Dermal fillers are types of injectable fillers that contain gel-like and soft substances injected under your skin. Dermal fillers are not to be confused with Botox fillers that reduce wrinkles on the face by minimizing muscle activity in the face.
Dermal fillers are used to address various common skin concerns, including;
- Aging
- Lifting cheekbones
- Smoothening deep circles under the eye
- Smoothening of the nasolabial and lip folds (creases running from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth)
- Volumizing the lips
- Rejuvenation of the hands
Some of the substances used in dermal lifts may be naturally occurring, while others may be synthetic. One of the most commonly used substances is HA (hyaluronic acid) which volumes and moisturizes the skin. Dermal fillers may also use fat and collagen.
While dermal fillers play an important role in making the skin look young and smooth, it has many more advantages and disadvantages that you need to know before undertaking the procedure.
Pros of Dermal Fillers
1. Immediate visible results
With many procedures done to the face, we all want to have results as soon as possible, and that is exactly what dermal fillers give you. After the dermal filler is injected into the targeted area, the wrinkles start to disappear immediately, or you can start seeing the added volume immediately.
After just a few days, you will be able to see and enjoy the full effects of the dermal filler.
2. Quick
Since dermal fillers are injectable fillers and not surgical, the procedure can take as little as 10 minutes to complete, depending on how much work you want to be done. You also do not have to take time off your work or daily routine because you need to heal.
Unlike surgical methods to enhance your facial appearance, where you have to wait for weeks to heal, dermal fillers only need a few days. While you may experience minimal swelling just after the injections, those will be gone after around two days.
3. Long-lasting effects
While the dermal filler effects are not permanent, they will leave you looking youthful for almost a whole year. To ensure that they last that long and still look good, you need to make regular appointments with your surgeon, especially after the first 4-6 months.
You can also have another filler just before the previous one completely metabolizes to keep your skin looking as good as when you had the injection the first time.
4. Boosts self-confidence
This is probably one of the biggest advantages of having a dermal filler. We all have our insecurities, like the lines at the side of our noses and mouths or naturally small lips. Those insecurities may make it hard for us to make public appearances.
However, with a dermal filler, all those insecurities will be undone, and you get the chance to achieve your perfect skin. That will not only make you look good but will also make it easier for you to attend public functions.
5. Fewer risks
Some of the only risks you can have after getting a dermal filler are redness and soreness on the injection sites, which wear off after just a few days. That is unlike surgical methods where you risk the appearance of scars of having infections on the surgical sites.
Also, with dermal fillers, you do not have the risk of getting any negative reactions with the products used because most of them, like hyaluronic acid and collagen, naturally occur on the skin.
That means that not only do they help you look good, but they also do your skin a lot of good because they boost your skin’s production of those natural elements.
6. Subtle effects
One of the main things people want after having any work done is that it looks natural. You do not want to look like a different person or have some parts of your skin look different than others.
That is one thing that dermal fillers offer. The results will be noticeable, but they will not look overdone.
That is because the substances used are either naturally produced by the skin or will promote the production of substances like collagen from the skin, which helps brighten the skin naturally.
7. Benefits the skin
Getting dermal fillers, especially those that use hyaluronic acid and collagen, not only helps boost your appearance but also has additional benefits to your skin. Hyaluronic acid can help in wound healing and keeping your bones lubricated, which relieves joint pains.
It also helps to keep your lips more moisturized. Collagen, on the other hand, also helps in relieving joint pain. It also helps in boosting muscle mass and strengthening your hair and nails.
Cons of Dermal Fillers
1. Not permanent results
While the results are long-lasting, they are not permanent. That means that if you want the results to last longer than the maximum time dermal fillers last (around a year), you have to keep visiting your doctor to get it done again.
2. Varying results
You cannot be guaranteed that the results gotten by someone else who had dermal fillers will be the same results you get. Depending on your body and the type of dermal filler used, the results may be different.
Also, how long they last might be different, also because of body changes and the types of fillers used.
3. Costly
Because dermal fillers are among the most used and effective cosmetic treatments, they are more pricey than others. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, a dermal filler’s average cost is between $600 and $2000.
Also, another factor that makes it expensive, not only upfront but in the long run, is that you have to keep getting done over time to keep the results looking as good as the first time.
While dermal fillers are fast to administer and easier to manage, you must talk to your doctor before having the procedure. Explain your goals and have the doctor examine you to ensure you are viable for the procedure.
Also, ask how you can effectively prepare yourself before the procedure to ensure everything goes according to plan. Also, ask about all possible risks you may have and how to deal with them.
