As your body ages, it’s only natural that you should see changes in your skin composition. This aging causes several physical changes, including differences visible on your skin in the form of dropped cheekbones, circles and shadows under your eyes, and facial wrinkles. However, thanks to advancements in cosmetic technology, you can now stave off or minimize these signs of aging with dermal fillers and fill up the supporting subcutaneous fats lost as your skin ages.
Our aesthetic services in Pineville, NC offer several types of dermal fillers and injectables with a similar method of administration. However, we understand that although receiving fillers is a small, non-surgical, and relatively painless procedure, it can be intimidating for people who have never done it before. For this reason, we created this guide to answer some FAQs about dermal fillers and provide information on what to expect before and after receiving treatment.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers and injectables are the soft, gel-like substances that your medical professional injects at different depths under your skin. This treatment is used to fill, plump up, and smooth out the skin to correct several signs of aging.
Many people confuse Botox injections with dermal fillers. Even though they both serve the purpose of smoothing wrinkles and fine lines on the skin, dermal fillers involve injectable implants under your skin, while Botox works by “freezing” the facial muscles to remove wrinkles and fine lines.
Dermal filler treatments are generally safe when performed by a cosmetic surgeon or board-certified dermatologist, and FDA-approved fillers are used. Some of the fillers approved by the FDA for use in the lips, hand, and face include:
- Hyaluronic acid (Esthélis, Captique, Hylaform, Elevess, Perlane, Juvederm, Puragen, Restylane, Prevelle)
- Polymethylmethacrylate (Bellafill)
- Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra)
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
Your doctors may also use your body fat as a filler. This would involve taking a small amount of fat from another part of your body, processing it, and injecting it into the area requiring attention.
The Biggest Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers and injectables help to correct several common signs of aging. They are used to fill out thinning lips, remove lines, static wrinkles, and folds, eliminate hollows and circles and plump up the under-eye area to address sagging skin. They are also used to perform non-surgical nose jobs and reduce the appearance of pitted acne scars and scars from injury or surgery.
The result of dermal filler treatments is plumper, smoother, younger-looking skin. Besides adding volume where needed, the treatment also improves moisture retention within your skin to fight aging signs and deliver naturally beautiful results.
Our dermal fillers and injectables deliver immediate results so that you can leave our office with your desired look. Moreover, the treatment is completely customizable and has zero downtime, so you can return to your daily activities immediately afterward.
Which Dermal Filler or Injectable Should I Try?
Our doctors, Dr. Avinash D. Shah and Dr. Maher S. Agha will examine your condition, explain treatment and recommend the best dermal filler and injectable for you. However, they may use various kinds of fillers to give you the most natural-looking outcome you deserve.
Fillers are of different categories and brands and vary in the active agent concentration and the type of usage – like plumping lips. Some work better for filling cheeks, while others are best for fixing wrinkles and fine lines.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Dermal Fillers
Although filler and injectable treatments are non-surgical procedures, they have their side effects, the most common involving inflammation, redness, bruises, and pain at the injection site. However, these should subside and be gone in a week or two. As long as you receive your filler shots from an experienced and licensed practitioner, side effects and risks are minimal.
If not properly administered, the filler may get into the blood vessel, and bumps and hard lumps (granulomas), asymmetry, and infections may occur, but they are rare. This is why seeing trained, licensed, and experienced doctors such as Dr. Avinash D. Shah and Dr. Maher S. Agha is important.
Allergic reactions may happen, so tell your doctor about any allergies you’re aware of, especially if you’re allergic to collagen. In case of an unknown allergy to the filler, your doctor may perform an allergy test before administering it.
Fillers can lead to serious health problems if you use materials that aren’t considered safe or approved by the FDA or misuse fillers and get the shot in certain body parts. Dermal fillers are not suitable for:
- Large-scale body contouring
- Filling spaces between the muscles
- Breast or butt enhancements
Using fillers for such purposes can lead to permanent scars or disfigurement, serious injuries, or death. You should also avoid dermal fillers if you’re pregnant or a nursing mother.
What Can I Expect During and After Treatment?
Your first step to restoring your skin appearance with dermal fillers and injectables is to consult our medical practitioners in Pineville, NC. During your initial appointment, your doctor will examine your skin and ask several questions to understand your treatment goals. Once you’ve discussed your treatment and expectations with your doctor, he will determine the right product for you and book you for treatment.
The treatment procedure is minimally invasive and can be completed within 15-20 minutes. Your doctor will place you under a general anesthetic, inject your chosen product into the desired area, and massage it to ensure even distribution.
What To Do Before Treatment
To reduce swelling and bruising at the injection site, our Pineville, NC doctors make the following recommendations on how to prepare for treatment:
One week before treatment
- Avoid supplements, including vitamin E, ginseng, garlic, primrose oil, Ginkgo Biloba, and St. John’s Wort.
- Avoid blood thinning medications like Aleve, ibuprofen, Motrin, and aspirin.
Two days before treatment
- Avoid anti-aging and topical products like Glycolic acid, Retinoids, Retinol, and Tretinoin (Retin-A).
- Avoid tweezing, bleaching, waxing, or treating the affected area with hair removal cream.
24 hours before treatment
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
The Recovery Process
Dermal fillers have little or no downtime after treatment since the procedure is non-invasive. You may experience slight bruising and minimal swelling at the injection site, but it should disappear within a week and can be covered with makeup. After treatment, you can immediately return to your normal routine. However, you should avoid alcohol, exercise, and sun exposure for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Please contact us immediately if you experience any of the following after treatment:
- Fever and/or chills
- Severe or increasing pain
- The treated area is hot to the touch or appears red
- Discolored blotches in untreated areas
- Blanching of injected areas
When Will I See the Results, and How Long Will They Last?
You may start seeing your filler treatment results immediately after treatment, but it usually takes a few weeks to be fully noticeable. However, your result’s longevity depends on the product’s active ingredient. For instance, Polymethylmethacrylate beads are permanent, Poly-L-lactic acid lasts two years, Calcium hydroxylapatite lasts 18 months, and Hyaluronic acid lasts 6-12 months.
Restore Your Skin Appearance With Dermal Fillers in Pineville, NC
If you’re looking to restore your aging skin to its youthful appearance without having to take the plunge and go under the knife, our Dermal Fillers in Pineville, NC are a viable option! We also offer other revolutionary aesthetic services to reverse aging, address your skin issues and make you more confident in your skin.
Let’s help you achieve your beauty and health goals. Book an appointment today or call 704-542-2191 to get started!
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