Jawline filler injections define facial contours and smooth wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid fillers last 6 to 12 months. PMMA fillers can maintain results for up to five years.
Under-Eye Under-eye fillers target the tear trough area and create a brighter, more refreshed look. While no filler has FDA approval for this area, hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common choice because they provide natural-looking results.
Hands Hand rejuvenation with fillers helps minimize volume loss and visible veins. Restylane Lyft became the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler for hand rejuvenation in 2018. Treatment typically needs 2cc per hand and results last about 6 months.
Who Can Get A Dermal Filler?
Getting dermal filler treatment requires a thorough evaluation of health factors and requirements. Medical professionals need to check these criteria to ensure safe and effective results.
An Ideal Candidate
Adults with good physical and psychological health make the best candidates. Patients should have realistic expectations about possible improvements and show commitment to skin health before treatment begins. Non-smokers often see better results because their bodies heal faster, and repeated smoking movements can affect how long the results last.
Minimum Requirements
The FDA requires patients to be 22 years or older for dermal filler treatment. Several medical conditions can affect your eligibility:
- You’ll need to wait if you have active infections, skin lesions, or inflammatory conditions near the treatment area
- People with multiple severe allergies or a history of anaphylaxis should stay away from certain fillers
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding means waiting until later because hormonal changes might affect your results
Patient safety comes first, which means full disclosure of medical history is essential. Blood thinner medications should stop one week before treatment unless your doctor approves otherwise. People with autoimmune conditions like HIV or rheumatoid arthritis can receive treatment if they show normal wound healing.
Some skin conditions like active dermatitis, psoriasis, or lichen planus might temporarily disqualify you. Dental infections, sinusitis, or periodontal disease need treatment first before moving forward with fillers.
The Elegance Esthetics Filler Treatment
Your dermal filler treatment trip at Elegance Esthetics starts with a full consultation. Our specialists review your facial features and discuss your esthetic goals during your first visit. We get into specific areas you want to boost, and mark strategic points for injection sites.
Consultation
Our medical team checks your complete health history, including allergies, medications, and previous cosmetic treatments. We take photographs to document your starting point and track your progress. This review helps us create a customized treatment plan that matches your needs.
Treatment & Injection
The procedure begins with skin cleansing using an antibacterial agent. We apply a topical anesthetic to keep you comfortable during treatment. The injection process takes 15-60 minutes, based on the number of areas we treat. Our team carefully massages and checks each treated area, adding filler when needed for optimal results.
Results
Patients see subtle improvements right after treatment. The hyaluronic acid gel blends with your skin tissues naturally and creates a smooth, natural-looking appearance. You’ll see results immediately, but the full effect develops over 3-4 weeks as the filler settles. Some mild swelling or bruising might occur after treatment, but this typically fades within a few days.
Taking Care Of Your Filler Treatments
The success of dermal filler treatments depends on proper preparation and aftercare. Your results will be better and complications less likely when you follow these guidelines.
Preparing For Your Filler Treatment
We stopped blood-thinning medications and supplements a week before treatment. Your safety comes first, so you should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort. You’ll need to stop using topical products such as tretinoin, retinoids, and glycolic acid two days before the procedure.
These activities should be avoided 48 hours before treatment:
- Waxing or using hair removal products
- Bleaching or tweezing the treatment area
- Using anti-aging skincare products
- Consuming alcohol
Aftercare Of Your Filler Treatment
The first 24 hours after treatment need special attention. You should apply ice packs for 10 minutes every hour to reduce swelling. Keep your head elevated while sleeping, even if you don’t feel any discomfort.
You must avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat exposure, and makeup application for the first day, whatever your treatment area. Dental procedures should wait at least two weeks until the original healing period ends. Stay away from facial treatments like chemical peels, lasers, and hydrafacials for at least 14 days after your procedure.
You should call your provider right away if you notice increasing pain, severe swelling, or unusual discoloration. Regular check-ups help track your progress, and you’ll see the final results about four weeks later.
Visit Elegance Esthetics Spa For Your Dermal Filler Treatment
Dermal fillers are a proven way to boost facial features, with millions of successful treatments done across the country. This piece covers everything in this transformative treatment – from FDA-approved brands to injection sites and aftercare steps.
Your safety comes first during the entire filler trip. Treatment success depends on medical supervision, proper preparation and careful aftercare. Clinical studies show impressive lasting power. Results can last 6 months to 2 years based on your filler choice.
Our premium filler options – Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra – work for a variety of esthetic needs while meeting strict safety standards. Each product has its unique purpose, so we can create treatment plans that match your goals.
Good candidate screening and expert techniques will give a great outcome. You might see some temporary side effects, but most patients need minimal recovery time and see results right away. Following aftercare guidelines helps keep your results looking natural throughout the treatment period.
Note that successful dermal filler treatments start with qualified professionals who value both safety and esthetic excellence. This knowledge helps patients make smart choices about their esthetic goals while keeping realistic expectations about possible results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients need to understand how dermal fillers work to make informed decisions about their esthetic experience. Here are answers to the most common questions about this popular cosmetic procedure.
Are dermal fillers safe?
Clinical studies show that dermal fillers rank among the safest cosmetic procedures. Less than 1% of patients experience major side effects. FDA-approved fillers administered by board-certified professionals maintain excellent safety records.
How long do results typically last?
The results depend on the type of filler used. Hyaluronic acid fillers last 6-12 months, and biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra can keep results for up to two years. Treatment area and individual metabolism rates also affect how long results will last.
What are the common side effects?
Treatment can cause temporary effects like swelling, bruising, and redness that go away within 7-14 days. Severe complications rarely occur but might include infection, lumps, or tissue damage.
Can fillers be removed if I’m not satisfied?
Unlike other cosmetic treatments, doctors can dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers using hyaluronidase when needed. The reversal shows results right away, though full effects may take 72 hours to develop.
Is the treatment painful?
Patients feel minimal discomfort during treatment. Providers use several pain management methods, including topical numbing creams and lidocaine-containing fillers. Many describe the sensation as a mild pinch or pressure.
What’s the difference between fillers and Botox?
Both treatments target aging concerns but work in different ways. Botox relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles, while fillers add volume to plump static wrinkles and enhance facial contours. These treatments work well together for complete rejuvenation.
