Dermal fillers are most often used to treat the face and they can have a big impact on a patient’s looks. With big changes, most patients expect big risks, but dermal fillers are safe for patients and the risks are minimal to non-existent when administered by a competent and experienced facial plastic surgeon.
The Way They Work and How They Are Administered
Dermal fillers are performed as a nonsurgical injection directly into the desired treatment area. They are often used to rejuvenate the face by diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Fillers will plump the skin to create a more youthful look, appearing to fill and smooth the treatment areas.
Because of how they work, dermal fillers can also restore volume to certain areas of the face, including the cheeks, chin, lips, and beneath the eyes. These treatments can improve your facial contour and help you to look younger.
There are many types of dermal fillers that work in different ways, but all of them are comprised of biocompatible materials that occur naturally in the body and can be broken down safely.
The Types of Fillers Available
All patients have unique needs and so there are several types of dermal filler options to address them all. Most dermal fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid, also referred to as HA, which is a naturally occurring sugar compound found in human skin.
They work to bind water molecules together, hydrating the skin and providing a cushion for it. The many varieties of HA fillers can be used to treat everything from thinning lips to forehead wrinkles.
Eventually, they will be absorbed by the body and the effects will diminish. Most patients will enjoy their results for around six months in areas with high mobility, such as the lips. Other areas, like the nasolabial folds, can remain plump and smooth for up to one year.
Further treatments can be planned to maintain your results. Plan ahead with your facial plastic surgeon to determine your best choice of dermal filler and how often you will need subsequent treatments to stay looking youthful and refreshed for years to come.
Possible Side Effects
It’s impossible to find a procedure, whether surgical or nonsurgical, that does not pose a single risk to patients. While dermal fillers are much less risky than surgical alternatives, there are rare occurrences where patients have reported some mild side effects. Nearly every patient will experience some redness, slight stinging, and mild swelling at the treatment site. These reactions are normal, but other, less common complications may include:
- An allergic reaction to the filler formula.
- Tiny bumps beneath the skin which will resolve themselves over time.
- Skin cell death in the surrounding tissue, which will occur when dermal fillers have been administered incorrectly.
- Unsatisfactory results, which can happen because of a miscommunication between patient and clinician or because of a lack of training or credentials.
Dermal fillers are affordable, effective, and safe enough for repeated treatments as determined by your facial plastic surgeon. The results of your treatment may last about six months on average, with some lasting as long as one year. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about a dermal filler treatment that makes sense for you.
The quality of your facial plastic surgeon can largely determine how safe and effective your dermal filler procedure will be. Choosing the right surgeon wisely can do much to ensure that you’ll receive the best treatment possible.
Contact Mirror Mirror and Book a Free Dermal Filler Consultation
Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique offers a variety of dermal fillers and treatment procedures. To find out which one is most appropriate for you and to learn more about what you can expect, book a consultation at our practice today. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact a patient coordinator at our office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 281-810-9083. You can also reach us by email.
Every treatment is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas. He has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. He has been named one of Houston’s Top Doctors and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He’s also been awarded Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor and a Top Doctor for Women.
The office of Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery and the Fine Art of Natural Cosmetic Surgery is conveniently located in the heart of Houston. If you are not a local, we can schedule an online consultation. We can also assist with travel and financing arrangements. We think you will see the reflection of something great at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique.