Dermal Filler San Diego is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that can smooth lines and wrinkles and add volume to the face. It’s usually done in your healthcare provider’s office, and results can last months or even years.
Dermal fillers can cause side effects such as bruising, itching or swelling. To minimize bruising, you should stop taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and clopidogrel for one week prior to treatment.
Dermal fillers are a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting fat, collagen or other materials under the skin to reduce lines and wrinkles. Injections can also add volume to areas of the face and enhance specific facial features, such as sculpting cheekbones or plumping lips. Dermal fillers work with your body’s natural production of collagen to restore a younger, more refreshed appearance.
The most common side effect from dermal fillers is bruising and swelling. This typically occurs in the immediate postprocedural period and is related to injection volume, technique and the area treated. This bruising and swelling is normal and should resolve within a week.
Depending on the type of filler used, other common side effects include redness and bumps at the injection site. This can be caused by inflammation and is related to the type of filler used, injection volume, treatment site and your individual metabolism.
A dermal filler’s effectiveness and safety depends on its composition, how it is manufactured and its intended use. Some of the most popular fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA) which is naturally produced in the skin. Hyaluronic acid absorbs water molecules, which plumps the skin to reduce lines and wrinkles and provide volume. It is also biocompatible, meaning it is not harmful to the body and will not cause an allergic reaction.
Some fillers are made from synthetic substances, such as polylactic acid which has been used for over 40 years in medical sutures and is completely biodegradable. Other fillers are made from human-derived material, such as calcium hydroxylapatite which produces a very natural result and doesn’t migrate.
Lastly, some fillers are permanent, such as the FDA-approved Bellafill which contains an ingredient called polihexanol, a substance that stimulates your body’s production of collagen to create long-lasting results. Another option is autologous fat grafting, whereby fat is removed from the patient’s body through liposuction and then injected into the desired area of the face. The patient’s own fat is a safer and more natural option, as the body reabsorbs the filler over time. The risk of adverse reactions from using fillers is incredibly low, but it is important to consult your practitioner before undergoing this treatment.
A dermal filler is an effective nonsurgical alternative to cosmetic surgery. The results can erase lines and wrinkles, add volume to the lips or cheeks, sculpt facial features, and more. In the hands of an experienced medical professional, these injectables can look very natural and subtle. A qualified aesthetician will carefully evaluate the areas of concern, understand your goals, and recommend the best filler for your unique needs.
While all dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, there are many differences between the different options. The chemistry of each type of filler and injection technique also affect the cosmetic outcome. An aesthetician is trained to understand and appreciate these nuances, so you can be confident that your results will enhance your beauty.
Another benefit of a dermal filler is that it stimulates your own body’s production of collagen. This prolongs the effect of your filler and creates more beautiful, long-term results. It also makes touch-ups easier and less frequent.
Most people experience very little or no downtime after receiving a dermal filler. Depending on the type of filler you choose, your skin may have some redness or bruising immediately after your treatment, but these symptoms usually fade within a day or two.
If you are not ready for permanent change, a dermal filler is a great way to experiment with a new look and get a feel for whether the results work for you. They are also a great option for those who want to make small adjustments over time or for first-time patients who are nervous about the permanence of a more dramatic change.
A good quality filler is soft, and it will “respond” to your skin’s movement when touched. It is also biodegradable, so it will break down naturally as your own tissue does. It is very important to choose a reputable aesthetician with years of experience, and to use only fillers that have been approved by the FDA. It is also critical to avoid overdoing your transformation with filler. Using too much product can make you look unnatural or “fake.” An expert will be able to achieve the desired result with minimal filler, so that your appearance looks natural and beautiful.
As with all beauty treatments, dermal fillers have some risks. These are usually mild and short-lived, such as bruising or swelling at the injection site.
The most serious risk associated with a dermal filler is accidental injection into a blood vessel. If this happens it can cause skin necrosis (death of the tissue) or permanent blindness. The chances of this occurring are reduced by choosing a medical professional with experience in the procedure and a good understanding of facial anatomy. They will inject the product very carefully and massage the area to ensure that the filler is evenly distributed and does not get injected into any blood vessels.
Another potential risk of a filler is an allergic reaction. The substance used in most dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body. This makes it unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in most people, but if you have had severe reactions to topical hyaluronic acid skin products in the past or are known to have a severe allergy to eggs, you should avoid getting this type of filler.
Injection of a dermal filler involves using a needle or syringe, which can cause infections. This is why it is important to work with a trained and experienced practitioner who works in a clinical environment, uses sterile products and follows strict hygiene procedures.
Anesthetic cream or ice packs may be applied before the procedure to reduce pain and discomfort. Then the practitioner will begin making injections into the desired areas, each one taking less than a minute to administer. They will then massage the area to ensure that the filler gets evenly distributed and does not form any lumps.
Once the treatment is complete, you should be able to return to your normal activities immediately. You may notice some slight bruising or swelling at the injection sites, but this will fade within a day or two.
A good cosmetic professional will always aim to achieve natural-looking results. Their job is to use the minimum amount of filler required to achieve a beautiful transformation that looks natural and not overdone. They will also be able to advise you on how much or how little change you want to make, helping you avoid any overfilling problems.
Injecting fillers into the skin can add volume, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and correct contour flaws. They can also make the face more symmetrical, smooth out the appearance of scars or nasolabial folds (the folds that run from your nose to your mouth), and restore lost volume in areas like cheekbones or the chin.
If you are interested in getting dermal fillers, be sure to work with an experienced licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is trained in the technique. This will minimize your risk of serious complications, which can include unintentional injection into a blood vessel and blocking the flow of blood. This can lead to severe wounding, stroke or vision changes (if the injection is near your eyes).
To help you determine the type of filler that will best suit your needs, a practitioner will examine your skin and take photos to measure the proportions of your facial features. He or she will then suggest possible options and demonstrate how the results could look on you. During this consultation, it is also important to discuss the cost of your desired treatment to ensure that it fits into your budget.
Swelling and bruising are common post-procedure symptoms, but they usually subside within a few hours. Depending on the type of filler, you may require several sessions of smaller injections to achieve your desired results. Some fillers, such as polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres, are designed to last up to two years.
For some injectables, it can take weeks to see the full effect, as they work by stimulating your body’s own collagen production. This process can be repeated at monthly intervals until you reach your desired outcome.
Another option is hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in your skin that is responsible for its elasticity and moisture content. It is often combined with other dermal fillers to produce a more effective result. For example, it is used in combination with Botox to treat creases and wrinkles around the forehead and chin. Hyaluronic acid is also a great choice for people with sensitive skin.