What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are natural or synthetic collagen injected into the deeper layer of skin (dermis) for the augmentation of soft tissues. Dermal fillers are used very frequently for wrinkles, scars, and creases due to aging. Various substances used as dermal fillers are collagen, fat, silicone, etc.
For better efficacy and good cosmetic results, the dermal filler should be safe, effective, non-carcinogenic, non-teratogenic, inert, and durable.
How Are Dermal Fillers Classified?
Dermal fillers can be classified based on the following:
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Origin - natural or synthetic.
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Source - autograft or allograft, or heterograft.
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Content - collagen or fat or hyaluronic acid or silicon or peptides.
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Duration of effect - temporary or permanent.
What Are the Substances Used in Dermal Fillers?
It is also called soft tissue fillers, which consist of substances that can be injected below the skin's surface to add volume and fullness. The substances that are used in dermal fillers are:
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Calcium hydroxylapatite - A mineral-like compound found in bones.
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Hyaluronic acid - A fluid found in the tissues of the body that adds plumpness and glow to the skin.
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Polyalkylimide - It is a transparent gel that is compatible with the body.
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Polylactic acid - It stimulates the skin to produce more collagen.
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Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) - It is a semi-permanent filler
They are designed to treat cosmetic problems and help with different signs of aging. The time and long-lasting nature of each substance varies because some fillers can last for 6 months, while others can last up to more than 2 years.
So, the people who are planning to undergo this treatment should tell the doctor their individual needs and expectations to obtain the best choice for them.
What Are the Indications of Dermal Fillers?
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Depressed scars, post-surgical or traumatic scars, or scars resulting from acne.
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Wrinkles and creases are caused by facial expression and aging.
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Dermal atrophy or thinning of the skin is caused by the injection of steroids or diseases like morphea (painless discolored skin patch - rare disease).
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Angular cheilitis.
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Enhancement of facial contour and lip augmentation.
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Dermal filler has to be avoided in individuals with autoimmune diseases, with a history of allergy to any of the components of fillers, with a history of severe anaphylactic episodes in the past, active local skin diseases like acne and keloid tendency.
What Is the Procedure to Use Dermal Fillers?
First of all, the doctor will anesthetize the affected area, which will be achieved by EMLA cream (topical anesthesia) around 1 or 2 hours prior to the procedure. Then, injection available as a prefilled syringe will be injected in the deeper layer of the skin (superficial dermis) by different techniques like single puncture and pull out the needle slowly inside the skin, which is known as linear threading technique or inject by serial puncture or fan techniques. If required, the doctor will uniformly spread the implant material by gentle manipulation.
Adverse reactions that may occur following dermal filler injection are bruising, secondary bacterial infection, cyst or abscess formation, reactivation of herpes infection, and local tissue necrosis.
What Are the Advantages of Dermal Fillers?
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It is an easy procedure, which shows immediate results.
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No recovery time is required with minimal risk. Also, no post-procedure care is required.
Dermal fillers are widely used worldwide because of their amazing benefits. They are,
1. Immediate Visible Results:
A filler injection helps with the improvement of the facial contours immediately after the injection. People do not want to wait for the benefits of the treatment as other invasive procedures. When the dermal filler is injected into the area which needs transformation, it immediately gains volume and smooths out the wrinkles in the skin. Also, the filler settles under the skin and adds the full effect in a matter of days. When you need a last-minute boost to the appearance, dermal fillers are the one and only choice.
2. No Recovery Time:
The number of injections you are taking determines the treatment of dermal fillers, where the results could be as quick as 10 minutes. It is like getting a procedure done within the lunch break and getting back to the regular routine because it is a noninvasive procedure that does not require much of your time. It is a non-surgical procedure that does not cause post-operative scarring to deal with. But there might be slight swelling after the injection, but it subsides in a couple of days as the gel starts to settle under the skin.
3. Minimal Involvement of Risk:
Dermal fillers carry minimal risks such as swelling, mild bruising, and redness at the site of injection. These side effects gradually subside over a few days. Also, facial asymmetry can occur where one side of the face appears to be slightly different from the other. But this risk depends on the experienced doctor and skill level of the person performing the procedure.
This procedure is not associated with severe complications, and the outcomes are highly satisfied when the procedure is carried by a board-certified aesthetic practitioner who can understand the risks and complications that may occur.
4. The Long-Lasting Results:
The long-lasting effects of this procedure depend on the,
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Types of dermal filler used.
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The area of treatment.
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The complaint of the patient.
Natural fillers last for 6 to 18 months, and some synthetic fillers last up to several years.
When you are going to experience this procedure for the first time, get a shorter duration option so that you can see the difference, can come to know whether you liked the new look, and can make a decision whether to stick with it or can think about getting injections in different areas during the next visit.
The longer duration option helps when you have settled on the look you prefer.
5. Boosts Confidence:
Dermal fillers improve the way of your appearance in a fine manner. It makes the facial contours sharper and also makes the skin smoother.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dermal Fillers?
It is expensive and needs repetition about once a year. The adverse reactions, though uncommon, may occur. After the procedure, induration of the treatment site may present for 3 to 14 days. Although dermal fillers are considered safe, they can cause some side effects. The most common problems associated are:
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Skin rash.
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Itching.
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Pimple-like eruptions.
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Redness.
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Bruising.
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Bleeding.
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Swelling.
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Undesirable appearance.
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Asymmetry of the face.
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The appearance of lumps.
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Overcorrection of wrinkles.
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Damage to the skin causes infection, wound, or scarring.
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Feeling the filler substance underneath the skin.
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Blindness or vision problems.
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Death of skin cells.