The Truth About Dermal Fillers
Want to enhance the natural beauty you already have? As we age, collagen depletes and dermal fillers can help restore a smoother, rejuvenated appearance. If you’re considering enhancing your appearance without cosmetic surgery, these truths about dermal fillers will help you understand the process and make a decision that’s right for you.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected under the skin by a dermatologis. You might already know about lip fillers, but dermal fillers have an array of applications for the whole face and body and help the skin look more voluminous, radiant, and youthful. Dermal fillers are often confused with other injectable treatments like neuromodulators. Neuromodulators temporarily freeze the underlying muscle so that static lines can’t be formed. Dermal fillers are like injectable implants that smooth the skin by filling wrinkles and increasing fullness.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the biggest buzzwords in skincare. Dermal fillers often use HA to restore and retain moisture underneath the skin’s surface. Creams and serums with this ingredient help moisturize the skin’s surface, but surface-level hydration can’t penetrate the skin like dermal fillers. The word “acid” may sound daunting, but HA is perfectly safe for the skin. In fact, HA is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin, and it plays a significant role in keeping the skin hydrated and plump. HA is also a “humectant,” meaning it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, keeping skin deeply hydrated.
What are fillers used for?
Dermal fillers, restore volume and create beautiful facial contours. Dermal fillers can be used all over the face and body, including the nasolabial folds (the lines extending from the sides of the nose to the edges of the mouth), chin, lips, cheeks, eyes, brows, and back of the hands.
Dermal fillers can address common concerns like
- Thin lips
- Fine lines & Wrinkles
- Deep under-eye circles
- Flattened or sagging cheeks
- Marionette lines
- Deep nasolabial folds
- “Lipstick” or vertical lip lines
- Chin wrinkles or poor chin projection
- Acne scarring
- Old or “skeletal-looking” hands
- Asymmetry of facial features
Dermal fillers can be used as a preventative measure and a treatment.
Why does my skin lose volume as I age?
Your skin loses elasticity and volume as you age as collagen and elastin production is depleted. Your face has four major structural components: skin, fat, muscle, and bone. Loss of fat, coupled with gravity and muscle pull, also leads to wrinkling and the formation of dynamic lines. Age-related bone loss in the face can also lead to retraction of the jawline, descent of the nose, and loss of cheekbone elevation.
How do fillers work?
As we age, the natural levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases and we lose moisture in our skin. This leads to sagging, rough skin, fine lines, and creases. HA fillers are a popular solution because they inject moisture back into the skin, instantly filling lines and increasing skin volume. HA fillers are injected into the skin using a small needle or cannula. Depending on the brand, specific chemical makeup, where they are injected and the patient’s metabolism, HA fillers can last six to 12 months or more before being gradually absorbed by the body. Results look natural, and most people experience a more well-rested, hydrated, and youthful appearance.
Do dermal filler injections hurt?
Most HA fillers are premixed with lidocaine, a numbing agent used to maximize patient comfort during treatment. The procedure can take around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on where the filler is injected. The results are instant and typically require very little recovery time. For optimal safety and comfort, it is important that patients choose an experienced and qualified injector who is up to date with the latest techniques. An injector without the proper skills and training can lead to unnecessary complications and mediocre results. Our injectors have a wealth of experience and knowledge and are passionate about natural, beautiful results.
Are dermal fillers permanent?
HA fillers can last between 6-12 months or longer. Since HA fillers aren’t permanent, patients will need to get touch-ups once or twice a year to maintain their desired results. Although temporary, HA fillers can boost collagen production, which helps keep skin looking youthful and healthy even after the filler has been metabolized.
Book an appointment at our Toronto clinic
With the right research, preparation, and communication between you and your physician, you can achieve safe, natural, and beautiful results with HA dermal fillers. Book an appointment with one of our expert dermatologists today.
