Dermal Fillers
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are non-surgical aesthetic procedures used to restore lost facial volume, smooth deep wrinkles and folds, reshape facial contours, and enhance specific areas such as the lips, cheekbones, and chin.
The primary goal is to restore lost facial volume and recreate the natural proportions of a youthful face, providing a fresh, balanced, and rejuvenated appearance.
Types of Fillers
Fillers differ based on their longevity and composition. The most commonly used and safest fillers today are temporary fillers.
1. Temporary Fillers (Most Common)
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: A naturally occurring substance in the skin capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water. It hydrates, adds volume, and stimulates collagen production. Effects last 6 to 18 months.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): A mineral-based filler used for deeper wrinkles and facial contouring. It promotes collagen production and lasts approximately 12–18 months.
2. Semi-Permanent and Permanent Fillers
Semi-permanent fillers like Poly-L-lactic Acid stimulate collagen production, while permanent fillers such as PMMA offer long-term results. However, due to the risk of irreversible complications, permanent fillers are less preferred. Most specialists choose Hyaluronic Acid fillers because they can be dissolved if necessary.
Main Treatment Areas
- Lip Fillers: Enhancing lip volume, defining borders, correcting asymmetry, and reducing fine lines around the lips.
- Nasolabial Folds: Softening deep lines extending from the nose to the mouth.
- Marionette Lines: Improving lines running downward from the mouth corners.
- Tear Trough (Under-Eye) Fillers: Reducing hollowness and dark shadows to create a more refreshed look.
- Cheekbone and Midface Fillers: Restoring midface volume and providing a lifting effect.
- Chin and Jawline Contouring: Defining the chin shape and sharpening the jawline.
- Other Uses: Non-surgical rhinoplasty, acne scar filling, and hand rejuvenation.
Procedure and Duration
Filler treatment is a quick, minimally invasive procedure usually completed within minutes.
How Is It Performed?
The area is cleaned with antiseptic solutions, and topical anesthetic creams may be applied for comfort. The filler is injected using fine needles or blunt-tip cannulas into the appropriate skin layers. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and results are usually immediate.
Duration of Effect
The longevity of the filler depends on the product type, injection area, dose, and the individual's metabolism. For HA fillers, results last approximately 8 to 18 months. Even after the filler dissolves, the collagen stimulation often leaves the treated area in better condition than before.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Fillers can be suitable for adults over 18 who want to improve wrinkles, restore volume, or enhance facial contours. However, fillers are not recommended in certain cases.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active skin infection (acne flare, herpes, etc.)
- Known allergy to filler substances
- Active autoimmune diseases
- Bleeding or clotting disorders
Possible Side Effects
Dermal fillers are generally safe when performed by a qualified professional. However, temporary and rare complications may occur.
Common Temporary Effects
- Redness, swelling, mild pain, or tenderness
- Bruising lasting 7–10 days
- Temporary firmness at the injection site
Rare but Serious Risks
Accidental injection into a blood vessel can cause vascular occlusion, a serious but rare complication. Fortunately, Hyaluronic Acid fillers can be dissolved immediately with hyaluronidase, offering a strong safety advantage.
Before and After Care Tips
- Before: Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, Ginkgo Biloba) 7–10 days prior with medical approval.
- After: Avoid touching the treated area, applying makeup, or engaging in intense exercise for the rest of the day. Avoid heat (sauna, steam rooms) for a few days.
Successful filler treatment depends on the correct product choice, strong anatomical knowledge, and proper injection technique. Therefore, fillers must always be administered by trained specialist physicians in a sterile clinical environment.
